Duma Key - a wonderous place to visit... if it actually existed. And, I really think it might, living here in Florida, I would have to take a trip that far south... but I digress. This isn't about me, its about an absolutely AWESOME book by the master, himself, Stephen King.
Now, granted, ... Read review
Advantages: A psychological thriller that will keep you turning the pages. Disadvantages: More narrative/less action than in previous Stephen King books.
Duma Key - a wonderous place to visit... if it actually existed. And, I really think it might, living here in Florida, I would have to take a trip that far south... but I digress. This isn't about me, its about an absolutely AWESOME book by the master, himself, Stephen King.
Now, granted, it is more on par with Tommyknockers than IT or Carrie, however, it is an incredible read.
Now, please bear with me, as I do not ... ...So, curious?
Duma Key was the playground of the rich, affluential, and otherwise shady high rollers of the twenties, thirties, and forties. It has since fallen into neglect until a long-time construction worker, who lost his arm in a freak accident on the job, decides it is time to go on vacation. He goes to Duma Key. There he finds an aging spinster, who's family has owned the key for years, and learns stories and histories of the ... more
Duma Key - a wonderous place to visit... if it actually existed. And, I really think it might, living here in Florida, I would have to take a trip that far south... but I digress. This isn't about me, its about an absolutely AWESOME book by the master, himself, Stephen King.
Now, granted, it is more on par with Tommyknockers than IT or Carrie, however, it is an incredible read.
Now, please bear with me, as I do not have the book in front of me, nor have I re-read it in over a year, but I will give you the basics.
Do you know much about "Phantom Limb Syndrome"? You will learn a lot while reading this book. So, curious?
Duma Key was the playground of the rich, affluential, and otherwise shady high rollers of the twenties, thirties, and forties. It has since fallen into neglect until a long-time construction worker, who lost his arm in a freak accident on the job, decides it is time to go on vacation. He goes to Duma Key. There he finds an aging spinster, who's family has owned the key for years, and learns stories and histories of the place which are both rich, intriguing, and a bit scary all at the same time. Then, in this atmosphere of rest and relaxation, he not only regains his physical strength, but also develops an artistic talent. He discovers that he is a painter, but, as always (with EVERY Stephen King character), there is a catch.
What, you want me to tell you? Are you kidding? AND RUIN IT? NEVER!!! Go, buy (or check out of the library) this book. I promise you, it is WELL worth the read. You will be intrigued, you will be entranced, and you will NOT PUT IT DOWN until you finish it.
For those who are leary of Stephen King's books, this is one of his more "tame" books, but the twists and turns will keep you going. And, I promise, the ending will not only surprise you, but make you question. For, in truth, are not the best fiction based in fact?
Advantages: Great read Disadvantages: slow starting
DumaKey
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We follow Edgar Freemantle who initially comes across as an unlikable character. This it turns out is due in part to a car accident he earlier had and also a shift in his personality.
He loses an arm in the accident and this causes further angry outbursts. His wife leaves him before he hurts her and this only adds to his ugly characterisation.
He ups sticks and moves to Florida, A place called DumaKey. Once here he begins to sketch and paint with some odd results.
The fear that his sketches begin to generate builds slowly and is well laid out. His drawings uncover some startling truths and horrible revelations from the past.
The old lady is not as kindly as she first appears, what has happened to the twin sisters? And who will finally snap and take action against his 'Art'.
This is a decent book ...
Advantages: A compelling and gripping read - King back at his best Disadvantages: Work gets in the way of reading time
Fans who were put off by 'Lisey's Story' will be relieved to know that 'DumaKey' finds StephenKing back doing what he does best - and this is also a good starting point for those who have never picked up one of his novels, if you're after an accessible and entertaining read.
Despite mixed reviews about 'Lisey's Story', it would appear that it finally got King the literary recognition he felt he deserved from the critics but, sadly, at the expense of his fans' enjoyment, which defeated the point somewhat. Although I was slightly disappointed with his last novel, I couldn't help but feel that it was just a temporary blip and found myself queuing with the rest of the constant readers for my copy of 'DumaKey' on the date of publication here in the UK. I'm so glad I did. Prior to reading the novel, I had seen previews which claimed ...
Advantages: Engaging characters and story, menacing horror. Disadvantages: The art side of things can slow the pace down.
Edgar Freemantle has issues. After losing his arm in an accident at work he has become increasingly aggressive to the point were he has lost his wife and become a shadow of his former self. More in desperation than hope, Edgar take his psychiatrists advice and takes a break from it all in the beautiful Florida backwater of "DumaKey". In this place Edgar finds a new purpose and passion in painting and his vivid paintings of sunsets soon begin to attract attention. However, does the phantom itch in his missing arm mean something and why does he seem compelled to paint the tragic story of the doomed sisters of DumaKey?
It has been a long time since I have read a StephenKing novel. After the woeful, self-indulgent tripe that was "Lisey's Story" I have intentionally had a break from my favourite author. As a self-professed "constant ...
