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fujo_cat's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
I- What was this book??? I feel like Linda's ghost - the thing I thought would be the focus - was just brushed aside and suddenly "Oh there's this mystery and oh, I found the murderer randomly!!" By Talos this can't be happening
The pacing was bad to the point I had no idea how it was going to end because it looked like King suddenly forgot he was supposed to give this a conclusion and was like "oh shit, I gotta wrap it up ummmm how about he just suddenly solves the mystery" 🗿 the protagonist was very lame and I can never get used to reading King's view of horny teens/young adults (or maybe I'm just too asexual for it idk lmao) or sExY wOmEN in general; it rly makes me ✨ uncomfy✨it's the boomer writing for me
The pacing was bad to the point I had no idea how it was going to end because it looked like King suddenly forgot he was supposed to give this a conclusion and was like "oh shit, I gotta wrap it up ummmm how about he just suddenly solves the mystery" 🗿 the protagonist was very lame and I can never get used to reading King's view of horny teens/young adults (or maybe I'm just too asexual for it idk lmao) or sExY wOmEN in general; it rly makes me ✨ uncomfy✨
Hum, yeah, I'm kinda "eeeeh" about reading more of King's works after two huge letdowns (Gerald's Game and this one). Like, I remember absolutely loving Shining but honestly? I don't remember jack shit from it. I just feel that, although slow, it was better paced than this one. This one just feels kinda cheap idk
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore
Moderate: Ableism, Chronic illness, Cursing, Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death, Death, Drug use, Rape, Grief, Religious bigotry, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
werewolvesnotswearwolves's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Gun violence, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Eating disorder, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Blood, and Cultural appropriation
sheryl_macca's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Stephen king has the unique ability to give you the very essence of a character in just one sentence. With a single phrase, mannerism or stance his characters are living, breathing people in the readers mind.
This same skill is also translated to King's locations and settings. With Joyland, its name alone tells us this is an amusement park clinging on from a bygone age, we can picture the peeling paint and the tired costumes of the knock off characters. We can feel the irony and smell the desperation.
This incredible efficiency is clever, it's impactful and engrossing. It works incredibly well for King in all of his works but in a novella like Joyland it ensures that you still get the full novel experience in a much shorter read. Note: the copy I read had 178 pages.
Joyland is a spooky mystery about murder, heartbreak, grief and belonging. Like it's amusement park, Joyland is sad and old school but with a pure soul. It deserves so much more recognition amongst King's amazing back catalogue.
This same skill is also translated to King's locations and settings. With Joyland, its name alone tells us this is an amusement park clinging on from a bygone age, we can picture the peeling paint and the tired costumes of the knock off characters. We can feel the irony and smell the desperation.
This incredible efficiency is clever, it's impactful and engrossing. It works incredibly well for King in all of his works but in a novella like Joyland it ensures that you still get the full novel experience in a much shorter read. Note: the copy I read had 178 pages.
Joyland is a spooky mystery about murder, heartbreak, grief and belonging. Like it's amusement park, Joyland is sad and old school but with a pure soul. It deserves so much more recognition amongst King's amazing back catalogue.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Gun violence, Racism, Sexism, and Terminal illness
Minor: Death, Gore, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Medical content, and Grief
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