The Thief Of Always [Paperback]

The novel is about a young boy named Harvey Swick, bored and entrapped in the torpor of a dreary February. He gets a visit from an unlikely character named Rictus who proposes he take a much needed vacation at The Holiday House, a place where children can have all the fun they want. Harvey agrees and leaves behind his world into the magical fantasy world of The Holiday House, which seemingly appears to have all that a child could ask for: presents, delicious foods, ever-changing seasons--Halloween and Christmas every night! But behind this pretty facade lurks a sinister plot that tests the fortitude of Harvey and his friends, challenging him to fight back for his very soul.

I highly recommend this story. Albeit it could be classified as a children's story, it is apt for all ages. Another treat about this book (at least the first edition, anyway) are the wonderful illustrations drawn by Clive Barker himself, which really evince the remarkable genius that he possesses. I urge parents to go buy this book and read it with their children, or read it for themselves! It is truly a great story.

It turns out that I had nothing to worry about. The Thief of Always is a classic fable with enough originality to make it fresh. I was hooked as soon as I read the first paragraph.

Mr. Barker shows an insight into the mind of a child that I don't think I expected from a man who made his mark with tales of gruesome horror. Then again, I probably should have known better given the amazing insight into the human psyche that was apparent in many of his short stories. (Take, for instance, his commentary on mob mentality in "In the Hills, the Cities.")

Like many children in such tales, Harvey's downfall is his boredom and his desire for something different, something fun. He finds himself drawn into a world of wonders that quickly becomes a world of horrors. Barker's supporting cast, the good and the evil, are flawlessly executed with just enough surreal charm to make you fear what might really be going on in Holiday House.

The evil in the story is horrifying (without going too far for a younger reader) and Barker's message is clear. Harvey learns that nothing comes without a price and that time is precious. He learns to appreciate each moment he has with his family and friends, no matter how dull those moments may sometimes seem. In the process of making these discoveries, he also proves himself to be a hero as he overcomes his own weakness to defeat Mr. Hood.

I highly recommend this book for young and old alike ... I've recommended it to my husband, since he's been looking for a light read and this one is well worth the time.