Mister B. Gone (2007)

by Clive Barker



A demon who has been imprisoned within the pages of a book (this book) tells the story of his adventures in 14th century Europe in the hopes of persuading the reader (you) to end his misery by burning it.

 

"Book Demon" (Spanish)


There are some interesting ideas here, such as the conceit that great developments in human culture (in this case, Gutenberg's invention of the printing press) become the catalyst for frenzied warfare and consultation between Heaven and Hell.

 

"Jakabok: Gutenberg's Demon" (French)


However, for the most part, the novel didn't work for me.

 

"Go to Hell, Mister B" (German)


Clive Barker's conception of demon psychology and society was largely incoherent and inconsistent.

 

Clive Barker


Our "hero" enjoys bathing in the blood of infants and killing untold multitudes at some points of the story, yet at other times defends individual humans at the risk of his own life and speaks disapprovingly of spousal abuse.

 

"Jakabok: The Demon of the Book" (Italian)


I also became bored with the frequent and lengthy injunctions to burn the book.

 

"The Story of Mr. B" (Polish)


Barker is a talented writer, but he falters here.


"The Diary of a Demon" (Greek)

"The Demon Book" (Russian)


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