Ratman's Notebooks

Great book, a little crazy, but gave birth to 1971's cult classic movie "Willard" and 1972's follow up "Ben", which also produced the Billboard American Top 40 song by Michael Jackson titled "Ben." The song topped the charts at #1. A social misfit who thrives on being alone and trusts rats more than people. Maybe not so far out at all actually! A great and easy, entertaining read. Buy it!

Bought this without seeing the movie(s), interesting story, a quick read. I liked it and would read it again. I gave it to my 13 year old and he liked it too.

4.5* I've watched the movie WILLARD, but this is the first time I actually read the book, RATMAN'S NOTEBOOKS, by Stephen Gilbert, that the movie was based upon. The novel was made out to be a series of notebook/journal entries by the main character--who is never actually named--but I couldn't help but think of him as "Willard" in my mind. This was one of those books that pulls you in steadily, starting out innocently enough when our character's mother asks him to get rid of some rats in the garden. Over the course of the entries, we see how "Willard's" mind goes down a slowly changing path as he befriends the rats, and his outlook drastically alters over the course. I was absolutely spellbound throughout most of this book--from the scenes of our character's degradation in the firm his father once ran, to his relationship with his mother, and finally, his ONLY true friends--the rats. Even after hearing that rats are supposed to be fairly intelligent, there are certain sections here that are positively chilling in the matter-of-fact way that the narrator writes them. Honestly, this book gave me more of that "creeping horror" sensation that a movie ever could! Another GREAT selection re-issued by Valancourt Books!!! Highly recommended!

the book was in very good condition. happy with this purchase.

The book came quickly and in good condition. As for the story, the narration style is the best part. You really feel Willard's awkward sort of presence and like he's talking right to you.

This is a very good book in the horror genre, well written, suspenseful and as many will be familiar, the basis for the movie “Willard.” For those who remember and liked the old movies (one or both “Willard” movies, or the third movie “Ben” which was the sequel to the first “Willard” movie) this book tells a more complete story and gives a more intimate portrayal of the characters. It is not a very long book and a quick read. I just gave it four stars, not really to take anything away from this book, but there are so many other books in this general genre that are great; this book does not rise to that level, but it is still a very good and worthwhile read.

A really good book and still "different" from our modern times where it is very difficult to 'shock' your audiences nowadays. The style in which this book is written is what gives it its intrigue. Obviously if you've seen the movie Williard (Prefably the first version from the early 70's) you get the idea of what this book is about. Research on the author reveals that Mr. Gilbert didn't write many books but this one is a gem. Not long in length--just wished that it was longer. Happy reading!

This is a dark story. Such things are usually not my cup of tea, but the author wasn’t being coy or sneaky. He let you know right out of the gate that he was going to explore the underside of the human condition. Actually, I think that he showed admirable restraint. The protagonist doesn’t connect with people and it’s causing him a humiliating and painful loss of family status and security. Then he discovers that he’s good with rats and it starts to get creepier from there. Gilbert structured his writing in a way that is similar to George Grossmith’s writing and Gilbert had a similar fluency, but his tone and style was more like Samuel Pepys or Daniel Defoe. In fact, the protagonist is like a sociopathic, suburbanite Robinson Crusoe, patiently scheming and building a strange empire. It’s a story filled with details, plans, strategies, tactics and exploration. I believe that it’s this Crusoe slant that pulls us in and keeps us involved in what would otherwise be an unpleasant story. Imagine that the Zodiac killer kept a very cool, and rational, but opinionated diary. Regardless of the author’s restraint, this isn’t a suitable book for children. It’s intense and gruesome. 3.25 stars

Got it and it is in excellent shape, Kind of a creepy book, but I already knew that.

Purchased this as a gift for my husband. He really enjoyed it. If you don’t mind rats it is worth a read.

Very happy with order. Will use seller again.

Great item