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A review by sarahscupofcoffee
Misery by Stephen King
3.75
This is a very difficult book for me to review because I didn't love it... but I respect it? If this story was told by someone else, I may have enjoyed it more. I don't vibe with King's writing style, but I love his ideas, plots, and (in most cases) his well-developed characters.
Misery in particular was interesting to read because it's an allegory. Being a writer in the world of publishing is intense; you're hobbled, trapped in what makes you popular, and overall unable to write what you want. I know I'm probably missing other symbolic scenes (it's been a while since I studied literature), but I appreciated when I did pick up on.
I listened to the audiobook and I had to speed through some scenes that were just too much for me. I do not like body horror and there are a few things in here that made me squeamish and in need of a break. The psychological horror was interesting to follow and I do love how twisted King's mind is.
Speaking of the audiobook... okay, the narrator was great, but the format wasn't? I borrowed it through Libby, so I don't know if it was just the copy I was able to listen to, but it was just one really long file (no chapter breaks) and there were weird dinging sounds throughout. There were also really long pauses that made me think my app was glitching. I may be showing my age since I don't know when this audiobook was recorded, but they really took me out of the story.
It's also important to note that the ending was absolutely solid. I struggle with thriller/horror endings most of the time, but I really enjoyed the way King wrapped Misery up. Annie's death was brutal and kind of sick... but I was into it? She was such a crazy character, that it worked for her. And when they didn't find her body at the end. It had me gaping. Especially when Paul had the PTSD episode with her showing up in his apartment and dismembering him. I was gagged, but then we realize he just has huge PTSD symptoms and that she was found in the shed next to the chainsaw.
I have not watched this movie because I wanted to read the book first, so my sister and husband are going to join me in a movie night this weekend. <3
Misery in particular was interesting to read because it's an allegory. Being a writer in the world of publishing is intense; you're hobbled, trapped in what makes you popular, and overall unable to write what you want. I know I'm probably missing other symbolic scenes (it's been a while since I studied literature), but I appreciated when I did pick up on.
I listened to the audiobook and I had to speed through some scenes that were just too much for me. I do not like body horror and there are a few things in here that made me squeamish and in need of a break. The psychological horror was interesting to follow and I do love how twisted King's mind is.
Speaking of the audiobook... okay, the narrator was great, but the format wasn't? I borrowed it through Libby, so I don't know if it was just the copy I was able to listen to, but it was just one really long file (no chapter breaks) and there were weird dinging sounds throughout. There were also really long pauses that made me think my app was glitching. I may be showing my age since I don't know when this audiobook was recorded, but they really took me out of the story.
It's also important to note that the ending was absolutely solid. I struggle with thriller/horror endings most of the time, but I really enjoyed the way King wrapped Misery up.
I have not watched this movie because I wanted to read the book first, so my sister and husband are going to join me in a movie night this weekend. <3