The Homecoming: 08/30/12

The Homecoming by Ray Bradbury was originally included in The October Country (1955). The version I read was illustrated by Dave McKean and is part of the WISP (Wonderfully Illustrated Short Pieces) series. I read it mostly to see what McKean would do with a Bradbury short story.

The story is about a young boy who is considered sickly and fragile because he is the only mortal in his entire extended family. He is made painfully aware of his difference as his family hosts a reunion.

I have to admit that I had trouble making heads or tails of Bradbury's text. That's pretty typical for me with his short stories. McKean's illustrations help bridge the gap between Bradbury's words and my understanding of them.

On a lighter note, the reunion reminded me of Ruby Gloom, "Misery Loves Company" where Misery hosts a family reunion. While Ruby is as unusual as her relatives, the imagery of her many different female banshee type cousins and aunts, is similar in spirit McKean's illustrations.

Three stars

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