Abarat

Main Ideas

• The world of Abarat is a magical realm consisting of twenty-five islands, each representing a specific hour of the day. This concept of time and space is central to the book, creating a unique atmosphere and narrative structure.
• The main character, Candy Quackenbush, initially lives in the dull and monotonous town of Chickentown but soon finds herself drawn into the world of Abarat. Her journey symbolizes the search for self and the quest for freedom, which is one of the key themes of the book.
• The theme of the struggle between good and evil is presented through the conflict between Candy and the villain Christopher Carrion, who seeks to seize control of Abarat. This conflict reveals complex moral dilemmas and explores the nature of power and ambition.
• Clive Barker creates a rich and detailed world filled with diverse creatures and characters, each with their own story and motivation. This concept of multilayered depth allows the reader to immerse themselves in the book's atmosphere and explore it on different levels.
• The book explores the theme of fate and predestination, questioning how much our actions and choices determine our future. Candy encounters prophecies and predictions that challenge her free will and make her ponder her role in Abarat's destiny.