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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book starts with an intriguing mystery, and you're not sure exactly what's happening. Then maybe a little over halfway through the book you know exactly what's going on and what direction the story is going. I was hoping the end might throw a surprise in somewhere, but it didn't. Unfortunately the characters aren't interesting or complex enough to make up for the dullness of the last 200-300 pages. It was alright, definitely not my favorite Stephen King.
The May selection for the Constant Readers Book Club is Stephen King’s “The Dark Half.” It’s a re-read for me, as I first read it in 2018. I had forgotten quite a bit about the story, so I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting it.
Thad Beaumont, a writer, used the pen name George Stark to conceal his inability to write in his own name. For twelve years, Stark served as an alter ego. Now, with life changes such as marriage and the birth of infant twins, Beaumont is ready to reveal the truth about Stark. A magazine journalist writes an article about Beaumont, and the symbolic death of Stark is staged for thematic purposes. However, Stark is not entirely on board with this decision.
The story is set in Castle Rock, Maine, where Sheriff Alan Pangborn investigates the gruesome murder of a local man on his way home from the bowling alley. Fingerprints matching Beaumont are found at the scene. Pangborn visits Beaumont, and unexpectedly, he finds himself entangled in the most unimaginable scenario.
The Dark Half, a captivating King novel, boasts incredibly likable characters and a unique perspective on the concept of author pen names. It seamlessly weaves together classic horror elements that King is renowned for, while also enduring the test of time. While reading it this time, I kept thinking about King’s alter ego, Richard Bachman. I would love to engage in a conversation with King to learn of the real-life similarities between the characters in The Dark Half and King and Bachman. I’m curious to learn what insight my fellow book clubbers have on this intriguing aspect of the novel.
I have photos, videos, and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
<a href="https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-dark-half" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Book And A Dog</a>
Thad Beaumont, a writer, used the pen name George Stark to conceal his inability to write in his own name. For twelve years, Stark served as an alter ego. Now, with life changes such as marriage and the birth of infant twins, Beaumont is ready to reveal the truth about Stark. A magazine journalist writes an article about Beaumont, and the symbolic death of Stark is staged for thematic purposes. However, Stark is not entirely on board with this decision.
The story is set in Castle Rock, Maine, where Sheriff Alan Pangborn investigates the gruesome murder of a local man on his way home from the bowling alley. Fingerprints matching Beaumont are found at the scene. Pangborn visits Beaumont, and unexpectedly, he finds himself entangled in the most unimaginable scenario.
The Dark Half, a captivating King novel, boasts incredibly likable characters and a unique perspective on the concept of author pen names. It seamlessly weaves together classic horror elements that King is renowned for, while also enduring the test of time. While reading it this time, I kept thinking about King’s alter ego, Richard Bachman. I would love to engage in a conversation with King to learn of the real-life similarities between the characters in The Dark Half and King and Bachman. I’m curious to learn what insight my fellow book clubbers have on this intriguing aspect of the novel.
I have photos, videos, and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
<a href="https://abookandadog.com/blog/the-dark-half" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Book And A Dog</a>
I liked this book. (Minor spoiler) I like the idea of that of someone that you pretended to be and pretended to give a funeral for coming back to life as if they were a real person.
The description of George Stark is really creepy and scary, but that is Stephen King for you XD.
The description of George Stark is really creepy and scary, but that is Stephen King for you XD.
I was glad this didn't turn out to be the typical "evil twin/mistaken identity" trope that I've seen in a lot of media. Was a fun read.
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
There is some interest here for sure but nothing particular memorable other that more Alan content. Won’t be a king I’ll be recommending but not awful