The Talisman by Stephen King, Peter Straub Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Talisman
Book Review: An engaging, enjoyable story of good triumphing over evil
Summary: 3 Stars
I just finished reading "The Talisman". It is only my second full length read by Stephen king, and my first by Peter Straub. The other Stephen King book I had read was "Dreamcatcher", and I thought it was alright, at times interesting, but not all that great. Then a couple friends recomended I read "The Talisman", saying it was more of a fantasy oriented story and one of the best things King had written, and, as it turns out, I really enjoyed it.Many readers are probably familiar with the basic story by now, but in case you're not, "the Talisman" is the the story of a boy named Jack Sawyer who must make a journey across America (in both this realm and in a magical realm known as the Territories) in order to retrieve a magical object (the talisman) which will save the life of his dying mother, and help him defeat an evil power threatening to swallow his world. Along the way he must overcome a variety of enemies and evils both mundane and supernatural, from abusive employers and phony preachers, to mutant monsters and werewolves. In some ways, this story reminds me of a more fantastic version of Henry Fielding's "Joseph Andrews", one of the first novels ever written, which is also about a boy who must go on series of travels in which he overcomes various obstacles and mishaps.
One of the book's great strengths is the way in which the mundane and supernatural seem inextricably linked, creating a brooding sense of horror and true evil behind even the most ordinary places and bad guys. The story also has an equally great sense of goodness present in it through the character of Jack who is both an ordinary boy and an extraordinary hero at the same time. His character radiates a strong presence of love, courage, and perseverance which is one of the things that makes the story so compelling. You really care about him and the people he loves and you want to see him triumph.
My only negative criticisms are that at times the book does seem to drag some and be a bit long. I was also slightly disturbed by the almost completely negative portrayal of Christians, Christianity, and the Bible whenever these appear in the story. While there is certainly alot of hypocracy and fake, stupid religion out there, not all of it is and the story seems to overly emphasize the negative side of it. Also, some readers will probably be disturbed by the presence of a fair amount of foul language in certain parts of the book. All of that said though, I didn't let any of that ruin what was otherwise a fine and enjoyable fantasty story of true goodness and love triumphing over true evil and selfishness.
Book Review: An excelent novel.
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm only able to listen to audiobooks because not many are produced in braille, and those that are are so ridiculously high in price range. So when I saw the Talisman on audio on Amazon, I knew I had to read it. Frank Muller narrating the book was also another reason why I snapped it up.
These two authors work extremely well together, and Muller delivers an absolutely stunning performance. Yes, its a bit lengthy, but I for one enjoy reading epics such as this. The main characters are easy to identify with, and due to Muller's methods of portraying each one through outstanding vocal performances, it was very difficult to see one of these characters die midway through the novel. Yes, I had to stop the tape and just cry for a few minutes. I mean, the guy's that good at making you become attached to the characters. I'd give you a synopsis, or try to analyse this thing, but its been done before. If Amazon still carries the unabridged recording of this book on either cassette or cd, and if you have the cash, why not experience this novel in audio format? And if you've never listened to anything performed by Muller, here's one of his best.
Book Review: Another of my favorite books
Summary: 5 Stars
Together with It, The Stand and Weaveworld (Clive Barker) this has always been at the top of the list. I read this book over 15 years ago when it came out and since then I have read it at least eight more times. It is fantasy you can identfy with, the characters are so well drawn. I recommend it to "children of all ages", adults to, from 16 to 100 if they so wish, fantasy lovers and anyone who wants a really compelling read. I was thrilled to see the two authors have gotten together to do it again because I always wanted to know what happened when the young hero grew up. Enjoy.Book Review: Are they kidding?
Summary: 1 Stars
I read "The Talisman" for two reasons: first, because I'm a fan of Peter Straub, and second, I'd heard the book described as the equal of Tolkien's trilogy. Was I ever disappointed!!!!!I can hardly believe the reviewers who liked "The Talisman" are really serious--or that they're older than, oh, twelve. There is NO comparison whatsoever between the works of the master, J.R.R. Tolkien and the Straub-King collaboration. The latter is a book for children, period--and I believe you shouldn't bother reading it if you're over the age of fifteen. I'm 52, by the way, and I first read "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings" over 30 years ago--and I think the movies pale beside the books, too.
Book Review: Authors should never collaborate
Summary: 1 Stars
I picked this book up years ago, many years it seems, I remember starting to read it back then, but it never really grabbed me, so I put it aside for a later date. Now, after re-reading the Stand, and Robert Mccammons 'Swan Song' (you really have to read this, this guy paints some serious pictures with his words!), I felt ready for another long read (644 pages). I forced myself just past 100 pages and gave up. This book is just not up to par with Kings other works. I spent more time trying to figure out who wrote what sentence, paragraph and chapter then getting into the story. The writing was so obviously not Stephen Kings at places, and so obviously Peter Straubs, and vice versa. I have never liked when two authors write I single book, I just don't get it. Who needs or wants the gimmick? Reading a good book should be seamless and flowing, I want to focus on the story and get into the characters and setting, not try and decipher who wrote what. Combining two horror authors in one story is like driving the most expensive car through an ice storm, you just can't enjoy the ride.