Stephen Edwin King was born the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. After his father left them when Stephen was two, he and his older brother, David, were raised by his mother. Parts of his childhood were spent in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where his father's family was at the time, and in Stratford, Connecticut. When Stephen was eleven, his mother brought her children back to Durham, Maine, for good. Her parents, Guy and Nellie Pillsbury, had become incapacitated with old age, and Ruth King was persuaded by her sisters to take over the physical care of them. Other family members provided a small house in Durham and financial support. After Stephen's grandparents passed away, Mrs. King found work in the kitchens of Pineland, a nearby residential facility for the mentally challenged.
Stephen attended the grammar school in Durham and Lisbon Falls High School, graduating in 1966. From his sophomore year at the University of Maine at Orono, he wrote a weekly column for the school newspaper, THE MAINE CAMPUS. He was also active in student politics, serving as a member of the Student Senate. He came to support the anti-war movement on the Orono campus, arriving at his stance from a conservative view that the war in Vietnam was unconstitutional. He graduated in 1970, with a B.A. in English and qualified to teach on the high school level. A draft board examination immediately post-graduation found him 4-F on grounds of high blood pressure, limited vision, flat feet, and punctured eardrums.
He met Tabitha Spruce in the stacks of the Fogler Library at the University, where they both worked as students; they married in January of 1971. As Stephen was unable to find placement as a teacher immediately, the Kings lived on his earnings as a laborer at an industrial laundry, and her student loan and savings, with an occasional boost from a short story sale to men's magazines.
Stephen made his first professional short story sale ("The Glass Floor") to Startling Mystery Stories in 1967. Throughout the early years of his marriage, he continued to sell stories to men's magazines. Many were gathered into the Night Shift collection or appeared in other anthologies.
In the fall of 1971, Stephen began teaching English at Hampden Academy, the public high school in Hampden, Maine. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels.
This story takes place prior to the events of The Gunslinger when Roland was still casting about for the Man in Black's trail.
A long, arduous journey through the desert nearly put an end to Roland's quest before it even began. However, with his horse played out and struggling to stay upright, his luck turns when he spies a dusty, dilapidated old ghost town along the horizon. Unfortunately, after searching for water and signs of life, Roland stumbles down the wrong back alley where he's jumped by a pack of muties, and beaten to within an inch of his life. He regains consciousness some hours later only to discover that he's immobilized and suspended in a sling in an abandoned hospital ward. The hospital's staffed by a handful of nuns, who seem eager enough to help him get back on his feet. However, besides the lack of patients, there's something strangely off about this place . . .
This short novella can be read in a single sitting. I cherry-picked my copy from the short story collection: Everything's Eventual: 14 Dark Tales.
I must say, I was fairly disappointed in Roland's skill, or lack thereof, especially considering that he still had the use of both of those lightning fast hands. This tale was mildly entertaining, but sadly there's not a lot of meat on the bone.
This is book 0.5 of the Dark Tower series which I didn't realise existed until id finished book 1 and therefore the timeline is a bit confused in my head now but glad I read this as it does give the series more of a beginning than the Gunslinger did and had I read it first i would have realised that the story almost ended before it begun.
This novella tracks the years before Roland catches up with the man in black and how he almost loses his life when straying down the wrong back alley.
Prequel to King's The Dark Tower series. Which I'm planning to read this year. Of course I said the same thing last year already. But that's just how I do this whole planning thing.
A gunslinger coming across a ghost town, encountering some strange things and subsequently ending up in a stranger still infirmary, where he receives "treatment" by the Little Sisters of Eluria.
Atmospheric story. And the narration by Frank Muller is brilliant, with lots of personality. Some cool soundeffects as well, that give the tale somewhat of a Grindhouse style. That's been a nice touch that I enjoyed a lot.
But I think this novella is probably a little more interesting if you're already familiar with the primary works. Because, frankly, there's not that much happening here. But I suppose it adds a bit to the understanding of the main character? Obviously, I wouldn't really know at this point.
Very likely not essential. But it's been fun to read.
I've never liked hospitals/infirmaries. Explaining why to other people often proved challenging. As of now, I shall wear a faraway look, whisper Eluria in a haunted way, maybe play bells ringing in the distance, and that shall be that. *lol*
This is the very first time I’ve come in contact with Stephen King’s The Dark Tower. No, actually, that’s not true. I did see the movie because of its cast. Unfortunately, that movie apparently added insult to injury so we shall not speak about it.
Anyway, since 2020 is the year of book series for me, I’m happy to report that I shall also read The Dark Tower in full (plus, probably also the corresponding graphic novels) and this was the first story, chronologically.
We meet a gunslinger called Roland as he’s tracking a wizard called Walter. On his way, he ends up in a little ghost town named Eluria. The only other living thing seems to be a dog in bad shape. Soon, however, he discovers other creatures - but they aren’t friendly. Injured, he wakes up in an infirmary where he is treated by mysterious sisters who are much more than they often seem.
For anyone contemplating reading this story, I can honestly say that while it is atmospheric and the writing has a very nice flow to it, it might be intended for people who have at least read the first novel in the series already. I had actually expected that but thought what the hell (this is what I get for listening to my buddy-reader ;P). There were a few hints here and there that I was able to identify as such but I didn't always know what they meant. Anyway, while the story was nothing special, it was still nice enough and entertained me - really cool was the worldbuilding though.
Now let’s move on and get properly introduced to Roland, Walter and all the rest.
Kicking off a Re-Read of the Dark Tower in fine style!
This short story just happens to be a tiny adventure before we get into the full epic quest, but starting it off in a hospital isn't that bad a way to do it. :)
I think the best parts here are the hints to all the worldbuilding events and settings to come. Whole Earth, references to machines 500 years old, the girl in the refrigerator, Susan, and of course the whole Gilead debacle, soon to become much clearer. :)
How does this work as a whole introduction to the Gunslinger?
Fine, if all you're looking for is a little romance couched in a nicely horrific trap of a hospital. :) Not so much if you want backstory or the full reason for his solitary quest.
I’ve never warmed up to this story. This was my third reread, and I suspect I won’t ever revisit it.
Written in the same stilted and cold prose as The Gunslinger, “Little Sisters of Eluria” just feels off-putting, and it has the unfortunate distinction of being entirely unimportant in the Dark Tower universe. As well, all tension is absent as the reader knows Roland will survive the events of this story, and go further on his quest.
This story was written during a period in King’s career when everything — novels, novellas, short stories — were long, and they were all connected to the Dark Tower in some way. Because of that, much of the material from that era feels overblown and unrewarding. “Little Sisters” falls into that camp — at least, for this reader. It’s a torturous experience that is not scary, not interesting, and is in fact one of my least favorite works by Sai King.
I decided to do a reread for this week' short story so I dug out my copy of Stephen King's Everything's Eventual and reread this little novelette featuring everyone's favorite Gunslinger and his search for the Dark Tower.
And I really like this story. I really really do. It is adventurous and fun and the pacing is great. It is longer than a lot of stories (like 65 pages of something) but it felt shorter than a lot of stories I've read half that length. I really need to push myself to read the rest of this series because I enjoy the characters and the science fiction/horror/western mashup that King does here very much. Roland finds himself in a sticky situation when he finds an abandoned old west town and gets mobbed by a gang of mutants and finds himself in the care of some (ahem) ladies of the night posing as nurses. And by ladies of the night I mean less
And more
with a little bit of
And since this is Stephen King, there are going to be some twists and turns and secrets and lies and some yuck and some muck and some lovey and some dovey. And it is a really fun ride. And that is coming from someone whose only other intro to this world is seeing the Dark Tower movie (I caved, and I liked it). I feel like this was fine as a standalone but there were a few little worldbuilding bits that were outside my realm of knowledge. I will definitely read this one again after reading at least Books 1 & 2 in that series. (Everything's Eventual was published with this story in it before all of the Dark Tower books were published, so I know I'm not missing anything huge here). I definitely enjoyed this story the most out of the four stories in this collection I've recently reread and I highly recommend it for those who want a taste of this world before you delve in headfirst (because 7 books is a huge commitment, especially when at least 4 of them are over 800 pages). 4 stars.
ORIGINAL REVIEW At the request of Dan (version 2.0), I am putting up my rating of this short story even though I read it is part of a collection that I rated on here already.......
This is a fun story. I've never read any of the other Dark Tower books and I thought this read fine as a standalone. It is one of the stories of the collection, Everything's Eventual: 14 Dark Tales that I remember the most so that's good since I read it over a decade ago. It's a little vampire western kinda like this: but with way less cheese.
King is an incredible writer and an amazing storyteller, and though this is not my favorite favorite of his stories, it ranks up there pretty high. If I am going to tell you anymore about this, I need to re-read it first because, you know, I read it eleven years ago.
But if it makes Dan 2.0 happy, then this mini-review was worth it.
به نظرم باید این کتاب رو برای گروه سنی نوجوانان طبقه بندی میکردن! اما این سه ستاره رو به خاطر این میدم که اگر سنم کمتر بود حتما از این دو داستان لذت میبردم و دلیل دیگه هم اینکه کینگ نویسنده محبوبمه :دی
Having decided that I would finally read the Dark Tower series - which has rested in wait on my book shelf for the better part of 20 years - I started with The Little Sisters of Eluria, which was actually written after the 5th book of the series published in 2003. Little Sisters written as a .5 addition to the series, was published in 2008. At one book a month, I begin my journey...
In this story Roland Deschain, the Gunslinger on his way to the Dark Tower, meets Sister Jenna. She is his salvation. He enters Eluria on a dying horse, fights with a pack of green skinned mutants and is hospitalized under the care of the Nurses of Death. Rescued by Sister Jenna and the cross-dog, Roland starts his westward walk, in the low-country hills, on his way towards the Dark Tower.
Usually, short stories that are part of a big saga universe are lacking something. But not this one. It can be read as a stand alone or as an addition to the Dark Tower quest, for those who already read the big series. An awesome creepy tale.
When Roland is involved, only good can come of it and this short story (that I originally read in the compilation book Everything's Eventual) served his story well. Set before Roland has caught up to the Man in Black, where the first Dark Tower novel takes place, Roland is set upon by a gang of mutants whilst on his journey. He is injured and taken in by a group of nurses/cannibalistic witches, named the Sisters of Eluria. Here we are exposed to the potent Dark Tower story threads that fans of the series know and love, but more importantly we are exposed to a Roland, not entirely void of emotion as he is in the following tales. Anything Roland touches turns to gold and this story is no exception.
This review is for the short story and not the story with the illustrations. I read the story as part of a collection of short stories. In this one, we are introduced to Roland who is searching for the Dark Tower. On his journey, he is injured and is rescued by a group of nurses. There is something more to these nurses than just being in the business of helping people.
In the foreword Stephen King says you can read this short story as a stand alone and that you do not need any prior knowledge to this series. I am here to say that I disagree with him. There was no connection to Roland or his mission and after reading this story, I have more questions than answers. Stephen King does a great job with the overall atmosphere but I have no idea what each character's motives are and why they act the way that they do. I liked the twist at the end but by then I really wasn't enthused by this short story and I was just reading it to complete it.
I have not read anything from this series and I am contemplating of finally tackling it. This short story did nothing to entice me to move forward with this series. In fact, it gave me concerns of actually attempting it. I am going to give it the benefit of the doubt and say that this should probably be read after you familiarize yourself with the series and as not an introduction.
I read this Dark Tower shortie from King's collection, Everything Eventual. I really wish it had been much longer, or that it had ended on a much happier note.
Read as part of Edwards Dark Tower discussion group.
This event in Rolands life took place before The Gunslinger, but it needs to be read later for the character to make sense. In this case, Roland seemed weak and amateurish. Totally out of character for the young, surviving knight from Gilead.
This story can be found in the Everythings Eventual collection.
Boo! 🧟♂️ The Little Sisters of Eluria is a novella of the Dark Tower series. It takes place before book 1 and after the events of 75% of book 4... confused? Well... it’s generally referred to as book 0.5 - if that makes it easier. 😀
I read this during my 20’19’ Dark Tower marathon to finish out the year. 19 is an important and mystical number to the series so 2019 seemed a good year to read it.
The story reminds me of the first book since Roland hasn’t formed his ka-tet just yet. I think Roland is more enjoyable with companions to balance him out and push him out of his comfort zone, but maybe that’s just me.
It’s so short I don’t think I can say much without giving most of the story away. Aside from that here’s some random thoughts... Boo! bowler hat baddie, weird bugs, mystical sigils, slow mutants, and Roland has a horse in this one (well - a sick horse - a very sick horse... well there’s a reason he has a mule in The Gunslinger - haha).
I’m just starting book 7 and there are two references to this novella.
I would like to check out the illustrated version of this story - it looks pretty cool.
A Fantastic short story about Roland Deushain of gilead along his quest to find the dark tower, this story takes place before Roland meets up with Jake, Eddie and his other compainions. If your like me and love the Dark tower series then dont miss this story, It doesnt matter if you choose to read this before durning or after you read the dark tower novels, This is a great story to get you started with the Series though and worth reading
3.5 stars Sixth story in SK’s Everything's Eventual With this novella I finished my Dark Tower series. This story takes place before Roland draws his ka-yet so unfortunately no Oy, Jake, Eddie or Susannah. Loved Jenna so it was a good but sad ending.
This story was like coming home to a long lost friend. I was happy to be back on the journey with Roland and enjoyed every moment ka had given me. This tale was well met indeed. Stephen, you remember the face of your father well. I can't wait for more tower stories.
مدتها بود کتابی نخونده بودم که از ترس اینطوری بدنم شروع کنه به لرزیدن. مرد کت شلوار مشکی واقعاً ترسناک بود😶🌫️ خواهران کوچک ایلوریا هم جزو مجموعهی برج تاریکه. اگر برج تاریک رو خوندید این رو هم در ادامه بخونید.
This short story takes place after the fall of Gilead, during the early days of Roland's quest for the Dark Tower. My favorite parts of the D.T. series are the flashbacks ("Wizard and Glass", which is almost entirely a flashback, is my favorite of the seven books), so I ate this up. Sad thing is, for as big a Dark Tower fan as I am, I didn't even know about this story until very recently. Good as a stand-alone, but even better if you know Roland's history.
Neither liked the world nor the characters. Hated the hero and felt nothing for the villains. If the rest of the books in this series go the same way, this is not for me.
Another adventure of Roland that was more like a bad experience for, but it was at all a bad experience for me to read this story. It was like those horror stuff that one likes read alone in dark.
SPOOKY SHIT
Text Level
Maybe it just me that sometime I dont go very will with Stephen King way of writing. He makes it like too ...AWKWARD:
So at times I dont get whats going on. I mean those part where he mention bugs and giant weird creatures. Also dialogues seem a bit too random and normal.
Concept
Well the same Roland and the same journey towards the dark tower as we know, but it was un canny that Stephen did not mention it anywhere that is why I said it was more like a random adventure of Roland nothing to do with the series.
Story
The story was good, but brilliant. I would have been glad if it bestowed some light on the journey of Roland but it was not like that. Though the story was fine I'd say. It made me feel the creeps.
Character
Roland and the Sisters of Eluria covered most of the story. The character were good i must say. I enjoined the last part then Roland finally kisses Jenna...POOR DESPERATE GIRL
X
Lets say nothing...I had nothing i'd say unique in it. But still a goodread