The twenty stories in The Illustrated Man are based around a man who was tattooed, or illustrated, by a woman from the future. The stories in the book are the stories depicted on the Illustrated Man's body, and range in topic from the end of the world to the endless Venutian rains to the life and death of the person who happens to be watching the illustrations.
While I enjoy reading short stories, I don't often enjoy collections of short stories--though, granted, I haven't read many. Neither did I enjoy the only other Bradbury book I've read, Fahrenheit 451. However, I decided to pick up The Illustrated Man regardless of these facts, partly because the premise fascinated me and partly because my friend Ayushi (who has a book blog that you should go read) read and enjoyed it. This definitely turned out to be the right choice. There wasn't a single story in the book that I didn't enjoy, and there were many that I absolutely loved. If I have spare money anytime in the next few months, I'll most likely buy it. The stories in The Illustrated Man were touching, alarming, creepy, awe-inspiring, and eerily prescient, often all at once. Maybe I'll have to read some of Bradbury's other work, or even re-read Fahrenheit 451. Suggestions?
"It's good to be home! Let's have a party!"
11 years ago
Hi Zara
ReplyDeleteI love this book, it is one of my favourites. Bradbury is a fantastic writer. Which was your favourite story? I find it hard to choose as so many of them were brilliant but I would say 'The City' 'Kaleidoscope' and 'The Long Rain'
Two other Bradbury books well worth a read; Something Wicked This Way Comes and Dandelion Wine
Chris
Nooooo.... didn't like F451?! Personally I loved F451 & actually used to teach it when I was still in the classroom. But, I guess it isn't for everyone. I haven't read this one, and someone else's blog reminded me of Something Wicked This Way Comes, which I've been wanting to read as well. Bradbury is haunting me!
ReplyDeleteHm...I can't really choose a single favorite, as they're all so good, but a few favorites would be "The City," "The Rocket Man," and "The Rocket."
ReplyDeleteElisabeth, I think I might like Fahrenheit 451 if I read it again now; the last time I read it, I was in seventh grade.
Yay! I have a tattered, discarded library copy of the book, but I love it just the same :) Haha, allow me to do a little advertising: if you would like to read said friend Ayushi's blog, visit ayushi30.blogspot.com Thanks :)
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