'A Night in the Lonesome October' by Roger Zelazny is a whimsical and dark fantasy mystery that takes place during the month of October. The story follows a dog named Snuff, the familiar of a man named Jack, as they navigate a world filled with classic literary and movie monsters preparing for a ritual on Halloween night. Each chapter covers a day in October, leading up to the final confrontation where the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Zelazny weaves together famous characters like Jack the Ripper, Sherlock Holmes, and Lovecraft's Elder Gods in a humorous and immersive narrative style.
The book is known for its unique storytelling perspective, being narrated by a dog named Snuff, and for its clever incorporation of various horror and detective story elements. The plot unfolds gradually, with hints and clues scattered throughout the narrative, creating an engaging and suspenseful reading experience that culminates in a dark and eerie climax on Halloween night.
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From The Publisher:
Boldly original and wildly entertaining, A Night in the Lonesome October is a darkly sparkling gem, an amalgam of horror, humor, mystery, and fantasy. An epistolary novel from Jack the Ripper's dog Snuff with one diary entry for each night of the month of October, this story features major Gothic characters from the 19th-century-including Dracula, Sherlock Holmes, Victor Frankenstein, and the Wolf Man-along with their beloved animals, trying to piece together a frightful and ingenious puzzle that will decide the fate of the world. First published in 1993, and Zelazny's last book prior to his untimely death, many consider it the best of the fantasy master's novels; it inspired Neil Gaiman's brilliant story "Only the End of the World Again," as well as fans to read a chapter a day, every October.
Ratings (19)
Incredible (3) | |
Loved It (4) | |
Liked It (8) | |
It Was OK (1) | |
Did Not Like (1) | |
Hated It (2) |
Reader Stats (44):
Read It (19) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (13) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (10) |
3 comment(s)
Completely could not get into it. The feel was so childish.
***1.0***
Did not like.
My puny intelligence did not grasp this highly intellectual book that talked in between the lines which went above my head.
Thinking of trying it some other time. May be a paperback.
Happy Reading!!!
The premise and mystery is what sells
A Night in the Lonesome October once the initial charm and novelty of the narration wears off. One only vaguely knows what’s going on until one has read around 85% of the book. The ending is cute but anticlimactic.
Overall,
A Night in the Lonesome October is an agreeable enough Halloween read.
What can you read after
A Night in the Lonesome October?
About the Author:
Roger Zelazny (1937-1995) is best known as the author of the critically acclaimed Chronicles of Amber series. He wrote more than 40 novels and won the Nebula award three times and the Hugo award six times. Gahan Wilson is an award-winning author and cartoonist whose artwork has appeared in numerous publications, including National Lampoon, the New Yorker, and Playboy.
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