Contains only hints of the genius of "Dandelion Wine"

books:


	• Farewell Summer: A Novel Ray Bradbury William Morrow, 2006 - 224 pages average customer review:based on 16 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Sequels aren't always Equals

Farewell Summer is a good story, but pales in comparison to Dandelion Wine. While recognizable as atypical Bradbury, it lacks the wallop I was hoping to get from his other books. I can't say much more than that without spoiling the story for you.

It is a fast read though. I finished it in one sitting between lunch and dinner. It's not a waste of time, just not Ray's best work. Read Dandelion Wine first.

Contains only hints of the genius of "Dandelion Wine"

While I personally could not call anything that Bradbury has written "bad," this book doesn't meet the expectations of a sequel/continuation of the literary masterpiece that "Dandelion Wine" is. There are glimpses of the beauty of its predeccesor here--some moments where Bradbury touches your inner child, takes you back to your youth and fills you with the stuff of life. However, such moments are the exception and not the rule in this book. The plot is rather simple for Bradbury and the books moves rather slowly. This book is worth reading if you are a Bradbury fan, but you can tell that his writing simply isn't as strong as it was when he was in his prime (some 30-40 years ago now). For those who are ambivalent about Bradbury, you can safely pass on reading this one.

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I almost can't put it in words.

I read this book in one sitting, just over a month ago, and I'm still finding it hard to put it in words just how powerful it was for me. I had just read Dandelion Wine and moved straight on into Farewell Summer. The cumulative effect was nothing less than awe-inspireing, and I really think it's how you should go about reading the two works, almost as one. Dandelion Wine is without a doubt a masterpiece, and is told as a novel made up of short stories. Farewell Summer is a more concise story, and more of a straight forward novel. While they both deal with the topics of youth and mortality, they each come from a slightly different perspective. Dandelion Wine was written fifty years ago in Bradbury's youth, while Farewell Summer comes to us in his later years. In the end they act as bookends on a topic that is dear, and dreadful to all of us, and perfectly told in Bradbury's magical, poetic style. Read them, back to back, at the end of August, as summer slowly begins to fade. Think about your childhood, and ponder your old age. If you aren't moved, then check your pulse. If it's still there, pay very close attention to it. It's what it's all about.

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Sounds, smells, and life of one Summer

As always, Bradbury takes us into his prolific mind of the past and the future. He let's us see, once again, how it could have been. Sweet, aromatic, and soft. The interrealtionships, and the mysteries of life are all there for you, if you are ready for the visit.

reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4

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