I like writing big long book reviews, but there isn't much point when the book in question is thirty years old and there are a plethora of longer, better reviews all over the net. So, instead, whenever I read something slightly older, I'll stick up a quick at-a-glance review so all you fine folks can see whether it's worth tracking down at your local flea market.
Here we go! 30 Second Book Review #1: Misery, by Stephen King
Horror novel about a famous pulp author that gets "rescued" from a car crash and then locked away by a psychotic fan. Usually very brisk pacing, with a few moments of standard King-esque rambling and backstory. Doesn't hurt the story too much. Was wondering about 60 pages in how King would manage to carry a 370 page novel set mostly in one room, but he manages it. Some truly tense moments - one scene was so vivid and nailbiting I could feel my heart pounding over the rattling of the tram. Characterisation is superb, and Annie Wilkes is terrifying in her unpredictability. Ending seemed a little lame but otherwise, great book, one of King's most tightly written works. Recommended as a reference work for any writer interested in suspense.
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Mm, I'm interested in checking this one out. My mum recommended the movie to me but I never got around to it.
Is it significantly different from the film?
@Dave, have never seen the film but I've heard there are some changes that make some things less horrible and other things even more horrible...
@Liam, you can borrow my copy if you can't find it around.
Well, I have many things to read, this'll be one for the "someday" list
Ah well, I might have to read this one. I've not read a lot of King outside the Dark Tower books.