In 'Dandelion Wine,' Ray Bradbury captures the essence of summer and childhood in a meandering tale of adventures in a small Midwestern town. The story follows young Douglas Spaulding as he discovers the magic of everyday life, from the joy of making dandelion wine to the bittersweet nature of growing up. As vibrant characters weave in and out of his experiences, each moment offers a glimpse into the profound beauty and nostalgia of youth. This coming-of-age novel is infused with poetic language and rich imagery, making the ordinary feel extraordinary. Bradbury invites readers to reflect on their own memories of summer and the fleeting nature of time.
By Ray Bradbury
Published: 1999
"We were not in the world of sorrows, we were in the world of blessedness, where every small thing, from the sound of ice being crunched underfoot to the laughter of children, held within it all the joy of life."
Ray Bradbury's moving recollection of a vanished golden era remains one of his most enchanting novels. Dandelion Wine stands out in the Bradbury literary canon as the author's most deeply personal work, a semi-autobiographical recollection of a magical small-town summer in 1928. Twelve-year-old Douglas Spaulding knows Green Town, Illinois, is as vast and deep as the whole wide world that lies beyond the city limits. It is a pair of brand-new tennis shoes, the first harvest of dandelions for Grandfather's renowned intoxicant, the distant clang of the trolley's bell on a hazy afternoon. It is yesteryear and tomorrow blended into an unforgettable always. But as young Douglas is about to discover, summer can be more than the repetition of established rituals whose mystical power holds time at bay. It can be a best friend moving away, a human time machine who can transport you back to the Civil War, or a sideshow automaton able to glimpse the bittersweet future. Come and savor Ray Bradbury's priceless distillation of all that is eternal about boyhood and summer.
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“We were not in the world of sorrows, we were in the world of blessedness, where every small thing, from the sound of ice being crunched underfoot to the laughter of children, held within it all the joy of life.”
Dandelion Wine
By Ray Bradbury
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Ray Bradbury (1920-2012) was an acclaimed American author known for his contributions to the genre of science fiction and fantasy. His most notable works include 'Fahrenheit 451', 'The Martian Chronicles', and 'Something Wicked This Way Comes', which showcase his ability to blend poetic language with profound social commentary. Bradbury's writing is characterized by imaginative storytelling, lyrical prose, and a deep exploration of human nature and the consequences of technological advancement. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize Special Citation, the Bram Stoker Award, and the National Medal of Arts.
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