The Willowdale Handcar: Or the Return of the Black Doll
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Book Overview
In this enigmatic, surreal, wonderfully entertaining tale, three mysterious figures set out from Willowdale, traveling by handcar. On the way to nowhere in particular they pass a number of odd characters and observe a series of baffling phenomena, from a house burning down in a field to a palatial mansion perched precariously on a bluff.
At once deeply vexing and utterly hilarious, darkly mysterious and amusingly absurd, The Willowdale Handcar is vintage Edward Gorey.
At once deeply vexing and utterly hilarious, darkly mysterious and amusingly absurd, The Willowdale Handcar is vintage Edward Gorey.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0151010358
ISBN13:9780151010356
Release Date:October 2003
Publisher:Harper
Length:64 Pages
Weight:0.40 lbs.
Dimensions:0.4" x 5.9" x 6.2"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Edward Gorey at His Best
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
The Willowdale Handcar is hilarious. The main characters inexplicably ride a handcar past all kinds of shocking and tragic scenes, about which they barely even comment. An underlying mystery develops but remains only vaguely resolved. Edward Gorey's characters are colorful and entertainingly odd.
A tale for the Age of Uncertainty.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
If you have given up on trying to find meanings, or causes and effects, a Gorey book will be just right for you, and this is pne of his best.
Deliciously Absurd
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
Those who know Edward Gorey know his humour is not for everyone. That said, for those who appreciate this shade of humour (often also fans of the likes of Tim Burton and Charles Addams), this will be a treat. I'll admit that I laughed myself silly with The Willowdale Handcart.
A Vexing Vacation
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
Sam, Harry and Edna go down to the railway station and find a handcar.They decide to take it for a ride and so starts their mysterious and dream like trip through small town America. The scenery and towns get more and more grim. Wonderful.
A twisted silent film
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
The book is dedicated to Lillian Gish, and if that weren't enough, the book is a sequel to Gorey's "The Black Doll" (the script for a silent film.) The illustrations are as fine as anything else by Gorey, and don't miss all the subliminal references to Buster Keaton!
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