A HALLOWEEN STORY

by Peter Tennant
Ugly Duckling Press ISBN 0-9537476-4-6

This is a retelling of 'A Christmas Carol', paying homage to hundreds of horror and SF films and books. The central character is not so much a nasty Scrooge but a dull and boring lawyer and the message is as clear as the Dicken's tale - For God's sake get a life!

The writing is florid which hints at its roots in Dickens' time but the imagry is contemporary.

Elohim Scragg, the lawyer, is a descendent of Ebineezer Scragg who he considers was the model Dickens used for Scrooge. It seems Dickens couldn't spell! Elohim seems so driven to prove he has no inherited anti-Christmas genes that he dotes on Christmas and tries to elongate the festival, wishing it could last all year. But his Christmas consists of decorations, sensible presents and a small tipple - the Christmas spirit and fun seems forgotten.

To show him the error of his ways the three spirits of Halloween show up. The Halloween influence allows Tennant to bring in references to many horror films and books which spice up proceedings.

It may not be to everyone's taste but it is told in just such a tongue in cheek way the ending seems right rather than chokingly sentimental. All in all a good old-fashioned read.

G. Hurry