What readers say
I haven’t read a classic I’ve enjoyed this much since high school english class. (Fahrenheit 451, Frankenstein, Scarlet Letter, Crime & Punishment) I couldn’t put this down. Published in the 60s yet manages to read like contemporary literature. I love the metaphors of the carousel and the mirror maze (Narcissism) and the overall darkness of the carnival. How the carnival and the ride gives the people what they want (in the case of the elderly, their youth or the case of Jim/ the kids, being a grown up) Mr. Dark makes a deal with them- but only after they’ve given everything up they realize it’s too good to be true. And since they have nowhere left to go, they become trapped forever as a part of a the circus. I also love how Mr.Halloway’s youthfulness and inner boyhood saves himself. He is tempted to become his younger self but realizes he would be alone- who would remember him? He would have no wife, no kids, his friends wouldn’t be the same. Also I absolutely loved how connected Will and his father were. How all Will had to do was think something and his dad was right there, understanding and doing. I can relate to that with my mom. I read a few dissections included at the end of the book, but so curious to read other reviews and interpretations of the novel. Major themes: struggle between good and evil and temptation. Knowing something is wrong and fighting to do the right thing, no matter how tempting it sounds in theory. This was a perfect autumn read and honestly makes me want to read more by Bradbury and more classics overall.