3.25 stars

I listened to a dramatic production (Radio Theatre); it wasn't the book read aloud. In this story, a very odd, creepy carnival comes to town.

I liked the music and sound effects that accompanied the dialogue. It filled in for the lack of narrative. I am curious to read the actual book/story, as well. ( )

This is a book a read as a child and I revisited it through this dramatization by the Colonial Radio Players. All I could remember was a mysterious carnival and a dust witch (which is different from a sand witch). The material lends itself well to dramatization with the exception of characters constantly having to describe what they're seeing. The story captures that frightening feeling in a child's life when they know something is wrong and for the first time realize that the grownups can't fix it. I also really came to appreciate the father and son relationship of Charles and Will Holloway, and how Charles tries to do his best despite not knowing the answers. The story works well at maintaining a sense of dread and horror which is then released with laughter and joy. ( )

I finished this over the weekend, but had to think about my review for a while. Bradbury has some of the greatest imagery around & really captured the view from young boys' eyes. The magic & horror were very well done. I liked the overall message & point, too. Unfortunately, it just took too long to get around to it all.

It didn't help that the reader had a low, deep voice. At times I'd miss words. Possibly that's just my old hearing causing issues, but I don't think that was the only problem. I liked the voice otherwise.

Anyway, it wasn't a bad story, just too long for what it contained, possibly just in this format, although I seem to recall trying to read it years ago & getting bored, too. ( )

I am so glad I listened to this as an audio book. Left to my own devices, I do not think I would have liked this story at all. The poetic nature of the writing really lent itself to a narrator whose voice had the inflection and intonation that was intended for the sing-song cadence of the words. Having someone with a very melodic voice read it to me was wonderful. Good versus evil; dark and light; youth, love, fear, family, friendship, trust, desire--it's all here in this tale.

Unfortunately, I think Bradbury got so wrapped up in playing with the language that the story had great chunks of The Bore. But, there were also many sections where the visuals he created just captured my attention.

If you love poetry, I think you'll enjoy this intermingling of traditional fiction and poetic elements. If you love Bradbury, you'll probably be intrigued by this carnival of words. If the poetry part is putting you off, pick up the audio because in the hands of a professional reader, the words are fascinating. ( )