It's That Time Again

With the coming of October, it's time to reread one of my favorite books: Roger Zelazny's A Night in the Lonesome October.

For the unfamiliar, the book is the quirky, lighthearted story of a group of magickal practitioners who prepare for a rare and powerful ritual that takes place when the full moon shines at midnight over Victorian London on All Hallow's Eve. Important characters include a mad Russian monk, a witch and her black cat, a Transylvanian count, a doctor and his hunchbacked assistant, the Great Detective, and a man named Jack who's really good with a knife.

The story is narrated by Jack's 'companion', a dog named Snuff. Snuff takes us through the story day by day, as if keeping a journal of events. Many amusing, bizarre, and surprising events take place as the various players plot, plan, and interact. Allies become enemies and then allies again, and unexpected things are revealed about the characters one by one. Zelazny's narration (through Snuff) is fast-paced and complex while remaining conversational. The occasional illustrations by Gahan Wilson are macabre yet entertaining. In all, the book is highly original, paying homage to Victorian gothic literature without being depressing or derivative.

This is a book unlike any other book I've ever read. I heartily recommend it to anyone who could use a light, amusing, unconventional read. My rating: five howls at the moon.