The October Country

The October Country cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Technical
  • ID: 5687
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
excellent 4.00

The October Country is a collection of Gothic horror short stories by Ray Bradbury, perfect for crisp October evenings. The stories are deeply imaginative, macabre, and inventive, with poetic and evocative writing that transports readers to dark realms. The reviewer loved the unique concepts and atmospheric storytelling, making it a must-read for the colder months.

The October Country is a collection of Gothic horror short stories by Ray Bradbury, written in 1955. The reviewer initially struggled with another book for their monthly challenge but found relief and excitement in discovering The October Country. The stories are a mix of horror and fantasy, with Bradbury's poetic and evocative writing transporting readers to dark and twisted realms. The tales are atmospheric, with some being fun and light-hearted while others are creepy and disturbing. The reviewer was impressed by Bradbury's ability to transform ordinary ideas into something special, making the collection a must-read for crisp autumn and winter evenings, especially around Halloween.


Quick quotes

    October Country… that country where it is always turning late in the year. That country where the hills are fog and the rivers are mist; where noons go quickly, dusks and twilights linger, and mid-nights stay.

    Bradbury’s writing is so poetic, so simple yet so effective. Deeply imaginative, macabre and incredibly bizarre, playing with your senses and beliefs, these tales are the perfect accompaniment for crisp October, November and December evenings.

    The style of writing resonates and leaves deep memories in the reader’s mind. The way Bradbury uses few words, but carefully chosen and packed with meaning, adds to the mysteriousness and makes the whole experience even more atmospheric.

thinkaboutreading.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2023-11-08
chilling 4.50

The October Country is a collection of short stories that delve into the darker side of human nature, with themes of horror and the macabre. The stories are well-crafted and atmospheric, offering a chilling exploration of the unknown and the unsettling.

The October Country is a collection of short stories that delve into the darker side of human nature. Each story is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling, with a focus on horror and the macabre. The author's ability to create a sense of unease and dread is evident throughout, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre. The stories are well-crafted and thought-provoking, offering a chilling exploration of the unknown and the unsettling. The collection is a testament to the author's skill in creating vivid and memorable characters, as well as their ability to craft a compelling narrative. The October Country is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good horror story.


Quick quotes

    The stories in The October Country are a chilling exploration of the unknown and the unsettling.

    The author's ability to create a sense of unease and dread is evident throughout.

    The collection is a testament to the author's skill in creating vivid and memorable characters.

owlbeereading.com · Unknown · 2022-10-31
excellent 4.50

The October Country is a collection of short stories by Ray Bradbury, focusing on the macabre and dark themes. The stories are praised for their imaginative and poetic prose, with a strong influence on modern fiction.

The October Country is a collection of short stories by Ray Bradbury that delves into the realms of the occult, macabre, and the dark. The stories are set in a country where it is always turning late in the year, with a focus on autumn themes. Bradbury's use of language is poetic and descriptive, making the stories both imaginative and unsettling. The collection includes some of his best works, such as 'The Dwarf', 'The Jar', and 'The Cistern'. The influence of Bradbury's writing can be seen in modern fiction, with his unique style and themes resonating with contemporary authors.


Quick quotes

    The October Country … that country where it is always turning late in the year. That country where the hills are fog and the rivers are mist; where noons go quickly, dusks and twilight linger, and midnights stay.

    These are some of his best stories, told with imagination and his deft, descriptive virtuoso use of the language.

    Bradbury begins the book with this explanation: “The October Country … that country where it is always turning late in the year.

thomaspking.com · Unknown · 2022-04-18
excellent 4.00

The October Country is a collection of dark and morbid short stories by Ray Bradbury, exploring themes of life's mysteries. While some stories are masterful and imaginative, others feel rushed and lack depth, making the book somewhat inconsistent. Bradbury's prose is exceptional, with even the weaker stories showcasing his unique writing style.

The October Country by Ray Bradbury is a collection of short stories that delve into the darker and more mysterious aspects of life. The stories are mostly horror and fantastical, featuring ghosts, undead, vampires, and other eerie elements. Some stories, like 'The Scythe,' are particularly notable for their creativity and Bradbury's unique spin on familiar tropes. The collection also includes interconnected stories about Uncle Einar and his unusual family, adding a layer of depth to the book. However, not all stories are equally strong. A few feel undercooked and rushed, lacking the cohesion and depth of the better ones. These weaker stories rely heavily on Bradbury's prose to carry them. Speaking of prose, Bradbury is a master of language. His writing is poetic and thought-provoking, making it easy to get lost in his words. Even the weaker stories have moments of brilliance. While some stories have aged less gracefully and the book ends on a weaker note, the highs of The October Country are very high. It's an excellent collection of imaginative stories that can be enjoyed any time of the year.


Quick quotes

    Bradbury is a writer’s writer. If you need a hit of inspiration, a glance at what an artist can do with language, Bradbury is a writer to turn to.

    The highs of The October Country are very high.

    While a couple of these stories have aged less than elegantly, and the book finishes in what I feel was the weakest one, the highs of The October Country are very high.

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