From the Dust Returned (Paperback)

Much has been made of the mis-advertising of From the Dust Returned as an entirely new novel - it is in fact a "fix-up" - a collection of previously published short stories with new linking material. With said reprints, alongside a page count expanded by numerous pictures, there is probably only around 100 pages of 'new' material here. While this may have dismayed those who bought the more expensively priced hardback, the linking of old material and new is seamlessly done, and for those unfamiliar with the re-used material this reads like a full novel rather than a collection of vaguely linked ideas.

While not amongst Bradbury's best, and hampered somewhat by some very overlong and overwritten sentences (especially in the material from the 40's), this is still an enjoyable addition to any fantastic fiction fans library.

Centering the action around the House, a huge dwelling created from "tumults of weather and excursions of Time" in Green Town, Illinois, Bradbury creates a fanciful population from the spirit world, and one young, human boy, who loves them and whose job it is to record this Family's history. With Cecy, a goddess of wisdom who is "all the senses of all the creatures in the world," acting as his mentor, Tim, the young boy, shares the spirit world and their history, and searches for insights into the future. Both innocent and enthusiastic, Tim's life with the spirits is full of wonder and hope--sometimes funny, sometimes frightening, sometimes touching, and always enlightening.

Bradbury's urgent tone, his chant-like repetitions of sentence patterns and phrases, his lively descriptions, and his compelling narrative make this a fast read, and the ironic "humanity" of his spirits engages the reader emotionally. Without being didactic, Bradbury manages to convey a strong message. I began the book as a reader/critic. I ended as a disciple. Mary Whipple

From the above description, one might assume this book to be a work of horror. Strangely enough, that couldn't be further from the truth. This surrealistic story tells of a family that isn't and can't be, and that's rather too bad. This wonderful story draws you into the human condition of a very unhuman family, holding up a dark and distorted mirror to all humanity. It is quite fascinating, and, in its own way, heartwarming.

This novel is the product of some 40 years of Ray Bradbury's life. It influenced the work of Charles Addams (author of the Addams Family cartoons), and shows many affinities with those stories. So, if you are a fan of the Addams Family, of Ray Bradbury, of undead stories, or just plain a fan of good literature, then I highly recommend this wonderful book to you!