Mister B. Gone by Clive Barker
Adult New Book Display - Main Level - Barker
Clive Barkers first “adult” novel in six years begins with a very simple plea, “Burn this book.” It seems Jakabok Botch the minor demon now inhabiting the pages of Mister B. Gone would like nothing better than for you the reader to stop what you are doing grab a match and incur the wrath of a hefty library fine. However, if you are like me the temptation to read ahead instead of immolating the pages will no doubt be too much. Thus, Botch is resigned from the first page to threaten, taunt, seduce, and reason with the reader as well as tell his life story. Spanning from the depths of hell to the workshop of Johan Gutenberg, Botch revels in his family life, his love life (demons apparently love in their own ghastly way), and ultimately how he found himself trapped in the pages before you.
While many of Clive Barkers horrific trademarks remain, the book has enough humor in it to set it apart from his previous efforts. Fans may be a bit disappointed that this book isn’t the sprawling epic they might be waiting for. Especially if you’re like me and you are eagerly awaiting the final installment of his classics “The Great and Secret Show,” and “Everville.” However, if you view his latest book as a light appetizer instead of a hearty main course Mister B. Gone delivers enough to sate your appetite.