I have to thank my bestie @jobis89 for quite literally forcing this book into my hands by getting it for me for Christmas, and THIS EDITION. Gah. It’s almost too beautiful. Clive Barker illustrated it himself, and while I always enjoy a surprise illustration in a book, these were on another level, I swear. They toe the line between truly dark horror and children’s drawings, and admittedly (I’m thinking of Marr here), cross that line occasionally, but who didn’t love reading a book as a kid and getting that thrill of fear every now and again?
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The Thief of Always is the magical tale of young Harvey Sweek, who is fed up with the monotony of his every day life and wishes for something more exciting. Enter: a literal demon named Rictus who promises to take him to a house where every afternoon is the perfect summer’s day and every night is Christmas - seems legit, thinks Harvey, and skips off hand in hand with a flying demon. We’ve all been there.
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Questionable judgement in trusting demons aside, Harvey is the perfect protagonist for a story like this, being a kind of everyman for kids - good, brave, always willing to be a friend even in extenuating circumstances. But he’s also fundamentally still just a kid, and Barker puts that across so well!
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In Books of Blood I was blown away by Barker’s imagination, and The Thief of Always is no different. His mind must be a crazy place to be, but I’m so thankful he puts it all to paper for us to enjoy! I wish I had read this one when I was Harvey’s age, 11 or 12 or so, but I can always give it to my niece to read when she’s old enough (and then not take responsibility for the nightmares about Marr!)
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Jo warned me about the tear-jerker of a last page, and she wasn’t wrong! The last page, and especially the last paragraph really struck a chord with me about making the most of each day and not wishing your life away - @wildbonbons it really reminded me of your initiative and you should also read this one!