Weaveworld by Clive Barker Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Weaveworld
Book Review: Possibly The Best Fusion Of The Fantasy Novel And The Horror Novel
Summary: 5 Stars
"Weaveworld" is a book unlike any other, in either its lineage of the horror and fantasy fields, or anywhere else in literature. It's about an entire world woven into the fabric of a magic carpet, that is found by two unconnected people, Cal and Suzanna, and the series of events the discovery takes them on. It's about the race that made the Weaveworld, and their flight from the Scourge that seeks to destroy their kind. It has the kind of romance I think almost all of us dream of at some point, of coming together with someone in the midst of the discovery of things both wonderful and great, and other discoveries dark and terrifying; a romance set against the backdrop of great adventure and danger and exotic discovery. Cal and Suzanna, through their discovery of the carpet, not only eventually come into contact with the Scourge but with a number of other dangerous beings looking for the Weaveworld, including two especially memorable figures named the Immacolata and Shadwell.
A number of the book's protagonists (and there are a number of protagonists, not just Cal and Suzanna) are not lily-white perfect but quite flawed, more so than the leads of say, "Sacrament" or the younger-themed "Thief Of Always"; Barker is one of the greatest authors in the world in being able to make flawed central figures very interesting and likable, not irritating. He also excels - in his general body of work - in taking them through journeys from which they can emerge either better or worse. Likewise, "Weaveworld" presents some villains who are truly Heinous, but who in some cases we come to empathise with as we learn more about them - not neccesarily to like them in all cases, but to understand. There's something potent in here about adding some redeeming virtues to most of the villains, and adding some flaw to most (but not all) of the good guys, that conjures the familiar theme of the war between good and evil in every individual, and it feels very hopeful. Barker's phenomenal use of the English language throughout is the work of a master wordsmith, and makes this a must-read for even those who don't normally go for fantasy or horror.
One warning: at some point in the book a revelation (which I won't hint it) may come up that might make some readers want to turn away from the book and leave it unfinished. I'd strongly advise carrying on until the end - I'm not saying everything works out perfectly and I'm not saying things come out tragic but so magnificently done that it's still great, I'm just saying if those who are...not happy, I'll say....with one of the turns in this imaginative labyrinth of a book, stick with it til the end, I think you'll be glad you did.
One of Barker's greatest achievements. Probably too graphic for the younger readers of Barker's "Y.A" works like "Abarat" and "Thief Of Always" (great reads for older readers too, by the way) but essential for fans of any of Barker's other works from "Sacrament" to "Lord Of Illusions" to "Hellraiser" and so on, and older readers of "Abarat" and the like. Child fans of the "Y.A." stuff maybe should wait a few years before tackling this? In any event, it's a classic, a high credit to both Fantasy and Horror, and to the world of novels as a whole.
Book Review: Remarkable
Summary: 3 Stars
The writer has demonstrated the ability to something that is truly unique in literature, He takes the classic story of good fighting against evil and is able to give a unique and riveting insight. He creates an entirely new world which has been woven into a rug, The inhaiants of this wrld once shared their world with the human race. As the humans grew in size, the Seerkind were forced to flee from one place to anoher. In their new homes, they were able to weav their magic spells or raptures and, when danger was upon them, they returned to the Weave. There are numerous characters in this book and it is not always to keep track of them as they appeae to drop in and out of the narrative. Although this book is mot in one of my favorite genres, U am able to appreciate the ork done by the writer.Book Review: Rock-N-Genius!
Summary: 5 Stars
Barker's version/vision of "The garden of Eden" totally rocked! He's a genius. This was my first Clive Barker book and I've been a devoted fan of all his work ever since. Weaveworld is a nonstop thrill ride from beginning to end; with staggering twists, sharp turns, and sudden dips. Poor Cal and Suzanna, if it wasn't one thing it was another. It seemed like those two didn't get one iota of peace throughout the yarn, but in the end, all their struggles were well worth it. Like Imajica, Barker really knows how to bring his worlds to life: they are so colorful (in every implication of the word) and vivid that they just pull you right in to its many folds. Weaveworld is such an incredible story, that I don't think my words give it the justice it deserves.Book Review: Tea: A truly wonderful cup
Summary: 4 Stars
Overall, this is one of my all time favorites, and my favorite from Clive. Its a great book to keep re-reading.
This story is a little different from his other books, almost a depart from his normal style, similar to King and Straub's "The Taliasman", with all the magic weaved into the story, with of course Clive's dark outlook intertwined into the story.
This story follows an average guy, who, by circumstance or bad luck, stumbles across another world, hidden in a carpet. Then he finds himself trying to save a diminishing world from destruction and protect it. Because, oh by the way, some really nasty people are now after him, because he's stupidly put himself between them and their goal, to destroy the weave once and for all.
The core of the story, a quote from the book, "What can be imagined, need never be lost."
Great book...great story...variety of intriguing and opposing characters...great world building...lots of action and twists and turns.
Book Review: That which is imagined need never be lost
Summary: 5 Stars
There's many more of those great lines in this long novel. I expected to read something which is similar to the writing of Stephen King, this being the first Clive Barker Novel I read. But Clive Barker has a deep and stylized writing all his own. And this story a wonderland 'woven' into a carpet( hence the title Weaveworld) is truly a great read. It starts out with Calhoun Mooney, a Liverpool clerk chases his prized pigeon and ends up falling from a wall and seeing an odd land on the carpet. What follows is a tale with various emotions which enthralls you'til the final page. Basically it's fantasy but mix with a touch of horror.