Book 50 of 2023: A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny

[vivdunstan]

Just finished my 50th book of the year - completing my 2023 Goodreads reading challenge, though I will be carrying on reading more yet. And it's a reread, a much adored book that I reread every October in the run-up to Halloween.

It was the last book published by Roger Zelazny, and tells of a group of Gothic horror characters, some familiar, some new, gathered together in the countryside near Victorian London, to undertake a mysterious ritual at Halloween involving Elder Gods and much more. It's a Gothic delight, and also like reading a gigantic chess puzzle in literary form. Each of the human participants in the Game has an animal companion, and the book is narrated by Jack the Ripper's dog Snuff.

Strictly speaking I should read it a chapter a day throughout October. I rarely manage it, though I tried pacing again this year, and still ended up gobbling it up far quicker. It's just so much fun. I also realised this time just how many favourite parts I have, as I was so happy to encounter them again.

This year we have also set my husband's boss onto reading it. He's a big Roger Zelazny fan, and has been interested in this book since Martin told him about it. This year a brand new 30th anniversary paperback edition was released, with new introduction by Neil Gaiman, my favourite living author. I had to upgrade my paperback copy to that (I also have a first edition hardback copy, much cherished), and so we passed on my copy to Martin's boss. Who was delighted to get it in hand just in time for October and a first read ...

So yes, a magnificent book, that I would recommend to anyone who likes a spooky tale, Gothic horror, or just plain good storytelling. Rereading it each year is a joy for me. Even if I can rarely pace myself to read it slowly!

Comments

[andrewducker]

Thank you. I'm a big Gaiman fan, and have loved some Zelazny. I'll add it to my list!

[vivdunstan]

You’re welcome!

[a_cubed]

I've forgotten how many copies of Lord of Light I've given people over the years. Including a copy of the Japanese translation to my mother in law (who is minorly fannish in her reading, but did a post-retirement MA in Buddhist Studies so I figured she might find it particularly interesting).

[vivdunstan]

The book that I've given far, far too many times is Jan Morris's "Venice". But I try to resist now! Though I do still pick books (usually ebooks) for Martin for his birthday and Christmas. Often ones that I've enjoyed a lot recently, and know will suit his tastes.