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dark
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As always, King tells a great story, with a complex plot and interesting characters. He crafts the time travel well, usually a difficult task to keep realistic within the parameters of the tale. His writing is clear and direct, not overblown.
King’s in-depth research resulted in details that bring the past to life - TV shows, advertisements, hair products, clothing styles, food. The cursing didn’t seem in keeping, though. My parents were the same generation as Jake, the protagonist and I don’t think middle class people would have cursed; they certainly wouldn’t have used the more vulgar words. (I’m not against cursing at all, but I don’t think it fits with the characters.)
Unfortunately, the book is bloated. It would have been better if it were about a third shorter. Also, as with all stories with annoying characters, I just wanted to shake Jake and tell him to get on with it.
I’m glad I read it and I think the story and the details are good but it was just way too long.
King’s in-depth research resulted in details that bring the past to life - TV shows, advertisements, hair products, clothing styles, food. The cursing didn’t seem in keeping, though. My parents were the same generation as Jake, the protagonist and I don’t think middle class people would have cursed; they certainly wouldn’t have used the more vulgar words. (I’m not against cursing at all, but I don’t think it fits with the characters.)
Unfortunately, the book is bloated. It would have been better if it were about a third shorter. Also, as with all stories with annoying characters, I just wanted to shake Jake and tell him to get on with it.
I’m glad I read it and I think the story and the details are good but it was just way too long.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicide, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Police brutality, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
You always know what you're going to get with a Stephen King: a male writer protagonist in the midst of an existential crisis who has to look back into the past—whether his or someone else's—to learn why he is the way he is and how to be a better man. Wasn't my favorite King, but would categorize as one of the more romantic books I've ever read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Car accident, Murder