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The Dead Zone Review

Stephen King, Classic, Contemporary, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Media Tie-In, Psychic, Psychic, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Thriller

The Dead Zone

Published: 30, August 1979
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Classic, Contemporary, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Media Tie-In, Psychic, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Stephen King's The Dead Zone is a science fiction thriller novel. The tale follows Johnny Smith, who recovers from a nearly five-year coma and, presumably as a result of brain injury, suddenly has clairvoyant and precognitive visions activated by touch. When any information is prevented from his view, Johnny refers to it as being stuck in the "dead zone" of his brain, which is permanently ruined. The narrative also chronicles a serial killer in Castle Rock, as well as the lives of rising politician Greg Stillson, both of whom Johnny must finally confront.

This book contains some of the firsts about Stephen King and his created universe. Though previous Stephen King novels had been popular, The Dead Zone was the first of his to rank in the top 10 best-selling novels in the United States. 

In 1980, the book was nominated for a Locus Award and dedicated to Stephen King's son Owen. The Dead Zone is author's first tale to include the fictional town of Castle Rock, which serves as the backdrop for numerous subsequent novels and is mentioned in others. 

The TV show Castle Rock is set in this imaginary town and has references to the Strangler, whom Johnny assisted in tracking down in The Dead Zone.

The Dead Zone is Stephen King's seventh novel and his fifth published under his own name. The novel was adapted into a film in 1983, as well as a television series.

This tale is less horror and more science fiction with a touch of the otherworldly. What I like the most about this work was the growth of its main character, Johnny Smith. 

The author emotionally takes the reader into Johnny's existence and his gift/curse of being able to perceive events in the future. 

In this approach, he gives Johnny's character depth, and there are numerous instances where you can understand and sympathize with what he has to go through.

What would you do if you had the ability to predict and see future events, both good and bad? Is this something you'd like to know? Is this a blessing or a curse? These are the questions that the reader will ponder while they read The Dead Zone. 

Johnny has the ability to foresee catastrophic, often painful, or scary future events. He feels a feeling of duty in attempting to change the course of events. 

Despite his talent, Johnny comes off as a regular guy who just wants to live a normal life and find joy and contentment. 

When he enters "the dead zone," he gains the power to perceive future occurrences. When the general public learns of Johnny's skills, his life becomes a bit of a spectacle. 

Some people call him a weirdo. Some people write to him and seek for his assistance. Those close to him strive to assist him in returning home.

The essence of the narrative, in my opinion, was simply Johnny's adjustment to life and his newfound "talent" in the aftermath of the catastrophe. 

However, there are two major conflicts and subplots in this novel. One of them involves a mystery serial murderer who is terrorizing a tiny neighborhood and preying on children and young ladies. When the cops are desperate, they seek Johnny's assistance. 

The novel's main antagonist, Greg Stillson, a local turned politician, and presidential contender, is at the center of the second battle. 

Greg Stillson may be human in appearance, but he's every bit as terrifying as any beast, hideous creature, or monstrosity from other Stephen King tales. 

Johnny's gut feelings warn him there's something really wrong with this individual, and when he sees what the future has in store, it's down to Johnny to use his gift.

Nonetheless, The Dead Zone is an emotional and thrilling story. The final events—all of the events leading up to the climactic encounter between good (Johnny Smith) and evil (Greg Stillson)—are brilliant and extremely dramatic. By the conclusion of the novel, Stephen King has truly dragged you in.

This book has political content, which is why I need to express the following things; however, it is up to the reader to determine whether or not they agree with what I stated. I believe that many people do not like to read about politics, and I used to be one of them, but now I believe that it is better to know what is going on and not be a puppet or a sheep that follows the shepherd since the shepherd might take the sheep to be sheered or slain. Simply listen to both sides of the story and use your intellect to determine which is right.

This is a rather fast-paced story that makes you flip every page by saying "just a little bit more and I'll stop," but you still keep reading till you fall asleep.

As you'd expect from a master storyteller, there's tremendous character development, fantastic narrative, amazing vocabulary, and it's difficult to put down. 

Basically everything you could desire from a novel. There isn't much in the way of gore, but it wasn't really about gore, so it's not gruesome.


Final Thoughts

The Dead Zone has it all: emotions, psychological terror, the supernatural, mystery, and excitement. 

It outperforms several of the author's previous works in terms of literary merit. Although it is not frequently considered as one of his better novels, this is, in my view, Stephen King's greatest work in this style and genre.

There is also a fair blend of topical events and politics from the mid to late 1970s, and one gets the impression that the author is nostalgic about his early adulthood. 

This, I felt, was a good addition since it made the novel feel more genuine, as if the reader, knowing how events in the universe would unfold, has a kind of precognitive talent alongside the main character. 

I realized that reading this novel can make readers desire to read more of Stephen King's works, and I highly recommend that you try it even if you have never read a single book by this author.

I believe the author's early works are just wonderful, as is the case for this novel; it may be nostalgia, but it is still Stephen King, and it is extremely uncommon for him to make a narrative that is not flawless for at least one reader. 

If you liked Carrie, Salem's Lot, and The Shining, you won't be disappointed with this amazing treasure.


Synopsis

“Set in the fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine

A #1 New York Times bestseller about a man who wakes up from a five-year coma able to see people’s futures and the terrible fate awaiting mankind—a “compulsive page-turner” (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution).

Johnny Smith awakens from a five-year coma after his car accident and discovers that he can see people’s futures and pasts when he touches them. Many consider his talent a gift; Johnny feels cursed. His fiancée married another man during his coma and people clamor for him to solve their problems.

When Johnny has a disturbing vision after he shakes the hand of an ambitious and amoral politician, he must decide if he should take drastic action to change the future. With “powerful tension that holds the reader to the story like a pin to a magnet” (The Houston Post), The Dead Zone is a “faultlessly paced…continuously engrossing” (Los Angeles Times) novel of second sight.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Brooke Adams, Car Accident, Castle Rock, Christopher Walken, David Cronenberg, Debra Hill, Dino De Laurentiis, Greg Stillson, Herbert Lom, James Franco, Jeffrey Chernov, Johnny Smith, King At His Best, Martin Sheen, Salem's Lot, See The Future, Serial Killer, Tom Skerritt, Wheel Of Fortune


Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

The Dead Zone (1983) (R)

Misery (1990) (R)

Carrie (1976) (R)

Firestarter (1984) (R)

Mr. Mercedes Season 01 (2017) (TV-MA)

Thinner (1996) (R)

The Running Man (1987) (R)

The Dark Half (1993) (R)

The Green Mile (1999) (16+)

Salem’s Lot (1979) (G)

Salem’s Lot: The Miniseries (2004) (NR)

The Dark Tower 8 Book Boxed Set (Paperback)

The Dark Tower (2017) (PG-13)

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Night Shift Review

Stephen King, American, Anthologies, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Short Stories, Supernatural, Thriller

Night Shift

Published: February 1978
Author: Stephen King
Genre: American, Anthologies, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Short Stories, Supernatural, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Stephen King's debut collection of short works, Night Shift, earned the Balrog Award for Best Collection and was nominated for the Locus Award and the World Fantasy Award for Best Collection in 1979. It is Stephen King's fifth novel, following the publication of Rage under the alias Richard Bachman.

The first book for which Stephen King wrote a preface was Night Shift. John D. MacDonald, one of Stephen King's favorite authors, wrote the introduction.

This book is one of the treasures of Deja Vu and memories that are embedded in my mind because this book's short stories were adopted multiple times into films and television and if you watched those movies at a young age then you'll understand what I'm saying but if you don't then read the book and you will surely understand because chances are you must have watched many of these movies without knowing about it.

Some of the stories have been adapted into comic books, podcasts, and stage productions. Some are warped and twisted beyond recognition, yet a sharp eye can still recognize the work of Stephen King.

Nine of the twenty tales were first published in Cavalier Magazine issues from 1970 to 1975, while others appeared in Penthouse, Cosmopolitan, Gallery, Ubris, and Maine Magazine. 

Stephen King's debut short story collection is an excellent depiction of his work. This collection contains several introductions to the author's world, as well as references to many recognized sites and people from his later works.

It also includes several pieces that are quite different from the Stephen King we've come to know and love. A number of these masterpieces are quite sad and add a new perspective to our dear author.

In this book, the stories "Jerusalem's Lot," "Quitters, Inc.," "The Last Rung on the Ladder," and "The Woman in the Room" were published for the first time.

Both Children of the Corn and Trucks were transformed into bad movies, yet they function well as short stories. Children of the Corn is the better of the two, focusing on the lonely village rather than the children, and it also has some excellent horrible images near the conclusion. 

I'm eager to come through each one individually, but suffice it to say that they're practically all good. 

Some serious Stephen King fans may be apprehensive to read these works in a current world when the book has entirely overtaken the short story. Don't make this error. This is some of his finest work by the author.

I never wanted to read short tales before, but Stephen King changed my mind with books like this, and now I don't mind if a narrative is only two pages long since you can build any context and even the aftermath in your thoughts once the rapid thrill on the page is done.

This is a list of 20 short stories from this book, organized alphabetically rather than in the order in which they appear in the book. I have added information about movie adaptations as well as any other valuable information about the narrative under the story name.

1 - Battleground
It is a fantasy short story that first appeared in the September 1972 issue of Cavalier magazine and was later collected in Stephen King's 1978 collection Night Shift. 

Richard Christian Matheson turned "Battleground" into a teleplay for the Nightmares & Dreamscapes television series (Name of another great Stephen King short story collection.) 

The episode directed by Brian Henson and featuring William Hurt as Renshaw the assassin debuted on July 12, 2006. The entire episode is devoid of conversation. 

One of my favorite stories and TV episodes in these volumes. The tale makes you think in two ways; sometimes I was rooting for the main character, and other times I was rooting for the other boys, which was thrilling to watch as a movie/TV program with my cousins and brother. 

After reading it, I recommend viewing it with friends or family for maximum fun. Check out the 8-part series here: https://rebrand.ly/Nightmares-Dreamscapes-2006-18


2 - Children of the Corn
It is a short tale that initially appeared in the March 1977 issue of Penthouse and was subsequently included in the 1978 collection Night Shift. 

The plot revolves around a couple who find themselves in an abandoned Nebraska community inhabited by a cult of violent youngsters who worship a demon that resides in the nearby cornfields. 

The narrative was translated into multiple films, generating a horror feature film series that began in 1984. 

The story was published in Stephen King's book Stephen King Goes to the Movies in 2009. It made reference to Gatlin. Hemingford Home, a nearby village to Gatlin, was also the place in "1922" where Mother Abagail lived and picked up the good survivors of the super virus in The Stand. 

I've just included the first adoption here, but you can search for rest at the same link: https://rebrand.ly/Children-of-the-Corn-1984-R


3 - Graveyard Shift
It was initially published in Cavalier magazine in October 1970 and collected in Stephen King's book Night Shift in 1978. 

The story was adapted into a hilariously terrible film, is surprisingly effective. The plot centers on the struggle between Hall and his boss, Warwick, and keeps the rat substance in small, but still lethal, dosages. 

A terrifying trip into the murky world of corporate greed and power. Graveyard Shift is set in a tiny Maine town, with most of the action taking place at a textile factory. 

Here's the link to the movie adaptation: https://rebrand.ly/Graveyard-Shift-1990-R


4 - Gray Matter
It is a short tale that first appeared in the October 1973 edition of Cavalier magazine and was subsequently included in the 1978 collection Night Shift. 

The narrative takes place in the same setting as Stephen King's novel Dreamcatcher. It is also set in the It universe. 

Jesse C. Boyd, Christopher Nathan, Adrienne Barbeau, Giancarlo Esposito, and Tobin Bell feature in the premiere episode of the 2019 Shudder anthology web series Creepshow, which is based on the Gray Matter tale. 

Here's where you may find the first season of the show: https://rebrand.ly/Creepshow-2019-TV-MA


5 - I Am the Doorway
It is a science fiction short tale that was initially published in Cavalier magazine in March 1971 and then collected in Night Shift in 1978. Many adoptions are accessible, but I was unable to locate any reliable sources; nevertheless, as soon as I do, I will update this section.


6 - I Know What You Need
It is a fantasy/horror short tale that was initially published in Cosmopolitan in September 1976 and then collected in Night Shift in 1978. 

The Necronomicon from the Cthulhu Mythos is one of Ed's novels in this story and that is a nice touch. 

The 1973 oil crisis and The Godfather are discussed; the narrative takes place between 1973 and 1974. 

A brief version of the adoption is available, but I couldn't find a safe link; I'll update you as soon as I discover one.


7 - Jerusalem's Lot
It is a clear Lovecraft depiction. It doesn't quite equal his finest work, but it's terrific and avoids being overly derivative. '

The story was also included in the illustrated edition of Stephen King novel Salem's Lot, published in 1975. 

The author enhances Stoker's Lair of the White Worm with some cosmic horror. The narrative short tale "Jerusalem's Lot" is set in the imaginary village of Preacher's Corners in Cumberland County, Maine, circa 1850. 

The story is conveyed through a series of letters and journal entries, most of which are written by the main character, nobleman Charles Boone, though his manservant, Calvin McCann, also serves as narrator on occasion. 

The narrative style is well-crafted, and I appreciate the mix. It serves as a precursor to Salem's Lot. 

For the first season of the TV adaption, click here: https://rebrand.ly/Chapelwaite-2021-TV-MA


8 - Night Surf
It is a post-apocalyptic short tale that was initially published in the spring 1969 edition of Ubris magazine and then collected in Stephen King's 1978 collection Night Shift in a revised form. 

I believe that if you can delve deep enough, you will be able to sense the COVID-19 Vibes here and what mankind is up to. 

In 2001, writer-director Peter Sullivan translated "Night Surf" into a short film. The film, which was optioned from the author for $1, is part of the Dollar Baby series of similar short films.


9 - One for the Road
It's a short tale that initially appeared in Maine in March/April 1977, and was then collected in Night Shift in 1978. 

This tale is a sequel to Stephen King's 1975 novel "Salem's Lot," and it is also linked to the novella "Jerusalem's Lot," which is a prequel to both and appears in Night Shift. 

Both stories were eventually included in the Salem's Lot Illustrated Edition, which was published in 2005.


10 - Quitters, Inc.
It's a short tale from the Night Shift collection from 1978. Unlike the bulk of the other stories in this collection, it was previously unpublished until February 1978 under Doubleday Publishing. 

This short story is one of author's lesser-known works, yet it was included in Edward D. Hoch's collection of Best detective stories of the year in 1979. 

The narrative concerns Dick Morrison's discovery of Quitters, Inc.'s harsh enforcement techniques, which he hires to help him stop smoking. 

This short tale, like most of the author's writing, has elements of horror fiction and satire, with the goal of inducing sensations of anxiety and tension in the reader. 

Because I am allergic to smoke, one of my favorite stories is the Quitters, Inc. I want cigarettes to be prohibited as dangerous drugs because the impact is the same on smokers, who are unaware that they are dying a slow painful death while also causing people like me to suffer from secondhand smoke. 

Cat's Eye, a 1985 American anthology horror film, was based on the story. This film was not only based on this story; it also included The Ledge from the same book. I discovered numerous versions of this story in other languages, but I think this film to be the most accurate and authentic, therefore I'm just posting the link to it here: https://rebrand.ly/Cats-Eye-1985-PG-13


11 - Sometimes They Come Back
Another short tale that initially appeared in Cavalier in March 1974 and was eventually collected in Night Shift in 1978. 

This is perhaps one of my favorite tale in this collection. It's one of the most intensely melancholy pieces the author's ever written, with a few novel twists on the familiar retribution from beyond the dead subject. 

The first full-length feature film adaptation of this story can be found here: https://rebrand.ly/Sometimes-They-Come-Back-1991-18


12 - Strawberry Spring
It's a horror short tale that first appeared in Ubris magazine's fall 1968 issue and was collected in Night Shift in 1978. 

It is a novel involving a sequence of killings on a college campus, has a somewhat obvious finish, but it has enough atmosphere to be a very amazing narrative in its own right. It has a surprising finale if you don't get it during the story. 


13 - The Boogeyman
It is a short tale that was initially published in the March 1973 edition of Cavalier and then included in the Night Shift collection in 1978. 

This may cause your hair to stand up, particularly at the end. I discovered a couple of films with the same title, but they are not adaptations of this story, therefore I have not included the links to those films. 

Hulu plans to make a film adaption of the same name in 2023. Sophie Thatcher, Chris Messina, David Dastmalchian, Marin Ireland, Vivien Lyra Blair, and Madison Hu feature in the film, which was written by Mark Heyman and directed by Rob Savage. So be ready, and I'll provide the link as soon as it's available.


14 - The Last Rung on the Ladder
It's a short tale from the Night Shift collection from 1978. This is another of the author's stories that is linked to a number of others, like as Larry recalls growing up on a farm near Hemingford Home, Nebraska, with his sister. 

During The Stand, this is also the town where Mother Abagail dwells. Also the town next door to Gatlin, where "Children of the Corn" takes place and it occurs in It to introduce Ben Hanscom. In Cell, it is discussed. Hemingford Home is also the setting for "1922" from Full Dark, No Stars.


15 - The Lawnmower Man
It's a short tale that initially appeared in the May 1975 edition of Cavalier and was then collected in Night Shift in 1978. 

The following is a link to the movie: https://rebrand.ly/The-Lawnmower-Man-1992-18


16 - The Ledge
It's a short tale that initially appeared in the July 1976 edition of Penthouse and was then included in the Night Shift collection in 1978. 

It was also included in the anthology film Cat's Eye, and the following is a link to it: https://rebrand.ly/Cats-Eye-1985-PG-13


17 - The Man Who Loved Flowers
It's a short tale that initially appeared in Gallery in August 1977 and was then collected in Night Shift in 1978. The plot follows a young man who buys flowers for his love interest, but he turns out to be someone you don't want to meet.


18 - The Mangler
It is a short tale that was initially published in Cavalier magazine in December 1972 and then collected in Night Shift in 1978. 

This is an odd one because it's about a possessed industrial dryer/folder. It has an inadvertently black-comic air to it, as well as some of the most violent, unsettling violence I've read from him. Being murdered by one of those things would entail being crushed and scalded at the same time. I'm sure it's not pleasant. 

The story takes place in an American town, with the majority of the action taking place in an industrial laundry. 

The author has revealed that he worked in an industrial laundry as one of the numerous jobs he performed to support his family before becoming famous. 

The initial movie adoption can be accessed here: https://rebrand.ly/The-Mangler-1995-R


19 - The Woman in the Room
It is a short tale that was originally published in the Night Shift collection in 1978. 

While not a horror story, it is one of the darkest and most heartbreaking pieces in the collection. It's about a man's effort to euthanize his terminally sick mother, and plainly reflects on author's mother's gradual death.

Real-life horrors frequently outnumber what humans can conceive. It's difficult to deal with death. 

It is, in some ways, tied to the author's own life, much like a lot of the other things he writes that makes readers' hearts explode with the sorrow of truth.


20 - Trucks
It is a short tale that was initially published in Cavalier magazine in June 1973 and then collected in Night Shift in 1978. 

Two films have been made based on the narrative. Maximum Overdrive, directed by Stephen King, was released in 1986 as a film adaptation. 

It was remade again in 1997 as the television film Trucks, starring Timothy Busfield, which was filmed on a far lesser budget than Maximum Overdrive but was far more loyal to the original tale. 

Here are the two links: 


Final Thoughts

This book is an excellent display for the young Stephen King's versatility, who is too frequently branded as having solely written gruesome stories, an idea he addresses in a hilarious and instructive introduction. 

The stories are all nicely written and different enough that each seems new and separate from the others. 

Furthermore, author's brilliance is evident as several of the story's foundations are flimsy, yet Stephen King deftly closes them before the narratives break apart or become too ridiculous. 

Instead, the plots are typically dramatic and precise, like a good Twilight Zone or Outer Limits episode. 

This collection is a must-have for lovers of the author's work, as well as aficionados of the horror and science fiction genres in general. Even if you are not a lover of those genres, this book is still worth reading.


Synopsis

“Stephen King’s first collection of short stories showcases the darkest depths of his brilliant imagination and will "chill the cockles of many a heart" (Chicago Tribune). Featuring “Jerusalem’s Lot," the basis for the upcoming tv series Chapelwaite.

Here we see mutated rats gone bad (“Graveyard Shift”); a cataclysmic virus that threatens humanity (“Night Surf,” the basis for The Stand); a possessed, evil lawnmower (“The Lawnmower Man”); unsettling children from the heartland (“Children of the Corn”); a smoker who will try anything to stop (“Quitters, Inc.”); a reclusive alcoholic who begins a gruesome transformation (“Gray Matter”); and many more shadows and visions that will haunt you long after the last page is turned.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Come Back, Graveyard Shift, Jerusalems Lot, Last Rung, Lawnmower Man, Rung On The Ladder, Salem's Lot, Sometimes They Come, Strawberry Spring


Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

Misery (1990) (R)

Carrie (1976) (R)

Firestarter (1984) (R)

Mr. Mercedes Season 01 (2017) (TV-MA)

Thinner (1996) (R)

The Running Man (1987) (R)

The Dark Half (1993) (R)

The Green Mile (1999) (16+)

Salem’s Lot (1979) (G)

Salem’s Lot: The Miniseries (2004) (NR)

The Dark Tower 8 Book Boxed Set (Paperback)

The Dark Tower (2017) (PG-13)

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Duma Key Review

Stephen King, America, Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Occult, Parenting, Psychological, Relationships, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Duma Key

Published: 22, January 2008
Author: Stephen King
Genre: American, Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Occult, Parenting, Psychological, Relationships, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Stephen King's Duma Key is a supernatural mystery thriller novel. The book reached number one on the New York Times Best Seller List. It is Stephen King's first novel set in Florida and/or Minnesota. The dust cover includes holographic writing, which varies depending on the edition.

This is a slow-burning masterpiece, in my opinion. It's beautifully written, but it takes a while to get to the main excellent part that many of Stephen King's supernatural followers are looking for. 

Page after page of description is provided by the author. While the plot is intriguing, about half of the book is devoted to the character's recuperation from his injury. 

The ghost narrative doesn't truly begin until around halfway through the book. If I had to compare it to any of the author's previous works, I'd say it has a Bag of Bones vibe to it, which I also liked. It's already on my list of favorite Stephen King novels; it's a little sluggish, but it's still a pretty fantastic read.

Even though the setting and parts of the facts in this story are made up, they fit into the overall image, and I have already read it twice. As usual, author goes beyond the typical horror or mystery thriller. 

He provides tremendous insight into psychological origins, as well as a ruthless yet empathetic and oftentimes tongue-in-cheek critique of current American society, which makes his supernatural-oriented horror stories so haunting: they are grounded in everyday life! This novel is no different and is an excellent read.

What follows is intended for readers who, like myself, have been desensitized or used to gore and terror to the point of feeling nothing. If you're looking for a good, scary, gory fright-fest along the lines of Clive Barker's Candyman, Fright Night, or William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist, you won't find it here. 

While it is scary and atmospheric, and there are some creepy moments, this novel was an only mildly interesting character study. It was about one man's journey to rediscover himself and reclaim his sense of purpose and value after being brutally injured in a rare accident.

What I wrote in the preceding paragraphs does not apply to readers who are easily frightened. Because many of the chapters in this book will shock you, so avoid reading it near the beach or at night. 

That being said, and as dull as that may or may not be depending on your own sensitivities, ideas, and point of view, this narrative is also about spirits and some history of southern America, namely Florida and the Gulf Coast. 

The ghost tale, history, and suspenseful parts keep you guessing while going off on tangents and detours, are what caught my attention and kept me reading, and it is what and how a great narrative is written.

The most exciting portion occurred right at the end, following a lengthy build-up. I've read the paperback and listened to the Audiobook. Both are amazing, but the tale, in particular, captivated me. 

I read a lot and have read a lot of books as a consequence, and I've discovered that my capacity to become lost in a tale has grown with each word I read or listen to. 

I've also discovered that the author in me is growing better at absorbing the ideas and knowledge that these great and even lesser-known writers provide in their work. 

I'll say it again, as I have in previous reviews of Stephen King's books: his ability to create such genuine and down-to-earth characters never ceases to surprise me. 

They spring off the page, walk, speak, think, and feel, and I do all of these things with them every step of the way. 

I get to know and care about these people from the start. He writes his characters with authenticity and tenderness, yet never drawing a line or stopping short. Every imperfection and weakness is as vividly portrayed as every quality.

A number of my reader friends thought the story's narrative went into the strange and insane. Perhaps it does, but I stayed on that journey till the finish and enjoyed every minute of it, and each minute seemed as authentic and real to me as the previous one. 

One of the things I like most about Stephen King as an author is that he is not afraid to dig into the abnormal and the insane, and he is never hesitant to write things that no one else would think of writing. 

He transports readers to places, universes, and dimensions that no other author would or could even if similar things happened to them.

One of my favorites of his stories is The Langoliers, which is absolutely implausible and insane, but I've read and listened to the audio version of that story several times. 

No other author that I've read writes the stories that he does. So, while the novel does take a bizarre turn, trust me when I say it's worth the journey.

Duma Key was also a favorite of mine because it was situated in Florida. I've never been to Florida, but I've lived quite close to the beach for many years (less than ten minutes walk away), but now I'm more than an hour away and can't go as frequently as I used to. 

I miss the environment, the ocean, the sand beneath my feet, and the breeze on my face. I'm glad I read this book in its entirety on the beach; otherwise, it would have made me miss the beach even more.

The main character has lost his arm, and the ways in which he has to adapt and function, what he feels and how he forgets and then recalls, are all rendered so genuine that I feel as if I now know what it's like to lose a limb. 

Even though I never want to encounter phantom limbs in my life, and I genuinely hope no one else does, I felt that the subject of phantom limbs was almost cleared up for me. This, and other Duma Key-related things, have lingered with me long after I've set it down and listened to the audio.


Final Thoughts

This seemed more like old-school Stephen King to me. What terrifies us the most is what emerges from our own imaginations. 

The Shining, for example. I recall reading late one night when camping with the wind blowing and the trees scratching; this story accomplishes the same with the waves and sounds the water and shells produce while sitting on a pier. 

I actually read it on the beach, which was a wonderful setting for this book and narrative. My beach days would have been jeopardized and ruined if I had been a weak-hearted or easily scared person. 

I used to read a lot of novels on the beach, and not only during the day; on many occasions, but I also remained up all night to complete a book that I had begun, and I enjoyed it even more because of the atmosphere.

This story reminded me of Stephen King's ability to make you doubt the things you hear in the middle of the night and assume you know what they are.

An excellent read, but it is dependent on the reader's preferences, which is why I was unable to give full marks and recommendations.

Synopsis

“When Edgar Freemantle moves to the remote island of Duma Key to escape his past, he doesn't expect to find much there. But Duma has been waiting for him, and something in the view from his window urges him to discover a talent he never knew he had. Edgar Freemantle begins to paint. And as he paints, the island's secrets begin to stir. Secrets of children lost in the undertow, of a ghost ship riding the distant horizon - and a family's buried past reaching long hands into the present.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Bag Of Bones, Character Development, Dark Tower, Edgar Freemantle, Highly Recommend, King At His Best, King Novel, Liseys Story, Long Time, Page Turner, Salems Lot


Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 90/100 Yes.

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