Mister B. Gone by Clive Barker

"Burn this book. Go on. Quickly, while there's still time. Burn it. Don't look at another word. Did you hear me? No. One. More. Word."

This is how Clive Barker's novel, Mister B. Gone, begins. Jakabok Botch pleads with the reader to burn the book and warns of terrible consequences if they keep reading. Jakabok is a demon trapped in the book. He was born in the 9th circle of Hell. He has scaly skin, two tails, and a burned, oozing face. He was caught by humans and pulled up through the circles of Hell. Once above he escaped and lived for many years in disguise. Jakabok and his friend, Quitoon, brought terror to all. He chronicles his life leading up to his entrapment in the book and ends with a battle between Heaven and Hell.

Mister B. Gone is a short novel written like a diary. Jakabok carries the reader through the novel by begging the reader to burn the book and then giving in and revealing some more of his story. The book continues like this until he has confessed his entire life. His pleading becomes increasingly more aggressive until he is graphically threatening the reader. The events of his long life are vile and disturbing including a bath of babies' blood. Uchh!

I found this book to be enjoyable at first. I liked how the demon was talking directly to me and thought his threats were entertaining.  However, it seemed half of the book was threats. It actually got a little old. I felt like skipping these repetitive parts. The plot was overly simple. There were few characters and you did not get to know them with any depth. I was glad when the book was finished. I actually felt like burning this book, but for different reasons.

If you are a horror fanatic you should give this book a try. Otherwise, be considered warned.  It left me feeling queasy and was disappointing in the end. I, unfortunately, have to give this book a Thumbs Down.

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The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

The White Tiger is a fictional novel about Balram Halwai. Born in the slums of India, Balram was destined to be a common servant. That was until he caught his lucky break. He became the driver for a wealthy landlord (a driver is similar to a servant but with a more desirable paycheck) and, against all odds, he later became a successful entrepreneur. But Balram is not just a businessman, he is also a murderer. Sitting beneath his chandelier, Balram unravels an astonishing tale in the form of a letter to the premier of China.

The White Tiger is Aravind Adiga's "blazingly savage and brilliant" debut novel. In less than 300 pages, Balram "The White Tiger" Halwai narrates his life's story "with a charisma as undeniable as it is unexpected". Despite being a murderer I could not help but feel sympathetic for Balram while at times he could seem arrogant and out-of-touch with his sanity.

There were a few areas in the book where the narrative jumped backwards to unspecified times but overall I felt this novel read smoothly. It is an entertaining, informative, and darkly humourous perspective of India, religion, and morals.


I give this book a Thumbs Up. Anyone who liked Slum Dog Millionaire should read this book.

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