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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
MEH. Couldn't even tell you what happened for 80% of this. Almost DNF'd so many times. Giving the extra star because I'm aware this could just be a reader issue rather than book. Also this is my first Stephen King so maybe I just wasn't used to his style? I'll try again at a later time but wow I'm glad I'm done with this for now.
Unrelated note (not about the content): the book under the dust jacket is gorgeous.
Unrelated note (not about the content): the book under the dust jacket is gorgeous.
I so wanted to love this book. But I just couldn't get past the CONSTANT reminders of Lisey and Scott's inside jokes and the use of the word "smucking."
Also, I thought it was weird. Which is obviously odd to say about King, as he is the king of weird. I usually am completely able to immerse myself in whatever world King builds for me, but this time I just couldn't suspend disbelief.
I did appreciate Lisey's journey of grief and her search for answers, as I am married and love my husband and would be lost if he died, but beyond that I was mostly annoyed.
Also, I thought it was weird. Which is obviously odd to say about King, as he is the king of weird. I usually am completely able to immerse myself in whatever world King builds for me, but this time I just couldn't suspend disbelief.
I did appreciate Lisey's journey of grief and her search for answers, as I am married and love my husband and would be lost if he died, but beyond that I was mostly annoyed.
Lisey trying to come to terms with her famous author husband's life and death while dealing with a mentally ill sister.
this was largely a neat idea, some fun complexities... but not phenom
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
4.75 STARS. 1/4 star reduction because I was so utterly confused this entire time and had no idea what was going on or what would happen next. But that’s almost the whole point — why WOULD I understand the inner workings and language of a marriage I’m not part of? Absolutely brilliant writing, storytelling, and character development.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Rape, Self harm, Sexual violence, Suicide, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
I have a great deal of respect and admiration for Stephen King. He is creative, prolific (almost to the point of insanity) and I feel highly underrated as a writer. But the thing that bugs me every time I read a King novel is that it seems that he is just kind of winging the plot as he goes. I realize lots of (most?) fiction authors do this to some extent and I believe King derives great enjoyment from this stream of consciousness plot development technique. I like the creativity and unique twists that he digs up this way ... I just hate knowing that he's doing it. Why? It prevents me from becoming engrossed in the story. Instead of being pulled further into the plot with each new twist I'm saying "wow, what was he smoking when he pulled this out?"
OK, rant notwithstanding, I liked this book. The first half was a bit slow but it picked up considerably around page 300 or so. I enjoyed speculating how close the relationship between Scott and Lisey Landon paralleled that between Stephen and Tabitha King.
OK, rant notwithstanding, I liked this book. The first half was a bit slow but it picked up considerably around page 300 or so. I enjoyed speculating how close the relationship between Scott and Lisey Landon paralleled that between Stephen and Tabitha King.
emotional
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
More like a 3.5. I actually thought the inner language of a relationship worked really well and the relationship was my favorite part of this one.
When I first read this book, it was hard to get into. The language is very different and the couple has a "secret language" of sorts that can be jarring at first. It wasn't overly scary or graphic, as King could usually be considered. It was more of a love story with a little darkness. I liked it, but not my favorite.
Now, months later, I find myself thinking a lot about the bond between Lisey and Scott. I imagine how I would feel after my significant other died. All the little inside jokes and our special "language" would be misunderstood and I would be the last translator. That line "I was lost in the dark and you found me. I was hot- so hot- and you gave me ice." haunts me. It's moving to become immersed with a couple that loves each other so fully, only to have one left alone. The book has a lot more significance if thought of as a romance novel. We all have dark pasts and ways of escaping trauma. This book is a peak into Scott's escape and how even after death, he can help his beloved Lisey escape as well.
It should also be noted that I am crazy emotional right now and everything makes me cry this week haha
Now, months later, I find myself thinking a lot about the bond between Lisey and Scott. I imagine how I would feel after my significant other died. All the little inside jokes and our special "language" would be misunderstood and I would be the last translator. That line "I was lost in the dark and you found me. I was hot- so hot- and you gave me ice." haunts me. It's moving to become immersed with a couple that loves each other so fully, only to have one left alone. The book has a lot more significance if thought of as a romance novel. We all have dark pasts and ways of escaping trauma. This book is a peak into Scott's escape and how even after death, he can help his beloved Lisey escape as well.
It should also be noted that I am crazy emotional right now and everything makes me cry this week haha
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes