Who Would Like This Book:
If you're a fan of meta-fiction, dark humor, and horror with a splash of fantasy, "Mister B. Gone" offers a truly original reading experience. The book literally speaks to you, making you part of the story as the demon Jakabok Botch pleads, threatens, and tries everything to get you to burn the book. Barker's knack for the grotesque and the clever breaking of the fourth wall make this a quirky, creepy, and sometimes funny journey through Hell, the Middle Ages, and the nature of storytelling itself. Perfect for horror lovers, Barker collectors, and anyone intrigued by books about books.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you get impatient with repetitive gimmicks, beware - many readers found the demon's constant pleas to burn the book and the one-sided dialogue wearisome. The story can feel thin and the narrative device, which is novel at first, quickly outstays its welcome for some. There are also more than a few editorial mistakes and some felt it lacked the true chills or character depth found in Barker’s best works. Squeamish readers should also note the graphic descriptions of violence.
About:
'Mister B. Gone' by Clive Barker is a unique and innovative tale narrated by a demon named Jakabok Botch who is trapped within the pages of the book itself. The demon interacts directly with the reader, urging them to burn the book and revealing his dark and gruesome past. The story explores themes of good versus evil, fantasy elements, and the power of words to influence the reader's actions. Barker's writing style blurs the lines between horror and fantasy, creating a narrative that is both macabre and compelling, with a touch of humor and wit.
The plot of 'Mister B. Gone' follows the demon's journey through The Middle Ages, where he encounters Johannes Gutenberg and ends up being imprisoned within the book. The book design itself is noteworthy, with efforts put into creating an antique feel that enhances the reading experience. Despite mixed reviews on the overall excitement and originality of the story, readers appreciate Barker's ability to engage them with his writing, even if the narrative may feel juvenile or lacking in certain aspects.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The novel contains graphic descriptions of violence, torture, and themes of abusive familial relationships, making it potentially distressing for sensitive readers.
From The Publisher:
You have been warned.
Ratings (9)
Incredible (2) | |
Loved It (2) | |
Liked It (1) | |
It Was OK (1) | |
Did Not Like (2) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (17):
Read It (10) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (5) | |
Not Interested (1) |
1 comment(s)
“Mister B. Gone” is an interesting novel written from the perspective of a demon Jakabok Botch who has been imprisoned in the pages of the novel.
The novel doesn’t have chapters but is instead presented with Jakabok (aka Mister B.) having a ongoing conversation with the reader in which he is requesting that the reader burn the book as to put him out of his misery. As the reader continues to read the novel, Jakabok shares his life and the events that lead to him being imprisoned inside the novel.
Jakabok tells of a childhood in the ninth circle of Hell spent being bullied by his parents and his peers. After a life changing incident, Jakabok is forced to run away from hell and arriving above ground on Earth. During his time on Earth, Jakabok is treated badly before finding a kindred spirit in a solider named Quitoon. After a century of companionship with Quitoon, Jakabok and him having a major falling out which culminates in a battle involving angels, demons, and Johannes Gutenberg.
This novel is interesting is the author presents Jakabok as a predator stalking the reader through the novel pages. Although Jakabok first gently appeals to the reader’s compassion to burn the book, as the novel progresses, Jakabok’s murderous nature is exposed to the point of threatening to kill the reader if they finish the book. Through this fictional memoir of a demon, I finished the novel mildly amused by the book’s premise and thankful that book characters are unable to affect those in the real world.
What can you read after
Mister B. Gone?
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