Duma Key: A Novel by Stephen King
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Book Reviews of Duma Key: A Novel
Book Review: King with elegant prose
Summary: 5 Stars
Duma Key is simply astounding. I almost went out and bought another copy half way through so that my wife could begin reading before I finished. Edgar and Wireman are two of the most interesting, real characters SK has ever created, and you will fall in love with them. You'll feel for them, laugh with them, and cry with them. And yes, you will be terrified with them.
Similar to Bag of Bones in feel and elegance of prose, Duma starts off building a heart wrenching character plot that progresses into a full scale nightmare. My heart was broken more than once, and on my way to a 1 a.m. finish, I found myself jumping at shadows. Duma ranks with Bag of Bones, Insomnia, and Hearts in Atlantis for me, only this one is more frightening.
Sometimes the appeal of SK is the blunt harshness. The things we think but would never say. The "realness" of character. Duma has all of that. As do The Stand, Carrie, IT, The Regulators, The Talisman, and countless others. But Duma is more. The emotion of the story (which SK is always a master of conveying) is somehow deeper. Maybe it's the parent in me.
On top of all of this, much like Bag of Bones, the prose is just a little more elegant. It's not G.R.R. Martin, Tolkein, Gaiman, or Michener, it's still SK...with just another touch of elegance...then all hell breaks loose.
Book Review: One of Stephen King's Greatest
Summary: 5 Stars
At last! Stephen King returns to his past horror genius in a human and intriguing way. Yes, there is still too much tiresome profanity, but it was not as overwhelming as in some of his other recent novels. I had pretty much given up on reading King's more recent novels, since the characters were always so crude and raw, not empathetic at all. I loved his earlier novels. King is a thriller genius, and this one won't disappoint. I have always admired his adherence to detail, his descriptive phrases, and the way he builds momentum in terror. In addition, you will empathize with the very human one-armed construction-worker-turned-artist, as he courageously deals with his life-threatening injuries from an accident. I know for sure that Stephen King was able to describe Edgar Freemantle's raw emotion after having experienced serious injuries in an accident himself some years ago. Only a person who has been through such suffering can really describe it aptly and vividly. Edgar's good friend Wireman is also human and endearing. Even considering the length of the book (over 600 pages), it reads very quickly, and you will lose sleep from reading it well after midnight. And maybe even have a bad dream. But it is a definite must-read for all King fans, especially those who loved his early works. A refreshing return to excellent horror writing!Book Review: One of King's Best Post-Accident Works...
Summary: 5 Stars
...as well as one of his best post-80s works as well. Much smaller in scope than the sheer size of the book may suggest, 'Duma Key' once again finds the inimitably verbose author tackling his accident from late 1999.
Edgar Freemantle finds that, after an accident which basically shears his arm from his body, that his artistic ability has picked up. Which isn't a problem, until he realizes that maybe something supernatural is involved.
The terrors in the book don't get good and started until later in the book, a fact which allows King to indulge in some of his best prose through much of the novel. The characters are given time to grow and be loved (and you will love them) until King decides to rip up everything you think you've built with them.
And, in the last few hundred pages, he seems to take great pleasure in doing just that.
The one theme that I found running through the book that is more terrifying than the horror element (which I won't reveal) is the melancholy of death and loss and grief which pervades the whole of 'Duma Key'. In fact, I find the story of divorce and redemption and ultimate downfall more lasting than the images of horror King cooks up.
Not a book for the beginning King reader, 'Duma Key' should be approached by pros only, I think.
Book Review: In 1979, I picked up a book called Night Shift...
Summary: 5 Stars
In 1979, I picked up a book called Night Shift...I was only 12 years old. Little did I know that picking up that book from a library table because it had a cool cover that I would continue to pick up Stephen King books for 28 more years, and counting! I guess I'm one of his veteran Constant Readers.
Most of his book are pretty good, some sucked, but a few have been really great. Put Duma Key on the great list. Character development and story evolution are some of the best Mr. King has ever accomplished.
It is interesting to see the evolution of Mr. King over a 28 year period. His tragic accident actually did have a silver lining. One can actually feel humbleness and humanity of his characters much more crisply than his older works. I almost feel that his older works were more about the story than the character, but now, in Duma Key, he has struck a brilliant balance between story, character, horror and making the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Oh, and also keeping you up until midnight or later reading! (I wonder how many hours I've missed on sleep in the last 28 years because of Stephen King? Oh well, it was worth it!)
Simply a great read. I'll spare you the story line as the main book review will do that for you. Master storyteller, master story. Period.
Book Review: A mighty creative force unleashed
Summary: 5 Stars
As many have already noted, Duma Key represents something of a return to form for this prodigiously talented writer. King's evocation of lingering dread that suddenly metastasizes into full-blown fear has rarely been so powerful. A literary force of nature, if you will.
As a meditation on creativity and the unexpected ways an artist's work can take on a life of its own, Duma Key is an unparalleled success. This theme has of course been tackled before, but only a natural-born storyteller like King is able to inspire profound contemplation without ever taking his foot off the gas of a frighteningly addictive tale.
Whether you are a lifelong fan or just considering diving into your first King opus, Duma Key will make you glad you picked it up. And satisfying as it is to see an old master reclaim his touch, there's a special thrill in discovering a new voice, which is why I'd also recommend Crimson Orgy by Austin Williams. This debut novel reminded me of King's early work by vividly exploring the field of "horror" in ways that transcend a standard exercise in the genre. It's a great read.
As for Duma Key, though we're still only in January it's hard to imagine this massive book not landing on a wide range of "Best of '08" lists. Bravo.