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hollyko's review
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
mishafoo's review
4.0
This story doesn't have a point really. What left me in awe is how accurately he described dealing with Alzheimer's. My grandfather is dealing with the same thing in about the same progression and it amazes me just how real his characters feel. Gets me every time.
david611's review
4.0
A simple story of a father and son (who had dressed up as Batman and Robin on Halloween, years ago), wherein the son has to tolerate his father's problems, the latter who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Despite this, the story speaks about how a father (Batman) can come to the rescue of his son (Robin) at a troubling moment (in this case a situation of a road-rage), showing that care and love at a time of dementia exist. A well-written story but slow at it's beginning. The story also displays horror of what the son has to go through while taking care of the Alzheimer-ridden father. A heart-warming story. Recommended!
megan_blackett's review
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
calistareads's review
3.0
This is not a story I would pick up and read if it wasn't written by an author I love and in a collection of his. It's a story about a father and son and it's a very mundane event. The son is talking his Alzheimer suffering father out to lunch. They are Batman and Robin. Memories are shared and we see the sadness of the son losing his father to this horrible disease.
There is no supernatural element in this story. The altercation happen at the end of the story and it's such a simple thing that happens all the time.
The reason I love reading King's short stories is there are always stories I would never read. Stephen makes them interesting and enjoyable in some way to see someone else's life. This was well done and a simple good story.
I do think my favorite part was Stephen's explanation on how this story percolated in his mind and how it happened. He uses the metaphor of a cup and handle. A story needs a cup and handle. The Altercation was the cup. He saw it happen, but different. The handle came when he was eating in a restaurant and saw to men who looked like father and son and that was the handle. I think the handle is the way into the idea, at least that is what it means to me - a way into the characters.
This is in Bazaar of Bad Dreams and I do recommend this as good reading. It's worth your read.
There is no supernatural element in this story. The altercation happen at the end of the story and it's such a simple thing that happens all the time.
The reason I love reading King's short stories is there are always stories I would never read. Stephen makes them interesting and enjoyable in some way to see someone else's life. This was well done and a simple good story.
I do think my favorite part was Stephen's explanation on how this story percolated in his mind and how it happened. He uses the metaphor of a cup and handle. A story needs a cup and handle. The Altercation was the cup. He saw it happen, but different. The handle came when he was eating in a restaurant and saw to men who looked like father and son and that was the handle. I think the handle is the way into the idea, at least that is what it means to me - a way into the characters.
This is in Bazaar of Bad Dreams and I do recommend this as good reading. It's worth your read.
katiea714's review
4.0
Best short story out Bazaar of Bad Dreams so far. The characters were believable and realistic. The writing was meaningful and funny. I could read a novel about these characters.
cheyrivera's review
5.0
Stephen King's way of merging the lives and troubles of everyday people with his own personal brand of horror is what makes him succeed. He develops his characters so well that they feel real. You can relate to them, you empathize, and that's when he has you.
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