If It Bleeds
Published: 21, April 2020
Author: Stephen King
Genre: American, Anthologies, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Short Stories, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller
Check the summary of this book here:
If It Bleeds Summary
The Review
If It Bleeds is a collection of four Stephen King stories that have never been published before. These stories or novellas are written in a variety of moods and styles, and each one is well worth reading. If It Bleeds, The Life of Chuck, Rat, and Mr. Harrigan's Phone are the titles of the stories in the book.
I noticed something new in the Stephen King books, and it's politics. I'm OK with it, but I'm concerned about the fans who are beginning to resent him for including politics in his stories.
It makes no difference whether he is telling the truth or not; people will believe what they want to believe. As a result, half of the readers are likely to agree with him, while the other half will constantly disagree.
For me, I'm in the center, and I just read these novels as fiction, even if something from real life is contained; I only think of it as fiction and entertainment, so I just read them for pleasure and to pass the time.
When reading books by any author, I recommend that all readers do the same and just have fun instead of thinking about real life, even if you read the name of a genuine person or a narrative about someone you know in real life.
Let's forget about reality and politics and focus on the four stories in this book.
Mr. Harrigan's phone is the first entry. The plot unfolds like a classic Tales from the Darkside episode or an old EC comic book. The author writes about a youngster who works part-time for an older guy in a tiny town.
Stephen King excels at writing about adolescents. He appears to have a thorough understanding of them. It's a melancholy coming-of-age ghost story told from the perspective of a first-person protagonist.
I'll also admit that I like first-person narratives, and several of my favorite Stephen King pieces, such as 11/22/63, Bag of Bones, and Revival, are written in this style.
The novel has the feel of vintage Stephen King, which is a phrase I hesitate to use since late in his career, the author has written some of his most riveting fiction, and it could easily be placed alongside Different Seasons or Four Past Midnight. This story was engrossing from beginning to end.
It's tightly wrapped and finishes with a button because it appears to be an amazing rebranding of Gwendy's Button Box.
I appreciated The Life Of Chuck, the second tale in the anthology, which was certainly my favorite.
What begins as an apocalyptic tale quickly transforms into one of author's most sincere and beautiful tales.
It discusses all of the possible worlds that we have in our heads. Based on what I've seen from many book clubs and Stephen King fans across all social media channels, I can see why The Life Of Chuck is everyone's favorite.
When Stephen King's writing becomes more literary, he usually produces a fantastic story. The story is told in three acts and in reverse order. It made me feel like it was 11/22/63, and it had an impact on my heart and spirit.
After some consideration, I believe it is also "my favorite" from this collection, despite the fact that saying so feels odd. This one was the most inventive, and I think it's the one I like best as a writer. It's inspiring to see author's ability to keep innovating after nearly 50 years.
The title tale, If It Bleeds, continues Stephen King's recent fascination in combining crime with the supernatural. It's a direct sequel to The Outsider, which was a brilliant novel in its own right and was masterfully adapted as an HBO limited series.
Stephen King brings back Holly Gibney from the Bill Hodges trilogy, and her character is one of my favorites. This chapter reintroduces a lot of her backstory from her time in Mr. Mercedes and The Outsider, as well as a number of old individuals, including my personal favorite, Jerome.
Overall, it was a thrilling and entertaining novel. Since her debut in Mr. Mercedes, Holly Gibney has split Stephen King fans, and I've always been in the pro-Holly side.
Perhaps it's because I see attributes in her that I see in some of my closest friends, and perhaps in myself, but I think it's largely because she is strong and resilient while yet displaying undeniable empathy.
Rat was also a favorite of mine. It had its moments and a few lines that I particularly enjoyed. It was a worthwhile read that kept my attention throughout.
It's about an author who goes on a self-imposed writing retreat to finish his first work but ends up making a bad bargain.
It is a retelling of the traditional Faustian story, which the author has addressed in a number of stories throughout the course of his career.
A tale called "Fair Extension" appears in his earlier novella collection, Full Dark, No Stars, and depicts a guy who displays no remorse for the disastrous deal he strikes.
In "Rat," the protagonist is unsure whether the agreement was fully accomplished, if he truly intended it, or if he is going insane. This is plainly Stephen King having a good time, and it's a pleasant, if slightly disconcerting, read.
Final Thoughts
In various ways, I enjoyed all four novellas. The Life of Chuck is a catastrophic story with a twist, while Mr. Harrigan's Phone is a great account of an odd relationship that lasts to the grave and beyond.
Rat is about creation and inspiration, and it's reminiscent of those old fairy stories about wishes fulfilled with unpleasant consequences.
If It Bleeds is the greatest of the four, since it stars Holly Gibney, Jerome Robinson, and Barbara Robinson, three characters that were originally featured in Stephen King's Bill Hodges trilogy of supernatural crime stories.
Gibney and the Robinsons are really likable characters who I am confident will return many times.
Any one of these four stories would be worth the full price of the book, so having them all in one compilation is a great steal and a one-of-a-kind gift.
This book really engulfed me in characters and an environment that I can perfectly picture and feel as if I were there.
Even from Stephen King, this collection of short narratives knits together in a way I've never seen before. If you haven't read his prior novel, The Outsider, you should do so before diving into this one. If you don't, you'll miss out on a significant portion of this intertwined short narrative. Amazing masterpiece by one of the greatest authors of all time.
All of the stories had a hint of the otherworldly, which I didn't mind at all. The book was a short read, and I would suggest it to both Stephen King aficionados and new readers who are considering giving him a try.
I relish any chance to learn more about Stephen King's writing process and perspectives. In most of his collections, we get a forward or an author's note, and If It Bleeds is no exception.
These four stories were a blast, and I can't wait to read them again soon.
Synopsis
“From #1 New York Times bestselling author, legendary storyteller, and master of short fiction Stephen King comes an extraordinary collection of four new and compelling novellas—Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, The Life of Chuck, Rat, and the title story If It Bleeds—each pulling you into intriguing and frightening places.
The novella is a form King has returned to over and over again in the course of his amazing career, and many have been made into iconic films, including “The Body” (Stand By Me) and “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption” (Shawshank Redemption). Like Four Past Midnight, Different Seasons, and most recently Full Dark, No Stars, If It Bleeds is a uniquely satisfying collection of longer short fiction by an incomparably gifted writer.”
Useful Search Related Words & Keywords
Bill Hodges, Collection Of Short, Harrigans Phone, Harringtons Phone, Highly Recommend, Hodges Trilogy, Holly Gibney, Life Of Chuck, Really Enjoyed, Sequel To The Outsider, Title Story
Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 90/100 Yes.
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