Gwendy's Button Box
Published: 16, May 2017
Author: Stephen King & Richard Chizmar
Genre: American, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Magic, Mystery, Occult, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller
Book 1 of 3: Gwendy's Button Box Trilogy
Check the summary of this book here:
The Review
Stephen King and Richard Chizmar wrote Gwendy's Button Box, a horror novella. Keith Minnion's graphics were featured in Cemetery Dance's American version. The French edition, published by Le Livre de Poche in September 2018, had fresh new drawings by the same artist.
Gwendy's Magic Feather, a sequel written exclusively by Chizmar, was released in November 2019, and it will be the subject of my next review.
Gwendy's Final Task is the title of the third part, which was written by both writers and was a full-length novel rather than a novella or a short story.
According to both writers, this novella was completed in a month, and I was so impressed with the manner they worked on it that I wished I could collaborate with someone like that, but it's not easy these days.
One metaphor I liked was the typewriter or computer being compared to a button box, with the equivalent output of good or evil depending on which levers are pulled or which buttons are pushed.
This is a really quick read. It's a nice narrative that makes me think it's more of a YA book. The finest books, on the other hand, appeal to both adults and young people, and this is one of them.
I read this novella in a few hours with frequent breaks and, while it was somewhat predictable, I found it to be quite amusing.
There was always the issue of who would win the struggle between the protagonists, good or evil, or whether it would end in a horrible accident. In any case, King and his colleague did an excellent job at keeping the audience guessing.
A novella was the ideal format for this narrative. A short tale would not have communicated the character's characteristics as effectively, and a novel would have been intriguing but, in my opinion, would have added elements that didn't need to be there.
Although there are a few horrifying moments in the novel, I don't think it qualifies as a horror story. Gwendy's Button Box is a unique and intriguing story. Definitely a fantasy, not anything that could really happen in real life.
This is a short tale set at Castle Rock, Maine. Fans of the King should be familiar with the place.
I've finished most of the Castle Rock storyline. I believe there are a number more short tales I may have forgotten, although they are among my favorites from King's writing. and even though I have read virtually all of his books, I still believe I may have missed some short tales, so I want to conduct some comprehensive study soon to eliminate this sensation from my head so I may finish my collection of his books or feel pleased if I already have a complete set.
Of course, most of the story is on Gwendy growing up under the shade of her button box. I'm surprised two guys could write a teenage girl as well as they did, but she was one of my favorite characters.
The writing had a King like quality to it. There was an Eagles poster in front of the Hotel California, among other things. Olive has an issue, as well as a slew of other little and major details.
I would have argued that this book doesn't work as a stand-alone since it's short if I hadn't known that it had a sequel. It might have been better if it had been part of a larger collection of Castle Rock stories, but that is a minor flaw. However, it is a fantastic series because it has sequels and the third book is actually a big-sized book.
It's difficult to describe this short story without giving away the entire plot. King and Chizmar have written a story that was a pleasure to read.
The spareness of the text made it far more entertaining than other novels that were bloated and in need of editing, since many casual readers complain when they read a large book, therefore this book is essentially for those individuals.
I'm not sure why people complain about how short this book or any other book is, but they whine about how huge the book is as well.
These novels are not awful or badly written, nor is the plot horrible. Perhaps they just want to whine about everything they see.
Although it is closer to the length of a short story, this narrative packs a nice draw in its brief length and feels like King, along with co-author Richard Chizmar, founder/editor of Cemetery Dance magazine.
Before this book, I had no idea who Richard Chizmar was, but I began reading his works and will soon begin reviewing them as well.
It begins in 1974 at King's Castle Rock, Maine, and handles the transition from innocent youth to responsible adulthood simply.
There are some subtle connections to the Dark Tower series, which can now be found in practically all of King's books, as well as discussions concerning whether outer or interior effects on a person's decisions define a life.
Because I thought it was nearly flawless, I think it's a terrific small taste of King that can be read and savored in one sitting, whetting the thirst for King's next large work!
Final Thoughts
As the guardian of this unique box, I admire Gwendy's character and her life choices. She obtains many favors, but they are accompanied by the burden of the box.
The only thing that disappointed me about this book was its small size, but that does not indicate that the tale is terrible.
I finished it in a few hours and was sad to see it end. I wasn't planning on reading it since I dislike collaboration novels, but because one of the authors was Stephen King, I felt compelled to do so.
I read it after the second book was released, and I'm happy I did. It was engaging to read and pulled me in; Stephen King could write anything and make it interesting. I find myself reading his books' prefaces and acknowledgments. So, apart from being a little short (though I'm not sure how it could have been longer), it covered all it needed to, and I enjoyed it.
I would suggest it to lovers of Stephen King or anyone who has read his Castle Rock series. There's even a nod to Sheriff Bannerman, except it's Walt rather than George, which I appreciated.
Synopsis
“Set in the fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine
Stephen King teams up with long-time friend and award-winning author Richard Chizmar for the first time in this original, chilling novella that revisits the mysterious town of Castle Rock.
There are three ways up to Castle View from the town of Castle Rock: Route 117, Pleasant Road, and the Suicide Stairs. Every day in the summer of 1974, twelve-year-old Gwendy Peterson has taken the stairs, which are held by strong—if time-rusted—iron bolts and zig-zag up the precarious cliffside.
Then one day when Gwendy gets to the top of Castle View, after catching her breath and hearing the shouts of kids on the playground below, a stranger calls to her. There on a bench in the shade sits a man in black jeans, a black coat, and a white shirt unbuttoned at the top. On his head is a small, neat black hat. The time will come when Gwendy has nightmares about that hat…
The little town of Castle Rock, Maine has witnessed some strange events and unusual visitors over the years, but there is one story that has never been told—until now.”
Useful Search Related Words & Keywords
Castle Rock, Cemetery Dance, Gwendy S Button, Highly Recommend, Man In Black, Quick Read, Really Enjoyed, Short Story, Suicide Stairs, Well Written
Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.
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