The Wind Through the Keyhole
Published: 21, February 2012
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Arthurian, Fantasy, Fiction, Media Tie-In, Mystery, Shape Shifter, Supernatural, Thriller, Werewolf, Witches, Wizards
Book 4.5 of 7: The Dark Tower
Check the summary of this book here:
The Wind Through the Keyhole Summary
The Review:
Stephen King's fantasy book The Wind Through the Keyhole is the eighth novel in The Dark Tower series, however, it falls between volumes four "Wizard and Glass" and five "Wolves of the Calla" in chronological order. The book was first referenced by Stephen King in 2009, following the disputed conclusion of the seventh novel "The Dark Tower" in 2004, and was formally revealed on March 10, 2011, on the author's official website.
To begin with, it was nice to hear Eddie, Susannah, Jake, Oy, and Roland's voices come to life again and enjoy their interactions, even if it was just for a few moments.
If you're like many fans who read the entire series before reading this book, you'll understand what I'm talking about. But if you haven't finished part four yet, I recommend you read this book before going on to the fifth.
It doesn't matter if you read it after you finish the series and then come back to read it, but if this is your first trip through the series; I think it's best to read it as part 4.5.
I strongly advise all readers to read the prior four volumes before moving on to this one, since otherwise, you will have no idea of what is going on or who is who or what is what.
This book picks up after the events of Wizard and Glass, with Roland recounting a tale from his past as a teenage gunslinger in a nearby village from Gilead, dealing with a "Skin-Man" monstrosity frightening and slaying the locals.
But about midway through that story, he switches to a fairy tale about a young kid on a journey to save his mother from his violent stepfather.
Overall, this is a fantastic book. It is reasonable to classify it as book 4.5. The novel includes a tale inside a story, which is a unique and intriguing approach to writing a novel.
The story begins with the five members of the band from Book 4 on their quest for The Dark Tower.
They are stuck in a bunker for three days due to a catastrophic storm known as a 'starkblast.' To keep them entertained, Roland recounts them a story from his adolescent years.
The narrative revolves around one of his first missions as a gunslinger when he was dispatched by train to a faraway place to investigate claims of a homicidal shape shifter, which his father does not think are genuine.
The first third of the book is about Roland's past, the second third is about the narrative he tells the youngster, and the third quarter concludes the historical story.
Both stories are well-written and enjoyable to read. The narrative is intriguing, although not as suspenseful as some of author's other novels because we all know Roland will survive the shape shifter.
We also discover a little more about Roland's mother, including a final letter she sent to him. Roland tells the youngster a story about a terrible tax collector from Gilead.
I greatly doubt Roland's mother, who raised Roland in Gilead, the purported stronghold of virtue on the world, would have ever taught him a story about such a guy.
That was the only portion of the work that appeared out of place because the tale could have been presented without mentioning a wicked Gilead representative.
The rest of Roland the boy's narrative was well-developed, particularly in its exploration of elderly people's marvels.
I have a feeling Roland's childhood story isn't totally compatible with the rest of the books; for example, the Manni people in book 5 weren't familiar to Susannah, Jake, and Eddie, despite the fact that they should have known them based on this description. Even yet, given the high quality of the plot, any inconsistencies are small and easily overlooked.
Young Roland's plot goes swiftly and is both interesting and intriguing. It showcases his abilities, even at such a young age, and shares the same spirit of adventure and unpredictability as the previous Tower stories.
The fairy tale itself is well constructed and brimming with Stephen King’s universe references. Finally, I believe the author has done the series honor by continuing it 5 years after he declared it complete.
Adding to a popular series is a tough and hazardous decision. The book, on the other hand, does not feel like an afterthought; rather, it improves what has already been written and makes the voyage as a whole that much more complete and pleasurable.
There are things that can be learned, magic elements to be discovered, a new culture of "muties" to be discovered, and, of course, the beam.
We read of a little boy, maybe eleven years old, whose father was just murdered by a dragon of some kind. In a cruel environment, he and his mother strive for survival.
Just when they think they've discovered their savior, the author throws a curveball into the mix to throw everything off. The young man's quest to save his mother and himself leads us on a perilous trip packed with magic, danger, and suspense.
This is one of the novels that, like the series in which it is set, maybe considered among Stephen King's best.
I still wish we'd seen more of Roland when he was younger. What are the chances? Perhaps the author will continue the Dark Tower Series with a new installment someday.
Final Thoughts:
Even if you've never read any of Stephen King's earlier works, let alone the Tower series, the book may be read as a stand-alone, according to the preface.
True, but doing so would be foolish because so much of it is based on these individuals and their distinct environment.
As a result, I'd only suggest this to someone who has read the Tower Series before or if you're interested in giving them a try, start at the beginning and read this one in the order it appears in the series. You'll be pleased you did, and I am sure of it.
This novel takes us closer to Roland as a young boy as readers. It also helps us comprehend Roland's finality as he grew older.
After Mejis, Roland had attained manhood not merely by passing Cort's gunslinger exam, but also by seeing Mejis' murder and devastation.
Roland reveals his frigid heart to the world for the first time as the nails are pounded deep into the coffin that signifies maturity.
It's also enjoyable to read, providing insight into some of our favorites (if you're a fan of the series). It will draw you back into Roland Deschain's universe as if you had never left it before.
Given the scope of King's Dark Tower levels, the novel fits nicely into the series.
I have to bring out an important truth once more. It is true that this book may be read as a stand-alone novel, but only if you have read the entire series or have finished the fourth book but have not yet begun the fifth; otherwise, it cannot be termed a stand-alone novel, so please keep that in mind when reading this book.
Synopsis:
“In his New York Times bestselling The Wind Through the Keyhole, Stephen King returns to the spectacular territory of the Dark Tower fantasy saga to tell a story about gunslinger Roland Deschain in his early days.
The Wind Through the Keyhole is a sparkling contribution to the series that can be placed between Dark Tower IV and Dark Tower V. This Russian doll of a novel, a story within a story within a story, visits Roland and his ka-tet as a ferocious, frigid storm halts their progress along the Path of the Beam. Roland tells a tale from his early days as a gunslinger, in the guilt-ridden year following his mother’s death. Sent by his father to investigate evidence of a murderous shape-shifter, Roland takes charge of Bill Streeter, a brave but terrified boy who is the sole surviving witness to the beast’s most recent slaughter. Roland, himself only a teenager, calms the boy by reciting a story from the Book of Eld that his mother used to read to him at bedtime, “The Wind Through the Keyhole.” “A person’s never too old for stories,” he says to Bill. “Man and boy, girl and woman, we live for them.”
And stories like The Wind Through the Keyhole live for us with Stephen King’s fantastical magic that “creates the kind of fully imagined fictional landscapes a reader can inhabit for days at a stretch” (The Washington Post).”
Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:
Addition To The Dark, Eddie And Susannah, Glass And Wolves, Great Addition, Old Friends, Roland And His Ka-Tet, Within A Story, Wizard and Glass, Wolves of the Calla, Young Roland
Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.
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