Misery by Stephen King

Book Details
Misery by Stephen King
Paperback, 352 Pages
2004, Signet
ISBN: 9780451169525

Synopsis
After a car crash, writer Paul Sheldon is saved by his number one fan. She brought him home, splinted his mangled legs, and all he had to do in return was write a very special book, one all about her favourite character. Because if he didn't, if he was bad, she would be cross - very cross.

Review
I liked the movie adaptation of Misery. I thought it was very creepy. The novel surprised me by managing to be more creepy and much more sickening that the movie was. Of course, I pictured Kathy Bates and James Caan throughout my reading, but that didn't effect my enjoyment of the story at all.

Ask most people about Misery and they'll mention the part of the movie where Annie Wilkes hobbled Paul Sheldon. It's a classic piece of horror movie history. It's also not in the book. The book goes far beyond what the movie portrayed in this and many other instances. Misery is gory, but not gratuitously so. The disgusting scenes in the book enhance the psychological horror already deep at work.

The real horror is being stuck in Paul's head. His hopelessness, coupled with his unending struggle to survive in the face of pure, unadulterated crazy is maddening. The combination of Paul's mental anguish, his physical torture and Annie's insane demands creates a situation in which Paul is never safe, not for one second.

The premise will hold a lot of appeal for any reader. We all have our favorite series that we obsess over. Annie is no different in her love of Paul's character Misery. If the author killed off your favorite character, you probably wouldn't hold them hostage while forcing them to write her back to life, but you may see the appeal. In some way, as crazy as Annie is, a reader can relate to her. That, in itself, is scary.

Misery gets a little slow in places, particularly during Annie's many rants and Paul's incessant need for painkillers, but the pace is rather quick through most of the book. Misery isn't going to have you jumping at shadows, but will make you want to keep your inner fangirl in check.

Rating

Links

Stephen King's

Website