A review by monsterofidaho
The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker

dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

In a way, reading The Hellbound Heart feels like a dissection. He peels apart layer after layer of skin, sometimes clinical, sometimes crazed, sometimes both at the same time. Piece by piece, Barker reveals one plane after another and raises the stakes each time until, if you're like me, you'll have to remind yourself to slow down and actually read the book instead of skimming in a panic to find out what is even going on. Spooky and surreal, this classic will haunt any reader until the bitter end -- and, depending on your perspective, for some time afterward. 
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