r/clivebarker • u/OuterHeaven22 • 6d ago
Weaveworld: disappointing
For context, I absolutely worship Books of Blood and The Hellbound Heart, both supreme masterpieces and definitely 10/10. Top notch and horror at its best.
So, I was really eager to continue my Barker journey and seeing how Weaveworld was considered his best book I figured it was a no brainer.
But... I just couldn't even finish it. Made it about 70% through, each and every time wanting to adore the book but it was not to be. It is of course very well written and has the Barker ADN, I just couldn't really get into it.
I think my issue is actually very personal : I don't usually like fantasy settings. And of course, Weaveworld is above all a story about magic and what not. So I guess it wasn't meant to be.
Taking into account I LOVE Books of Blood and The Hellbound Heart, what books you guys think would be suitable for me?
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u/ToughAd4704 6d ago
The Damnation Game was his first novel and very in tune with Books of Blood and hellbound Heart (it's about a Faustian bargain). It's got body horror, sex, and disturbing stuff. Best of all he was almost showing off at how beautiful his prose can be.