Book Review: The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker

Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,

  In September of 1987 my mother and I trekked to the local movie theater to watch a new horror movie (a weekly ritual of ours) that had been getting a lot of attention: Hellraiser. This gory horror masterpiece introduced the world to Pinhead and the pleasures of the Cenobites. Based on Clive Barker's novel, the Hellbound Heart, it went on to become a horror classic. I was fifteen at the time and I decided to read the book, ultimately preferring the movie over the book. Now, twenty nine years later, I have returned to Lodovico Street and have re-opened Lemarchand's Configuration. And oh, the sights I have seen....

 
  The Hellbound Heart is written by Clive Barker, and is published currently by Harper-Collins publishers. It centers around Frank Cotton, an often lascivious man whose desire for ultimate pleasure leads him to acquire Lemarchand's Configuration. A black and gold lacquered puzzle box, it is said to hold the key to unlocking another dimension. In this dimension the Engineer and his following, the Cenobites, are said to deliver exquisite pleasure and pain. But when Frank returns his family home on Lodovico Street, he opens a door to more than he had bargained for. During a blood ritual Frank summons the Cenobites, four horrifically disfigured agents of the Order of the Gash. And his introduction to pleasure and pain begins.

  Many months later Frank's brother, Rory, and Rory's bride, Julia, arrive to claim the home on Lodovico Street after Frank's disappearance. Julia has her reservations about the house and the amount of fixing it needs. But Rory is cheerfully optimistic that this will be a wonderful new start for their marriage. Julia only wishes to end their marriage, but feels she cannot. She uses the memories of brother Frank and their past passionate lovemaking to get her through her loveless relationship with Rory. To add to the mix, Kirsty, an acquaintance of Rory's seems to be always around. The girl has an attraction to Rory, but settles for a continued friendship, much to Julia's chagrin. 

  During an inspection of the house they discover a large room that is damp and in need of work. Rory wishes this to be the master bedroom, but Julia is skeptical that it can be a functional room. They decide to lock it up for later consideration.  What they do not know is that this is the room that Frank was last in; the room where he died at the hands of the Cenobites. 

  Days later, during some home improvements, Rory accidentally slices open his hand. Scared at the sight of blood, he goes in search of Julia who happens to be in the damp room. With blood pouring from his hand, he crosses into the room to Julia. She assesses the situation and gets him medical attention, leaving the blood on the floor. After returning from the hospital with Rory, Julia intends to clean up the blood from the damp room floor. But she discovers no trace of it. What she does find is Frank, reaching out to her from another plane of existence. She finds that that he is trapped between worlds and needs blood to reform his body. And that it was he who absorbed the blood from the floor. Julia agrees to bring back her beloved Frank from the grave. Even if she has to kill everyone that gets in her way to do so.

  The Hellbound Heart is a visceral read filled with monstrous gore and heart-pounding moments. I was particularly happy with Barker's lack of exposition in this story. The motivations of the main players are centered on the present day with very few trips to the past. The Hellbound Heart flows rather well without extensive background on these characters. The character that stood out to me in this novel was Julia. Her motivations to become a killer to bring back Frank were founded in her desperation. And her sarcastic attitude towards life was at times humorous, which helped to break up some of the gore of her deeds.

  As for the film vs the novel I was happy to see my view change these many years later. I found the novel delivered a more richer backdrop to the tale than the film. But the film was expertly casted; especially with the actor, Sean Chapman. He embodied the character of Frank Cotton very well, as did Clare Higgins as Julia. The film, directed by Clive Barker, changed a few elements of the story around and changed some names. Both the movie and the book serve the horror genre in a way that some projects had failed prior. We not only see a terrifying tale unfold, but we see a drama of the human condition play out before us. Are we happy, it asks. What would we do to be happy? And when that happiness is found, can we hold onto it?

  I read this book in part with the narration of actor, Jeffrey Kafer. Kafer's ability to relate the Cenobites' foreboding nature is done with a vocal effects that are down-right creepy. He manages to shift very well through the personalities of the main players and sub-players alike. I enjoyed his narration. 

  The Hellbound Heart re-energized me for this franchise. With several movies and comic books available, I may venture further into this world. I gave the Hellbound Heart three out of five stars. It is a short and exciting read that will have you cringing in fear for a few hours. 

  Amazon.com has a holiday special in November that includes this novel. For $5.00 you can own the Kindle book and Audible narration together via their Whispersync feature. Check it out.


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