Duma Key: A Novel by Stephen King Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Duma Key: A Novel
Book Review: A Tiring Read
Summary: 2 Stars
I am really unsure what to say about this book. I generally like King's work..The Dark Tower series is one of the best Ive read, and I also love Heats in Atlantis, The Stand, It, and The Reguators to name a few. And I dont agree with the other review that he is getting bad with age like a reverse vintage wine..I liked Cell a lot. This book just seems like a misstep. It starts off interesting, with Edgar pondering on the construction of memory, and I almost got a sense of King exploring themes with the same level of depth as he did in Hearts in Atlantis. But the exposition of these themes ends up being a tedious effort. The book feels long and unlike his longer books The Stand or It, most of it feels quite unnecessary. Furthermore, there are parts which just seem terriblly out of place, as if someone else snuck in and scribbled in his manuscript..for example, when his daughter visits for Christmas, King (as Edgar) writes "We both got just what we wanted!" (exclamation is there). Now, yes this is a trite line, but still..it seems very awkward to me. Not only random but just strangely written. Edgar uses the word "bod" in his narration. think about that one. Similar moments arise in Wireman's conversations with Edgar. I gave up at page 245. Perhaps I'll pick it up in a month when I am really bored but the thought doesnt interest me.Book Review: A Trip Worth Taking
Summary: 4 Stars
There is no doubt, in my opinion, that Stephen King is one of the finest American writers ever. In Duma Key, King delivers a story that interweaves current day with a 1927 Floridian family that suffered terrible loss. The fully realized characters featured in this novel drew me right into the story. A full cast of interesting players made this book very readable. The chills and supernatural terrors that King often delivers are present in this book, yet they are more subdued than in some previous works. In many ways, I believe this is one of the better King novels of the past decade; although, he can easily deliver great stories from any genre.
The friendship formed between a recently maimed Edgar Freemantle and new friend Tom Wireman is one of the better components of this story. Friendship and loyalty factor in what becomes somehwat of a heroic quest to save lives. I highly recommend this novel and give it a solid 4 and a half stars. The only author that Stephen King competes with is himself. This novel stands with many of his other finer works.
Book Review: A disappointment
Summary: 2 Stars
I was an early King fan but I stopped reading his books way back in the early 90s when his books became so far-out and unsatisfying that I lost interest. Stellar reviews perked my interest in "Duma Key" so I thought I'd give him another try. Not to be. The book starts out well, with the first third compelling and filled with an eerie atmospheric ambience but shortly before the half-way point it looses steam and becomes so long and drawn out that I could barely finish it. The author's annoying habit of characters repeating the same phrase a thousand times is still there which is a slight complaint but the plot just didn't keep me interested and 600 pages is asking even the most dedicated fan too much. I agree with other reviewer's who found it, in the end, inconsistent and flat. The character development is great, King is a good writer but this one just doesn't bring back the magic of his earlier works.Book Review: A good read
Summary: 4 Stars
Couldn't wait to get S.K.'s new book. Wanted to wait for the paperback but just couldn't! I liked this book, couldn't put it down until I'd finished, but it's not Stephen's best. I had the feeling in a few places that I'd read this scenario before. Pain and pain pills, George Bush (will authors please quit including George Bush in their new novels? It's getting so old! And it will only date your novels in the end). At any rate, I have been a fan of S.K.'s since Carrie and couldn't do without him. I preferred Cell and Lisey's Story but this was still a pretty good book. I do remember thinking tho that I could feel the author struggle with the second half of the book and/or how to end it. The Spanish dialogue was boring and the maybe si maybe no's. I feel awful saying even that since I always look forward to a Stephen King book and don't want him to quit! This book, even with its 'faults' is still a page-turner. MoviemaniacBook Review: A great read - was totally absorbed....
Summary: 5 Stars
If you enjoy books and a read that takes you away and you can't put it down, then this book is the one for that special time you have to read. Took it to my daughters and entertained myself reading while she was at work. Now she is reading it and we both agree, very good book!
Enjoy!