I consider Stephen King the "grandmaster" of horror, suspense and fantasy. His works have spanned numerous decades and brought with it countless classics. Earning him an astronomical, if not legendary, reputation in the world of modern literature. He has been a stellar influence on my writing style and continues to do so to this very day.
I will be covering many choice works from the master himself, but the one I wish to dissect today (no pun intended) is the 1987 psychological bestseller, Misery. Early in his career, Stephen King would release a select few books under the secret pseudonym of “Richard Bachman” and planned on doing just that for Misery. However, his actual identity was revealed just before it’s release so he reverted back to using his original name.
The Synopsis:
Paul Sheldon was a world-renowned writer whose series of romantic novels centre around Misery Chastain, the leading lady protagonist of each books. Driving back home one night after finishing up his latest draft, a thunderous snowstorm hits and the car careens off the road before toppling over into a steep bank. As luck would have it, help comes to save him in the form of Annie Wilkes, a local and former nurse. She decides to take him to her isolated shelter (as opposed to travelling to the nearest hospital) and assist in his recovery until he is well enough to leave.
During his stay and being cared for under her wing, she soon discovers who he is and claims to be his “number one” fan. It just so happens to coincide with the latest release of Paul’s new book, Misery’s Child, already sitting on bookstore shelves. Annie, having purchased her copy, is ecstatic at the fact that not only is she able to help mend Paul’s battered body, but also read Misery’s Child in the presence of the great writer himself.
However, unbeknownst to her is the knowledge that the lead character Misery was actually killed off at the end of the book. And upon finding out this dreadful revelation, Annie’s hidden insanity is unleashed to it’s fullest extent.
The Review:
Misery was one of a number of his novels to be translated into a big-budget movie adaptation. Having previously watched the movie first, then delving into the book later, I can categorically say the book wins hands down. Though it must be said that the movie did a fine job on it’s own merit. But the intense, shocking and downright visceral nature of King’s use of vocabulary allows the reader into the mind of poor Paul Sheldon.
The majority of the book takes places in Annie’s home with the two of them being the central figures to the story. This effectively crafted, yet simple scenario provides the basis for an unrelenting descent into terror and suspense. King manages to capture the utter lunacy of Annie Wilkes with veritable ease, almost to the point of making the reader somewhat uncomfortable.
The polar opposites of the behaviours exhibited by Annie and Paul is jarring as you find yourself cringing in unison with the famous writer every time you hear her approaching. The fast pacing of the book never lets up whilst simultaneously creating enough characterisation for us to care about Paul. That’s a unique skill King has honed and perfected throughout his years of writing.
While his descriptions can be quite graphic and portray in great detail what is taking place, it never feels he’s simply trying to illicit cheap shock value. Every play-by-play is relevant to the context of that segment of the story. It’s thoughtfully written and culminates to an ending that "will" leave a lasting impression in your mind’s eye. There is a reason as to why he is looked upon as one of the greatest fictional writers of our time and Misery is a shining testament to that.
The Wrap:
It was said that Misery was created by him as a kind of “retaliation” against some of his critic, citing that his previous work (The Eyes of the Dragon) was a step away from the usual edge-of-your-seat thrillers he was so used to creating. Though regardless of the reasons, it must be said this is a fantastically entertaining white knuckle ride that you won’t forget in a hurry.
I whole-heartedly recommend this book to any of you out there looking for a short, tense trip into a spiralling situation of terror. It’s one of King’s finest and proudly stands the test of time with it’s head held high.
Ezzy's Verdict: (9/10)
I enjoyed your review.
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Many thanks!!
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