A review by storyorc
Misery by Stephen King

challenging dark emotional tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

When Steven King wants you to be uncomfortable, you will be uncomfortable. Biggest (pleasant) surprise is that this is a more compelling insight into Steven King's thoughts on writing than his actual memoir, On Writing.

Annie and Paul are forever showing us new layers, making Misery a page-turning character study despite the slim cast. Both are at times repulsive, sometimes even while being relatable, and at times impressive. Annie's fickle moods are a curiosity and a terror in themselves; she deserves to be on all the villain toplists for depth and depravity both.

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