The Thief of Always was the only Clive Barker book I ever liked and not only did I like it ... I loved it! The story is now available in graphic novel format (a must buy!) and the integrity of the tale is not lost at all. There are beautiful watercolor style pictures which are a delight to see.
The story itself deals with a boy who has been "swallowed by the great grey beast of Februrary" such a fantastic line. He is bored and wishes his time away only to be visited by a man named Rictus who offers him a holiday, just across town where it is sunny and beautiful.
He goes and rejoices in the this place called the "Holiday House" for every season is had everyday and Halloween, Thanksgiving & Christmas come every night and you only have to wish for whatever you want and it will be under the tree on Christmas. Of course, I'm sure you can see there might be trouble lurking under the surface.....
I can't say much except that I loved this book the first time I read it many many years ago and have loved it every time I've read it since. I greatly reccomend the tale and also the graphic novel version which is gorgeous and very very well done.
Four and a half stars- near perfection ( )