The Outsider
Published: 22, May 2018
Author: Stephen King
Genres: American, Crime, Fiction, Horror, Media Tie-In, Murder, mystery, Psychological, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller
Check the summary of this book here:
The Outsider Summary
The Review:
Stephen King's The Outsider combines his trademark craftsmanship with a narrative similar to that of his Bill Hodges series, with some of that presented in the novel 11-23-63. Where it varies significantly from both the novels and the series is that this time the author takes us inside our own thoughts and makes us contemplate and mess with our minds.
Another factor that makes it similar to the Bill Hodges series is that it may be considered a part of it due to the presence of a character, but I still consider it a standalone novel. This book, like many of the author's previous works, is set in the same universe as many of his other novels.
I'd want to suggest the Bill Hodges Series before reading this novel, but in many situations, it won't matter, and I'm only recommending the series to true fans of the author or to obsessive readers like myself who want to know everything about an author and read all of their works.
So it's up to the readers to decide if they want to read the entire series merely to have a better understanding of this character and what it means when she becomes involved in the plot at the time where the readers are introduced to her.
There are too many twists and turns to keep you interested in continuing to read. In certain cases, the outcomes are foreseeable. They are tested by Stephen King's surprise forays into the otherworldly to keep things intriguing.
On the negative, I wish Frankie's character had been fleshed out more. It's tough to be concerned about a child's murder, no matter how vivid or terrible, if you don't know anything about him.
Maitland's daughters are in the same boat. Stephen King is known for realistically bringing the children in his stories to life, but this novel was left on a set level because it is an adult work, and the author may have believed it was best to maintain it that way.
Within the first few pages, the outstanding author has the reader hooked. Throughout the novel, there are brutal depictions of the instigating incident.
In numerous passages, there are also descriptions of other acts of violence and physical intimacy. So, if any of these offends you, or if you plan to give this book to any children, don't buy it.
I was around hundred pages into the book when I realized the author had written himself into a corner. I thought, there doesn't appear to be a way out of this problem. However, in true Stephen King fashion, he does escape and tells a terrific story.
There are two situations in the novel that I consider to be life-changing. They're called such because these types of scenarios might terrify a reader or spectator to change the way they do certain things in life.
The Jaws, for example, changed many people's lives when they were always looking about in the sea because the pictures of those massive jaws were engraved in their minds.
The same goes with the bedroom scene with "Gracie" and the toilet scene with "Hoskins" in this book. Let's just say these two will make you peek behind the shower curtain before getting down to business in the morning.
Characters get linked to or identified with by the majority of readers. Usually, the protagonist or one of his or her supporting characters is chosen first. Ralph and Holly were both interesting characters.
Claude, Lovie, and Yune, on the other hand, were my picks. I never imagined that when I first read about Claude, he would come back later in the novel with such significance.
Through Lovie's narration, The author brought the Marysville Hole story to life. You could almost see her retelling the events as a black-and-white film.
One of my favorite authors is Stephen King. Since the beginning, I've been reading his novels. I like all of his works, but the Dark Tower Series is one of my favorites.
Some of his stories aren't as powerful as others, but overall, I enjoy his work. I'll tell you why: it's all because of his characters! No other author can create a character like him! He puts you in their heads, and you can't help but become one of them for the course of the novel.
Consider Cujo or The Long Walk and tell me you didn't see yourself in the protagonist's shoes or in Cujo's case the paws. And he doesn't disappoint in The Outsider either.
I loved his Bill Hodges Series, and even though Bill is no longer in the picture, we get to see Holly again in this book, plus he introduces some new characters who I believe we will see again in the future.
The first part of the book is filled with perplexing mysteries! I was driving myself insane trying to find out how this was possible! Of course, the authorities were also looking into the horrific murder of a child.
And then, Stephen King's usual supernatural twist appears in the second half. For a time, I was scared that the supernatural would drag the novel into the ludicrous and leave me unsatisfied, but it genuinely kept me intrigued and on track until the conclusion. It wasn't overly extravagant. If you like Bill Hodges novels, you should enjoy this one as well.
Final Thoughts:
I adored every word, and I was enthralled when a character from another novel was introduced in this one, and it made me pleased to know that this story is part of Stephen King's vast universe that he has been building for so long.
It's another fantastic novel that also happens to be horrifying. This novel, like most of Stephen King's, is difficult to put down. A small-town married man is arrested for the gruesome death of little Frankie Peterson, creating mystery and suspense.
The novel opens with a juxtaposition of police interrogation transcripts and narrative, giving the reader the impression that this person did it, but that he couldn't have done it.
This may not go down in history as one of the author's masterpieces, but it demonstrates that he is still a master of the genre and a great craftsman at generating gripping fiction.
Overall, The Outsider was a thrilling experience. It isn't as good as Misery, 11-23-63, The Stand, IT, and other similar masterpieces.
However, you can't expect an artist's next book or film to be as good as or better than his or her past work. This is a novel that Stephen King lovers will like. It's well worth your time to read.
Synopsis:
“Now an HBO limited series starring Ben Mendelsohn!
Evil has many faces…maybe even yours in this #1 New York Times bestseller from master storyteller Stephen King.
An eleven-year-old boy’s violated corpse is discovered in a town park. Eyewitnesses and fingerprints point unmistakably to one of Flint City’s most popular citizens—Terry Maitland, Little League coach, English teacher, husband, and father of two girls. Detective Ralph Anderson, whose son Maitland once coached, orders a quick and very public arrest. Maitland has an alibi, but Anderson and the district attorney soon have DNA evidence to go with the fingerprints and witnesses. Their case seems ironclad.
As the investigation expands and horrifying details begin to emerge, King’s story kicks into high gear, generating strong tension and almost unbearable suspense. Terry Maitland seems like a nice guy, but is he wearing another face? When the answer comes, it will shock you as only Stephen King can.”
Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:
Ben Mendelsohn, Bill Camp, Bill Hodges, Character Development, Edge Of Your Seat, Good Read, Great Read, Highly Recommend, Hodges Trilogy, Holly Gibney, Jeremy Bobb, King Novel, Murder Mystery, Twists And Turns, Well Written
Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.
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The Outsider (2020) (TV-MA)
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