I'm Pete du Pont with the National Center for Policy Analysis. While I infrequently agree with The Washington Post's political mavens, I have to side with their literary critic who said, "Almost no one can imagine a time or place without the fiction of Ray Bradbury. His stories and novels are a part of the American language."
His latest novel, From The Dust Returned, should only add to his reputation.
If Bradbury had written only two books — Fahrenheit 451 and the Martian Chronicles, his fame would be secured. But he's been a gusher of ink for almost 60 years, writing short stories, novels, film scripts and verse. He's gone from defining the bounds of fantasy to scripting John Huston's movie adaptation of "Moby Dick."
"From The Dust Returned" almost eludes description, but is no less alluring for that. It's about the reunion of a family of timeless beings — or are they ghosts? Or vampires? Or quirks of the imagination? Or self-created shades? You never really know. You're pulled along as if in a dream, and when it's over, you only know Bradbury's give you a great ride.
Those are my ideas, and at the NCPA we know ideas — and imagination – can change the world. I'm Pete du Pont, and I'll see you next time.