The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Halloween Tree
Book Review: Eternity's breath...
Summary: 5 Stars
An often ignored work of genius from the Master. Bradbury's Neo-Pagan/Quantum Reality view of the universe is presented here in a truly spellbinding allegory. However one interprets the metaphorical journeys and the symbols of eternal recurrence, you cannot fail to be impressed by the man's vision and passion for Life and Truth.
While briefly flying through the equivalents of Halloween in different cultures, Bradbury also subtly honours the millions who were slaughtered under the tyranny of the Old Church during the Inquisition. As he clearly shows, our only real enemy is bigotry and superstition.
This wonderful book can be a learning experience for adults and children alike and is certainly one of RB's most original and exciting pieces. A modern classic.
Book Review: Glowingly ghostly
Summary: 5 Stars
In one of his finest works, Ray Bradbury explores the origins of Halloween, the imaginative spirit of youth and the strength of friendship in his quick, breathlessly paced Halloween Tree. The story is simple: on Halloween night, eight trick or treaters set out with a dashingly grim Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud (who may or may not be the grim reaper himself) on a journey across time to learn the secrets of Halloween night, and more importantly to save the soul of their dear friend Pipkin, whom they saw snatched up in front of their eyes by a dark shadow of death and blustered away to who knows where. The boys learn about the strange origins of their favorite holiday, and at the great climax discover a courage and selfless love within themselves they never knew they possessed.This book is at once a chilling supernatural tale, an interesting lesson in Halloween's beginnings, and a glorious exercise in elegant, soaring prose that is nearly poetry in its dark beauty. Moundshroud is a fascinating tour guide, and the boys are all eager listeners. With the exception of the skeleton boy Tom, none of the children are truly fleshed out characters, but that's perfectly fine for this story. Bradbury seems to want his readers to be Moundshroud's sole audience. Moundshroud leads us across a supernatural dreamscape paved with Bradbury's lush, descriptive words, and we should feel his glowing green eyes upon US. Bradbury knows this, and he delivers us a beautiful story, meant especially and solely for us, the readers. For anyone who loves Halloween, or appreciates a touch of magic in everyday life, this is a perfect book for both adults and children.
When asked whether their night was a trick or a treat, the boys answer 'both!' They are entirely right.
Book Review: Great book for young people
Summary: 5 Stars
THE HALLOWEEN TREE is a book that is geared for younger readers (in the 10 year old range would be about right, I'd say), but is generally satisfying to anyone who picks it up. For an adult, it can be easily read in an afternoon. The characterization is not deep, but Bradbury has a way with language in the book; he is evocative and nostolgic in the way that only he can be. He effortlessly conjures up images of male youth, complete with faux bravado and the sense of mystery that surrounds events like Halloween. He gives a respectful, multicultural view of Halloween, and it's roots in many cultures. Toward the end of the story, he gives our boys a choice: will they sacrifice part of themselves for the good of another? It gives the story some moral grounding and resolves the plot nicely. But the real draw is the poetic use of words--it's a great way to get kids interested in reading, and not a bad diversion for those of us who are a bit older as well.Book Review: Greatest horror/fantasty writer of all time!
Summary: 5 Stars
I own this DVD and watch it at least 3-4 times a year. I will have to watch it again soon, because I was sure there were three boys and a girl that were going out trick-or-treating.
I loved the book and now love the movie, and Leonard Nimoy makes the movie even more special. There is more here than meets the eye as friends look into themselves to see their relations with the mystical Pip. We see what makes a leader great with empathy and forgiveness and a special warmth that encourages others to be empathetic and giving too.
Book Review: Haunting
Summary: 4 Stars
On a race through history, 8 boys must learn the secrets and origins of Halloween night in order that they might save the life of their friend, who has been stricken ill on Halloween. Ray Bradbury weaves an imaginative story that creates a rather simplified but no less interesting history of Halloween night. With his usual imagery, Bradbury really creates a story with eerie and sometimes scary nature that is Halloween night.