Abarat (Revised)

Clive Barker, a recognized figure in speculative fiction, continues the saga of Candy Quackenbush in this revised edition. The narrative follows the sixteen-year-old protagonist who leaves her mundane existence in Chickentown, Minnesota, after an impulsive departure from school. She crosses into the Sea of Izabella and arrives in the Abarat, a realm composed of twenty-five islands corresponding to the hours of the day. One island remains distinct as the mysterious Time Out of Time. Candy encounters a world that feels strangely familiar while making new allies. However, her presence attracts the attention of Christopher Carrion, Prince of Midnight, who pursues her relentlessly. The story examines her struggle to find her place within this strange archipelago. Barker draws on themes of space and time to structure this juvenile fiction work. The text is organized around Candy’s interactions with these unique geographical and temporal zones. Readers seeking straightforward horror may find the fantasy elements dominant. Those interested in surreal landscapes and coming-of-age narratives will appreciate the detailed world-building. The book concludes with Candy still searching for her identity within this hour-based geography.