Book Review: Shadow Show by multiple authors

In the introduction to this anthology, Bradbury discusses how from the age of 8, he was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe and numerous other authors. He refers to Poe as his “true papa”. But now Bradbury himself has become the father, and this anthology is a family reunion of sorts, full of stories by those who subsequently looked to him as Papa. As he says, linking it back to his own story, The Homecoming, “a family of beautiful creatures - loving, winged uncles, doting telepathic aunts, and fantastic brethren from all over the world - gather to give thanks, of course, on Halloween.”

“His name will once more become synonymous with small American towns at Halloween, when the leaves skitter across the sidewalk like frightened birds, or with Mars, or with love.”

Here’s the thing - if you’re a Bradbury fan, the Robert McCammon story alone is worth the price of admission. It was simply incredible. In Children of the Bedtime Machine he perfectly encapsulates how Bradbury’s work is timeless. It will transcend generations as parents and grandparents share the joy of Bradbury’s storytelling with their kids and grandkids. Love!!

Another standout was The Girl in the Funeral Parlour by Sam Weller, which was very reminiscent of the vignette in Dandelion Wine when Bill and Helen fall in love with each other’s minds, but cannot be together as Helen nears death. Perhaps they will be together in a different life. In this story, Weller beautifully reflects on the possibility of meeting your soulmate after they have died.

Gaiman’s story about a man who has forgotten Bradbury is as imaginative as I would expect, peppered with little references that fans will love picking up on. The Exchange was a very interesting mash-up of Lovecraft and Bradbury, whereas By the Silver Water of Lake Champlain is Joe Hill’s tribute to my most favourite Bradbury story, The Fog Horn.

Of course, not every story hits the mark, but the great heavily outweighed the bad. I wouldn’t say you’d need to be a fan of Bradbury to enjoy this collection, the stories stand on their own, but it’s a joy to witness other authors celebrate his works. 3.5 stars.

Johann

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