About me:Hey! I just popped in to say hi and have a read. I havent been on Ciao for aaaaaages!! I am now a fu...
Member since:04.03.2002
Reviews:68
Members who trust:118
Review rated by 64 Ciao members on average: very helpful
This review received a counterstatement by a party concernedRead Comment
Stephen King has made millions from his writing of dreadfully horrible horror books and even more for his fantastic books being made into blockbuster movies. His number one selling books include Carrie, Christine, IT, Firestarter and Misery to name a few. Even if you have not read a book by this fantastic writer, you are sure to have seen one of the box office hits, the most recent one being The Green Mile which starred Tom Hanks.
Stephen King was born in Portland, Maine in 1946. His career started when he wrote short stories to a magazine which was popular in the 1960’s; Startling Mystery Stories. However after this success it was the publication of his first novel Carrie, which made him the world’s number one horror writer.
One of the 40 fantastic books written by Stephen King is Pet Sematray. This was one of his earlier books however it has not dated. I read it just
a couple of days ago, and the storyline was as original and gripping of one of the 21st Century. Pet Sematary was published in 1983, a year before I was born. Shortly after in 1989 the film Pet Sematary was released, it was describe by some as a poor adaptation of the novel. So what makes Stephen Kings writing skills so amazingly popular, exciting and immense?
Pet Sematary starts off introducing the main characters, Dr Louis Creed, an ambitious and successful doctor, his wife Rachel a caring and shy woman who feels nothing but love for her husband and children; Ellie is seven years old and already following in her fathers footsteps showing intelligence. Gage is a usual two year old who’s relationship with his sister is beatufiul. The Creed family are moving from the urban life of Chicago, to the more relaxing and gentile life of rural Maine. Dr. Creed’s new job as a doctor in a university will make life more calm for Louis and leave him time to spend with his family, however as the story progresses this idealistic life doesn’t turn out as planned.
On arriving at the new and more luxurious house he is greeted by a friendly elderly man living across the street with his wife. The Creed family take an instant like to this man and feel like they have known Jud all of their lives, especially when Jud takes out a bee sting from his young son.. This bond develops and the two families become closer and closer. This is when more and more is revealed about the Pet Cemetery (spelt sematray) Jud reveals that the cemetery was founded many years ago and all that was buried their was children’s pets that had been killed.
Everything seems to be great of the Creed family, they had settled into their new home, the children enjoyed their new neighbourhood and Louis’ job was easier and much more relaxing, however suddenly life goes down hill, when a pupil is rushed into the university surgery and reveals an awful secret. This secret fills Louis with fear and from this point; his life was never the same again.
So what does Louis Creed do when his daughter’s beloved cat gets killed?
I really enjoyed reading this book; I really could not put it down. It is filled with suspense and horror. The storyline is not too complicated, but it is very effective. The characters develop very well as the story progresses and you defiantly begin to empathise with the characters. As with all Stephen King novels, there will be something that really makes you cringe, but also beware of a twist in the story that will make you shudder.
Being a horror book it would only be suitable for people who love horror! However don’t fear it isn’t as gory as a Shaun Hutson book, but it is equally gripping.
I have not seen the film of this and I think that helped. I have the feeling that the film was over the top and nothing as exciting as the novel. This is the second Stephen King book I have read and it has made me want to read more. However the story is not as complicated that of other Stephen King books such as The dead zone, but it must be considered that the genres of the books are slightly different and Pet Sematary was one of his earlier novels. The storyline of Pet Sematary is not believable but don’t let this put you off. Pet Sematary is a great read and will keep you entertained from cover to cover.
Recommended
On e-bay there are copies of Pet Sematary at starting bid of 1 pence. On Amazon the price of a new copy is £5.99 and used copies from 10 pence. At those prices Id defiantly get a copy!
Good review of one of my favourite novels. Avoid the film version of this at all costs. It's absolutely dire in comparison, but then it's not easy to create suspension of disbelief when dealing with the subject of ressurection from the dead.
This product has not yet been reviewed.
13.10.2005 12:49
Good review of one of my favourite novels. Avoid the film version of this at all costs. It's absolutely dire in comparison, but then it's not easy to create suspension of disbelief when dealing with the subject of ressurection from the dead.
05.08.2004 11:09
A very good review, certainly think this is one of King's darker works, but as always a great read. Ellie.
11.12.2003 19:45
The films quite jumpy and gorey. I watched it recently. Loads of blood and gore. Lucy x