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Misery
Librarian's note: This an alternate cover for: 9781444720716
Misery Chastain was dead. Paul Sheldon had just killed her - with relief, with joy. Misery had made him rich; she was the heroine of a string of bestsellers. And now he wanted to get on to some real writing.
That's when the car accident happened, and he woke up in pain in a strange bed. But it wasn't the hospital. Annie Wilkes had pulled him from the wreck, brought him to her remote mountain home, splinted and set his mangled legs.
The good news was that Annie was a nurse and has pain-killing drugs. The bad news was that she was Paul's Number One Fan. And when she found out what Paul had done to Misery, she didn't like it. She didn't like it at all.
Misery Chastain was dead. Paul Sheldon had just killed her - with relief, with joy. Misery had made him rich; she was the heroine of a string of bestsellers. And now he wanted to get on to some real writing.
That's when the car accident happened, and he woke up in pain in a strange bed. But it wasn't the hospital. Annie Wilkes had pulled him from the wreck, brought him to her remote mountain home, splinted and set his mangled legs.
The good news was that Annie was a nurse and has pain-killing drugs. The bad news was that she was Paul's Number One Fan. And when she found out what Paul had done to Misery, she didn't like it. She didn't like it at all.
369 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 662 reviews
January 16, 2024
Welcome to the fan club of nightmares, where Annie Wilkes reigns supreme.
Author, Paul Sheldon’s biggest fan Annie takes her devotion to a whole new level in which King digs deep into the darker corners of obsessive fandom and the human psyche.
Possibly my favourite Stephen King book I’ve read (thus far). Movie is also a worthy adaptation.
Author, Paul Sheldon’s biggest fan Annie takes her devotion to a whole new level in which King digs deep into the darker corners of obsessive fandom and the human psyche.
Possibly my favourite Stephen King book I’ve read (thus far). Movie is also a worthy adaptation.
May 24, 2019
"I am in trouble here. This woman is not right."
Paul Sheldon, the best-selling writer of the Misery novels, finds himself rescued from a car accident by his number one fan, Annie Wilkes. As the former nurse takes care of him in her home, she finds out he killed off Misery in his latest novel and decides to keep Paul as her prisoner as he writes Misery back to life.
I read a number of Stephen King books pre-bookstagram and pre-goodreads, therefore I have never written a proper review for these books. Revisiting these books through readalongs and listening to audiobooks while running or at the gym gives me the opportunity to do so! Unfortunately when I revisited Misery it was in the form of the audiobook... and I was not a fan (and most certainly NOT its number 1 fan). The narrator did such a brilliant job of conveying the truly insane character that is Annie Wilkes, but otherwise it was very monotonous and boring at times. BUT I know that's not really the case for the book itself.
Similar to Gerald's Game, the events of this book primarily take place in one location. Ordinarily that would bore the life out of me, but King has this ability to grab your attention and keep you hooked anyway. That being said, there are still some boring parts in this book - but they are very few and far between. It is literally quite impossible to look away during the interactions between Annie and poor Paul Sheldon. Anytime Annie is on the scene, she steals the show - it's those parts where it's just Paul's meandering thoughts that I would tune out of sometimes. This is much better portrayed in the movie for me.
Something else that the movie benefits from is cutting out the parts where Paul is writing his new Misery book. I honestly have never cared less about anything in my entire life. I just DO NOT care. This is fair enough when you're reading the book and can just quickly skim over these parts - however, this is much more difficult when listening to the audiobook. I quite honestly feel like this is one of those rare scenarios in which the movie is much superior to the book. It takes the GREAT story that King tells and trims it down to a really effective movie.
Annie Wilkes is one of King's most iconic characters and the story is one of his most terrifying, because there are no scary monsters or supernatural creatures, Annie is all human and 100% crazy. She also brings a lot of humour to the story (for me anyway), I can't help but crack up when she goes on rants about different things. And the scene with the axe... one of the most nail-biting, stressful and cringeworthy events I've ever read in a book.
I really like Misery, but I don't seem to regard it as highly as lot of other Constant Readers. I can't pinpoint what is exactly, I just know it wouldn't make my top 20 list. I guess I never really connected with it on a personal level, and so many other King books DO make me FEEL so many emotions, so... it just slides down the list a bit. I do think it would be a great starting point for new King fans, as it isn't particularly scary, it's more of a psychological thriller. A nice way to introduce yourself to Mr King's works.
3.5 stars.
Paul Sheldon, the best-selling writer of the Misery novels, finds himself rescued from a car accident by his number one fan, Annie Wilkes. As the former nurse takes care of him in her home, she finds out he killed off Misery in his latest novel and decides to keep Paul as her prisoner as he writes Misery back to life.
I read a number of Stephen King books pre-bookstagram and pre-goodreads, therefore I have never written a proper review for these books. Revisiting these books through readalongs and listening to audiobooks while running or at the gym gives me the opportunity to do so! Unfortunately when I revisited Misery it was in the form of the audiobook... and I was not a fan (and most certainly NOT its number 1 fan). The narrator did such a brilliant job of conveying the truly insane character that is Annie Wilkes, but otherwise it was very monotonous and boring at times. BUT I know that's not really the case for the book itself.
Similar to Gerald's Game, the events of this book primarily take place in one location. Ordinarily that would bore the life out of me, but King has this ability to grab your attention and keep you hooked anyway. That being said, there are still some boring parts in this book - but they are very few and far between. It is literally quite impossible to look away during the interactions between Annie and poor Paul Sheldon. Anytime Annie is on the scene, she steals the show - it's those parts where it's just Paul's meandering thoughts that I would tune out of sometimes. This is much better portrayed in the movie for me.
Something else that the movie benefits from is cutting out the parts where Paul is writing his new Misery book. I honestly have never cared less about anything in my entire life. I just DO NOT care. This is fair enough when you're reading the book and can just quickly skim over these parts - however, this is much more difficult when listening to the audiobook. I quite honestly feel like this is one of those rare scenarios in which the movie is much superior to the book. It takes the GREAT story that King tells and trims it down to a really effective movie.
Annie Wilkes is one of King's most iconic characters and the story is one of his most terrifying, because there are no scary monsters or supernatural creatures, Annie is all human and 100% crazy. She also brings a lot of humour to the story (for me anyway), I can't help but crack up when she goes on rants about different things. And the scene with the axe... one of the most nail-biting, stressful and cringeworthy events I've ever read in a book.
I really like Misery, but I don't seem to regard it as highly as lot of other Constant Readers. I can't pinpoint what is exactly, I just know it wouldn't make my top 20 list. I guess I never really connected with it on a personal level, and so many other King books DO make me FEEL so many emotions, so... it just slides down the list a bit. I do think it would be a great starting point for new King fans, as it isn't particularly scary, it's more of a psychological thriller. A nice way to introduce yourself to Mr King's works.
3.5 stars.
October 24, 2018
It took me longer than usual to get into this King book, which was largely down to the writing style. I felt it was different than his usual style (which is the one I adore so much). I had the same problem when reading The Shining. It was just lacking this "special something", and thus, I felt disconnected from the characters until about a halfway through.
However, all the stuff that was happening up until this point still had an effect on me and absolutely terrified me. And then came the big shift and I got really into it. As soon as I got to know the two main characters better, I got so excited and couldn't stop reading! It all got so interesting after a certain revelation and I was so relieved, because up until then, I had the feeling that I was missing out on whatever makes other people love this book so much.
After reaching the halfway point, the genre "Psychological Horror" was truly embodied. There is just something about Annie Wilkes that is constantly frightening, no matter what this woman does. After reading that King wrote her as the personification of cocaine, I totally understand why she is so terrifying, even in the (rare) moments when she is acting nice. I wish I had the right qualifications to analyze this book and its characters on a psychological level, because I bet it would incredibly interesting.
So even though it took me a while to be enthralled by the book, it is still definitely worth a read!
I'd also like to mention how much I appreciated the little snippets of the actual "Misery"-novels that were included in the story. It added a lot more depth and realism.
However, all the stuff that was happening up until this point still had an effect on me and absolutely terrified me. And then came the big shift and I got really into it. As soon as I got to know the two main characters better, I got so excited and couldn't stop reading! It all got so interesting after a certain revelation and I was so relieved, because up until then, I had the feeling that I was missing out on whatever makes other people love this book so much.
After reaching the halfway point, the genre "Psychological Horror" was truly embodied. There is just something about Annie Wilkes that is constantly frightening, no matter what this woman does. After reading that King wrote her as the personification of cocaine, I totally understand why she is so terrifying, even in the (rare) moments when she is acting nice. I wish I had the right qualifications to analyze this book and its characters on a psychological level, because I bet it would incredibly interesting.
So even though it took me a while to be enthralled by the book, it is still definitely worth a read!
I'd also like to mention how much I appreciated the little snippets of the actual "Misery"-novels that were included in the story. It added a lot more depth and realism.
October 23, 2021
Wow! What a gruesomely disturbing ride Mr King! I must admit, I watched Misery years ago, and I remember not thinking much of it, as it didn't really make me squeamish. In the case of "Misery" I think the book was better, and it took the term "Fucked up" to a new height.
Although this was a great read, I found I didn't love this as much as Pet Sematary, but it was still classic King writing, and it kept me pretty unsettled, until the very end.
And, talking of unsettled, lets talk about Annie Wilkes. What a woman! She is probably one of the most disturbingly crazy female characters in fiction. I find her layered, and by that I mean that she's a real mixed bag. You really never know what you're going to get. I cannot say I LIKE her character, because, lets face it, she's pretty evil, but she is interesting. The way she lives her life for one. She doesn't fit in to society, so she distanced herself from it on her little farm with her animals- until she met Paul Sheldon. And that is when shit hits the fan, and we learn, incredibly quickly actually, that nobody fucks with Annie Wilkes.
I found myself rather on edge with this, eager to know what stunt Annie might pull next, especially if Paul made her angry. There was one scene, and I found myself thinking " Wow, he's not seriously written THAT, has he?" Obviously, the answer to that, was a yes. It's King. There is nothing he won't write about, especially when his words are able to crawl into the very depths of your mind, and set up home there for a while. This was another grand novel from King, and I'm itching to read my next!
Although this was a great read, I found I didn't love this as much as Pet Sematary, but it was still classic King writing, and it kept me pretty unsettled, until the very end.
And, talking of unsettled, lets talk about Annie Wilkes. What a woman! She is probably one of the most disturbingly crazy female characters in fiction. I find her layered, and by that I mean that she's a real mixed bag. You really never know what you're going to get. I cannot say I LIKE her character, because, lets face it, she's pretty evil, but she is interesting. The way she lives her life for one. She doesn't fit in to society, so she distanced herself from it on her little farm with her animals- until she met Paul Sheldon. And that is when shit hits the fan, and we learn, incredibly quickly actually, that nobody fucks with Annie Wilkes.
I found myself rather on edge with this, eager to know what stunt Annie might pull next, especially if Paul made her angry. There was one scene, and I found myself thinking " Wow, he's not seriously written THAT, has he?" Obviously, the answer to that, was a yes. It's King. There is nothing he won't write about, especially when his words are able to crawl into the very depths of your mind, and set up home there for a while. This was another grand novel from King, and I'm itching to read my next!
August 18, 2019
★★★★ /5
Stephen King is an author whose books I always enjoy and Misery was not an exception. I really liked the first part of the book, I founded it very compelling and fascinating, others were a little bit disappointing but I still enjoyed reading them. In addition, it was very psychologically heavy book so it took me a long time to read, but on the other hand writing style really fitted the story.
It was good book, but not my favorite.
Stephen King is an author whose books I always enjoy and Misery was not an exception. I really liked the first part of the book, I founded it very compelling and fascinating, others were a little bit disappointing but I still enjoyed reading them. In addition, it was very psychologically heavy book so it took me a long time to read, but on the other hand writing style really fitted the story.
It was good book, but not my favorite.
December 9, 2019
A group of two foursomes were stretching, swinging in practice, talking and otherwise getting ready for a morning round of golf. The first tee box was adjacent to the parking lot and a couple golfers were discussing that earlier in the week, a man had driven to the gold course, parked a few dozen yards from where we all now stood and had tragically ended his life with a gunshot. Several of us paused to reflect on this moment of grim calamity brought about so close to us. One golfer, who has a ridiculously powerful and consistent drive, and also a quick wit, said:
“Well, he got a hole in one.”
To which we all added appalled groans and variations on “Dude! That was f***ed up!”
Stephen King, Dude! That was f***ed up!
King’s 1987 novel Misery is, indeed f***ed up. Paul Sheldon, a successful writer of romance novels, but who longs to be regarded for his more serious works, finishes his most recent novel “Fast Cars” after having killed off his successful and famous romance novel heroine Misery Chastain. He drives away from his Colorado hotel, filled with achievement and too much champagne and wrecks his car in a snow-covered ditch. He is rescued by his number one fan – of the Misery books – Annie Wilkes, and so begins a psychological thriller the likes of which only King could pull off.
Creepy, discomforting and truly scary, King has in Misery recreated the Thousand and One nights of Scheherazade, except Sheldon is staying alive by keeping Annie waiting for the next Misery novel. For those who have only seen the 1990 Rob Reiner film starring Kathy Bates and James Caan, that is a watered-down version of the torture King deals out. In Wilkes, King has crafted one of his most villainous characters.
Not just for King fans, this is a modern horror tale that all fans of that genre will likely enjoy.
“Well, he got a hole in one.”
To which we all added appalled groans and variations on “Dude! That was f***ed up!”
Stephen King, Dude! That was f***ed up!
King’s 1987 novel Misery is, indeed f***ed up. Paul Sheldon, a successful writer of romance novels, but who longs to be regarded for his more serious works, finishes his most recent novel “Fast Cars” after having killed off his successful and famous romance novel heroine Misery Chastain. He drives away from his Colorado hotel, filled with achievement and too much champagne and wrecks his car in a snow-covered ditch. He is rescued by his number one fan – of the Misery books – Annie Wilkes, and so begins a psychological thriller the likes of which only King could pull off.
Creepy, discomforting and truly scary, King has in Misery recreated the Thousand and One nights of Scheherazade, except Sheldon is staying alive by keeping Annie waiting for the next Misery novel. For those who have only seen the 1990 Rob Reiner film starring Kathy Bates and James Caan, that is a watered-down version of the torture King deals out. In Wilkes, King has crafted one of his most villainous characters.
Not just for King fans, this is a modern horror tale that all fans of that genre will likely enjoy.
December 5, 2018
It took me AGES (4 1/2 fucking months smh) to read this and I have absolutely no idea why. I enjoyed it a lot.
I thought I would like it even more than I did though.
I had a few problems with King's writing style in this particular book (especially in the beginning) even though I'm normally a really big fan of it.
And I was bored to death every time there were actual parts of "Misery" (the book that's being written by the author in this) to read. I don't know why, I just didn't care for them.
Other than that, this was pretty awesome.
Annie was such a well written, interesting and absolutely terrifying character!
She helped a lot with building the right atmosphere.
I'm so excited for watching the movie!
I thought I would like it even more than I did though.
I had a few problems with King's writing style in this particular book (especially in the beginning) even though I'm normally a really big fan of it.
And I was bored to death every time there were actual parts of "Misery" (the book that's being written by the author in this) to read. I don't know why, I just didn't care for them.
Other than that, this was pretty awesome.
Annie was such a well written, interesting and absolutely terrifying character!
She helped a lot with building the right atmosphere.
I'm so excited for watching the movie!
December 7, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ½
Genre: Horror + Thriller
After a car crash, famous romance novelist Paul Sheldon ends up in the house of Annie Wilkes, who is an obsessed superfan. She absolutely loves his character, Misery Chastain. When Paul reveals in his latest book that he killed Misery off, Annie loses it and holds him captive, insisting that he rewrite the story to make her happy. As Paul faces both mental and physical torment, he has to figure out how to escape Annie’s control and take charge of his own story.
I approached the book already familiar with the entire story, as I have watched the movie adaptation starring Kathy Bates numerous times. Reading the book did not disappoint me at all. In fact, I found that the movie is one of the best adaptations of a Stephen King novel. Throughout my reading, I couldn't help but hear Kathy Bates' incredible performance and distinctive voice in my head.
The author skillfully focuses on just two characters throughout the story, yet it never feels dull or boring. This story expertly combines realistic horror with intense thrills, keeping you captivated throughout. The dialogue between the characters crackles with intensity and unpredictability, filled with emotional depth and surprising twists.
The sections of the book that focused on Misery's story were limited and, unfortunately, didn't resonate with me. Unlike Annie, who seemed to be obsessed with Misery and her story, I found them unappealing. Thankfully, the novel didn't dwell on Misery's story for too long, so it didn't significantly detract from my overall enjoyment.
If you are a fan of psychological horror and don’t mind the story taking place in one single setting, this is the perfect read. Not only that, but reading it during the winter season makes you also a silent character in the story! Highly recommended.
Genre: Horror + Thriller
After a car crash, famous romance novelist Paul Sheldon ends up in the house of Annie Wilkes, who is an obsessed superfan. She absolutely loves his character, Misery Chastain. When Paul reveals in his latest book that he killed Misery off, Annie loses it and holds him captive, insisting that he rewrite the story to make her happy. As Paul faces both mental and physical torment, he has to figure out how to escape Annie’s control and take charge of his own story.
I approached the book already familiar with the entire story, as I have watched the movie adaptation starring Kathy Bates numerous times. Reading the book did not disappoint me at all. In fact, I found that the movie is one of the best adaptations of a Stephen King novel. Throughout my reading, I couldn't help but hear Kathy Bates' incredible performance and distinctive voice in my head.
The author skillfully focuses on just two characters throughout the story, yet it never feels dull or boring. This story expertly combines realistic horror with intense thrills, keeping you captivated throughout. The dialogue between the characters crackles with intensity and unpredictability, filled with emotional depth and surprising twists.
The sections of the book that focused on Misery's story were limited and, unfortunately, didn't resonate with me. Unlike Annie, who seemed to be obsessed with Misery and her story, I found them unappealing. Thankfully, the novel didn't dwell on Misery's story for too long, so it didn't significantly detract from my overall enjoyment.
If you are a fan of psychological horror and don’t mind the story taking place in one single setting, this is the perfect read. Not only that, but reading it during the winter season makes you also a silent character in the story! Highly recommended.
December 12, 2015
The reason authors almost always put a dedication on a book, Annie, is because their selfishness even horrifies themselves in the end.
Goodbye sleep and hello Annie!
I'm certain that my favorite book by King will always be Pet Sematary, but this book came pretty close to changing my mind. And just like I'm sure that Pet Sematary will always be my favorite, I'm also sure that Misery one will always remain my second favorite.
I honestly don't know how King does it. This is, without a doubt, the most disgusting and the hardest book I've read so far. And I loved every second of it. (does that make me a weird person? probably)
Now about the book...
Meet Annie Wilkes, a nice old woman who likes to read (just like all of us), but who also has a hobby of capturing and torturing her favorite author (unlike all of us... at least I hope). Annie is one of those character that will definitely pay a visit to me in my dreams. She's even scarier than crazy Jack Torrance. (Wouldn't the two of them make an excellent couple?!)
But on the other hand, we have Paul Sheldon. And, unlike Annie, he became my favorite King's character. Even though Annie made this book interesting, I loved hearing from Paul's POV. In my opinion, he as a character was even more interesting than Annie.
And in the end, I'm just going to say that if you love King (or you're just a horror fan in general), but for some reason still haven't decided to pick up this book yet, do it. You definitely won't be disappointed. This is King at his best.
Goodbye sleep and hello Annie!
I'm certain that my favorite book by King will always be Pet Sematary, but this book came pretty close to changing my mind. And just like I'm sure that Pet Sematary will always be my favorite, I'm also sure that Misery one will always remain my second favorite.
I honestly don't know how King does it. This is, without a doubt, the most disgusting and the hardest book I've read so far. And I loved every second of it. (does that make me a weird person? probably)
Now about the book...
Meet Annie Wilkes, a nice old woman who likes to read (just like all of us), but who also has a hobby of capturing and torturing her favorite author (unlike all of us... at least I hope). Annie is one of those character that will definitely pay a visit to me in my dreams. She's even scarier than crazy Jack Torrance. (Wouldn't the two of them make an excellent couple?!)
But on the other hand, we have Paul Sheldon. And, unlike Annie, he became my favorite King's character. Even though Annie made this book interesting, I loved hearing from Paul's POV. In my opinion, he as a character was even more interesting than Annie.
And in the end, I'm just going to say that if you love King (or you're just a horror fan in general), but for some reason still haven't decided to pick up this book yet, do it. You definitely won't be disappointed. This is King at his best.
November 18, 2021
Misery is a great novel, in my opinion this is nearly perfect psychological horror fiction.
A famous novelist gets into a car accident, wakes up in an unknown bed, in an unknown house, only to find out that the person nursing him back to health is his "number one fan". This "fan" however didn't like his last novel in which he killed off her favorite character. And so, the terror begins...
A game of wits, strength and perseverance begins between Paul Sheldon and Annie Wilkes. There are different levels of mental illness and insanity in this game. And insights on what it means to be a writer and what all comes with it, it feels like King put a lot of himself in this book. But the tension is always there, claustrophobia and the fear of what is to come.
Annie Wilkes is one creepy gal, she is a well-crafted character full of subtle mood changes, ranging from somewhat depressed to downright insane. Because of these ever-changing moods, there is constant tension in the house, threat looming, what mood will Annie be in today?
This novel kept me hooked from beginning to end, and every time I had to stop because life interfered with my reading, I couldn't wait to get back to this excellent horror story, what a trip. Stephen King proves once again that he is a master storyteller and I still have many of his books to read, I can't wait to see where he will take me next time.
A famous novelist gets into a car accident, wakes up in an unknown bed, in an unknown house, only to find out that the person nursing him back to health is his "number one fan". This "fan" however didn't like his last novel in which he killed off her favorite character. And so, the terror begins...
A game of wits, strength and perseverance begins between Paul Sheldon and Annie Wilkes. There are different levels of mental illness and insanity in this game. And insights on what it means to be a writer and what all comes with it, it feels like King put a lot of himself in this book. But the tension is always there, claustrophobia and the fear of what is to come.
Annie Wilkes is one creepy gal, she is a well-crafted character full of subtle mood changes, ranging from somewhat depressed to downright insane. Because of these ever-changing moods, there is constant tension in the house, threat looming, what mood will Annie be in today?
This novel kept me hooked from beginning to end, and every time I had to stop because life interfered with my reading, I couldn't wait to get back to this excellent horror story, what a trip. Stephen King proves once again that he is a master storyteller and I still have many of his books to read, I can't wait to see where he will take me next time.
September 6, 2021
King has created so many iconic characters, but Annie Wikes is the scariest of them all!
Famous novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued from a car crash by crazed fan Annie, she is obsessed with he’s Victorian-era romance novels that focuses on the character Misery Chastain.
Having been a nurse, she takes Paul under her care with the stockpile of codeine that she has at home.
During this time Annie revived the latest book in the Misery series and is aghast to find what Paul has done with the character.
Not only done this book take a fascinating look at fandom, it also deals with Paul’s new addition to pain killers.
Both characters are amongst the best King has ever written and I can't help but feel that it’s he’s way of telling the reader of he’s own experiences as everyone expects a certain type of story from him too.
A relatively short novel by Kings standards, its easy to get caught up in the story.
The scenes where Paul is exploring the house to try and find some pain killers is so incredibly tense!
Famous novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued from a car crash by crazed fan Annie, she is obsessed with he’s Victorian-era romance novels that focuses on the character Misery Chastain.
Having been a nurse, she takes Paul under her care with the stockpile of codeine that she has at home.
During this time Annie revived the latest book in the Misery series and is aghast to find what Paul has done with the character.
Not only done this book take a fascinating look at fandom, it also deals with Paul’s new addition to pain killers.
Both characters are amongst the best King has ever written and I can't help but feel that it’s he’s way of telling the reader of he’s own experiences as everyone expects a certain type of story from him too.
A relatively short novel by Kings standards, its easy to get caught up in the story.
The scenes where Paul is exploring the house to try and find some pain killers is so incredibly tense!
October 8, 2023
Misery es el tipo de relato obsesivo que sólo podría salir de la mente de Stephen King. Un escritor sufre un accidente y es “rescatado” por una mujer cuya inestabilidad mental es proporcional a su crueldad y que procede a retenerlo para satisfacer sus propios caprichos que toman la forma de una novela.
La premisa no es demasiado compleja y aunque la idea de que algo semejante nos ocurra resulta escalofriante, lo que convierte al libro en una auténtica joya del terror es la manera en que el genio creativo de King desentraña la más aguda crueldad de su protagonista femenina mientras explora los límites de una mente perturbada y somete a su protagonista masculino al rol de un esclavo de la voluntad de su captora tanto como de la dependencia de los tranquilizantes y del deterioro de sus propias capacidades como resultado del miedo, el dolor y el encierro.
Los niveles de suspenso y tensión que el autor logra bastan para tenerte al borde del asiento y conteniendo la respiración mientras devorás una tras otra las páginas de una historia que es envolvente, macabra y fascinante.
La premisa no es demasiado compleja y aunque la idea de que algo semejante nos ocurra resulta escalofriante, lo que convierte al libro en una auténtica joya del terror es la manera en que el genio creativo de King desentraña la más aguda crueldad de su protagonista femenina mientras explora los límites de una mente perturbada y somete a su protagonista masculino al rol de un esclavo de la voluntad de su captora tanto como de la dependencia de los tranquilizantes y del deterioro de sus propias capacidades como resultado del miedo, el dolor y el encierro.
Los niveles de suspenso y tensión que el autor logra bastan para tenerte al borde del asiento y conteniendo la respiración mientras devorás una tras otra las páginas de una historia que es envolvente, macabra y fascinante.
November 19, 2018
My first SK novel. I wasn't overly scared.. wanting to finish quickly as my main motivation was to see the movie. I was mostly picturing the talented Kathy Bates, after googling many of the images from the film.
Another synopsis isn't needed, such a classic book it is, but I was not fussed. I own many other of his novels to read and may get to them at some stage.
I read in many reviews this was one of his scariest book, but I was not convinced of this. I wonder what the movie will hold for me. Maybe the genre is just not for me.
Another synopsis isn't needed, such a classic book it is, but I was not fussed. I own many other of his novels to read and may get to them at some stage.
I read in many reviews this was one of his scariest book, but I was not convinced of this. I wonder what the movie will hold for me. Maybe the genre is just not for me.
February 19, 2018
This book was selected for my bookclub's January group read... Well, we were originally talking about reading Dolores Claiborne, but I suggested something with a more wintry theme, since it is winter and all. (I love reading according to the weather. It's more immersive to me to read books that take place in winter, when it IS winter, and I like that.)
Anyway, so Misery. Man, it's been years since I read this book, and I forgot how much there was to it that was NOT the hobbling bit. The movie has actually caused that scene to take on something of a life of its own in pop culture terms... It's even used in a cockadoodie DirecTV commercial, for Pete's sake. That's when you know it's mainstream.
But, I shall let you in on a not-so-secret secret... I had never seen the whole movie until this past Sunday. My parents bought the movie when it came out (my mom was a big King fan back in the day) and I got to the hobbling scene, and I was traumatized, and that was it for me for... 20mumblemumble years or so... Never finished it. I just don't like broken bones, probably BECAUSE of the hobbling scene... and well... it's kinda the point, right?. I know, I know... You're like "Who likes watching a guy get his ankles shattered with a sledgehammer??" Probably not many people, but, what I mean is... while a normal person might cringe and be upset by it for a while... for ME, it will linger on and on... haunting my edge-of-sleep moments indefinitely. I even covered eyes and ears when I watched the movie on Sunday to make it past that scene, since this time I knew it was coming, whereas my innocent child-self had no idea of the trauma she was about to witness.
I find it interesting that the filmmakers found DUAL ankle shatterings to be less traumatic than the scene in the book, which only affects one foot. To me it has always been the opposite and I have no trouble reading about the amputation and cauterization, but... as we just recounted above, have serious issues with the movie's version. Though, I guess they are right. It's less permanent than the hobbling in the book, that's for sure. But... some things are just never supposed to BEND certain ways!! *shudder* Ugh... Let's move on before I never sleep again.
Let's chat about Annie, because she's really why we're all here. Annie is such a fascinating character to me. I can't say that I like her character, though everyone knows that I do love me some bad characters, but I do find her fascinating. She has her own moral code, and her own way of living that doesn't quite fit into society's standards. Had Paul Sheldon not decided to drive drunk (blizzard or no), she probably would have gone on quite some time on her semi-secluded little farm, with just her animals. She was quite scrupulous in taking care of them, and her home, and so without the wrench in the plot, things would have gone on as they had presumably been going... nobody bothers her, she doesn't bother anyone else.
But Paul DID drive drunk, in a blizzard, and by all accounts should have died there with two frozen leg pretzels. Thank goodness that Annie was passing by. It BOTHERS me that Paul gets a complete pass on the fact that he was drinking and driving when he crashed. Sure, he might've crashed anyway - road conditions in the mountains can get really bad, really fast... but if he hadn't been drinking too, he might have had the sense to know better than to KEEP driving in those conditions. So it bothers me that he never acknowledges this fact at all as the cause of his personal misery. Not once, not even in all of his self-awareness about his newly acquired back-monkey, Novril brand pain pills. He would much rather blame it on the weather, and the woman, than on his own bad choices.
OK, sorry, derailed a bit there... coming back to Annie in 3... 2... 1:
I do not think that anyone, whether they drove drunk or not, should be subjected to such a punishment as being saved and nursed by the likes of Annie Wilkes. That's a bit much... but at least Paul was rescued. So that's better than being dead, yeah? Probably, Annie really was just being a good samaritan, a Do Bee... and seeing that she had then rescued her favorite author had to seem to her like some sort of divine offering. I don't think that she had any plans for how it would go, but my guess is that she was hoping that, as happens in romance novels sometimes, the hero saves the victim from certain death, and when the victim regains consciousness and realizes what has happened, they fall in love, and there are fireworks and sunshine and fairysprinkles... So, of course she was in for a rude awakening when the first things he wanted to know was why he wasn't in a hospital and when could he go to one. I think, in Annie's mind, the hospital is now part of the vast enemy network against her, and I think she truly never would have thought about taking ANYONE to the hospital, even if it was just some Joe Schmoe. Probably, if it was a random Joe, and they were as badly injured as Paul was, she'd just have quickened their journey to the afterlife, and moved on with her chores.
I loved and feared her steadfast nature. Once she decides something, right or wrong, she's going to do it. There is no stopping her, no pleading, no compromising, it's just going to be done. I wanted to know so much more about her than the little clippings that we got from her self-curated Memory Album... I want to know what happened to her in her childhood to make her the way she is. If nothing did, I find that even more terrifying. She is a terrifying woman... all the more because of how long she was able to carry on the facade of normality before anyone ever questioned her.
I also found it super fascinating how paranoid she was, but at the same time completely hiding it in all the ways that mattered to Paul. Just when he thinks he's gotten away with something, she's there to show him that she sees all, and knows all, and should never, ever be underestimated. In the same vein, I asked one of my bookclub friends who is a medical professional how likely it is that Paul would have gotten as addicted to the codeine-based Novril as he did, and he said, "Without a doubt, she hooked him on purpose, right from the start." Which makes perfect sense, when spelled out that way, of course. Legs can heal (if they're allowed to anyway), but an addiction... that's the gift that keeps on giving to someone who likes to control and vindictively cause suffering when displeased.
One more thing about the movie, and then I will move on. Kathy Bates was perfect as Annie Wilkes, duh, of course, but I do wish that the movie had allowed for more of her quirks. The blank, "going away" stare, maybe her Laughing Place, her suspicions, and more specifically, her suspicions as direct cause for the punishments she gives out. I feel like, much with Kubrick's version of The Shining, they just made her crazy, and that was enough. But it's the nuance, the escalation, the little things that matter, at least to me.
OK, so, Paul, aside from his less than stellar life decisions, I actually thought did the best he could with what he had to work with. Too often, in these kinds of stories, the victim refuses to "play along" with the perpetrator's demands - whether or not they make sense. Not Paul. He knew he was in trouble very quickly, and immediately started Survival Mode: Don't Rock The Boat. Sometimes it was not something he could help, and sometimes he took a gamble and rocked the hell out of it, but for the most part, I can't say that I'd have done a whole lot differently than he did.
Finally, it's pretty easy to see this book as an allegory for King himself. At the time that King was writing this, pretty early in his career, he had already gotten pretty heavily into drinking and drugs. And, he had already formed a pretty vociferous fanbase. Though he had not, yet, created series characters that were so well loved as Misery Chastain (Roland Deschain had only just met Eddie and experienced 'astin' and 'tooterfish' a month before Misery's release), it is still a lot of pressure for a young author with numerous bestsellers under his belt already, to feel the constant droning whine of his fans wanting more... The pressure of delivering on their expectations, the pressure of not writing a flop... Well, I'm guessing. I don't know how King felt. Maybe he always had 73 ideas in his head and a golden hand to write them down with... but if it were me, I would feel it, and feel sort of trapped.
Anyway, 1986-1987 was an incredibly prolific period for King. IT was released in September of 86, and then The Eyes of the Dragon in February 87, then The Drawing of the Three in May, Misery in June, and The Tommyknockers in November. I wonder how his Constant Readers would have reacted to that year. It must have been like Christmas every quarter. Maybe that year was the equivalent to him shoving burning book pages in Annie's mouth at the end, huh?
You want it? Take it. TAKE IT ALL. I hope you choke.
Or... maybe not. Maybe the guy just like writing stories. Could go either way. :P
Anyway, so Misery. Man, it's been years since I read this book, and I forgot how much there was to it that was NOT the hobbling bit. The movie has actually caused that scene to take on something of a life of its own in pop culture terms... It's even used in a cockadoodie DirecTV commercial, for Pete's sake. That's when you know it's mainstream.
But, I shall let you in on a not-so-secret secret... I had never seen the whole movie until this past Sunday. My parents bought the movie when it came out (my mom was a big King fan back in the day) and I got to the hobbling scene, and I was traumatized, and that was it for me for... 20mumblemumble years or so... Never finished it. I just don't like broken bones, probably BECAUSE of the hobbling scene... and well... it's kinda the point, right?. I know, I know... You're like "Who likes watching a guy get his ankles shattered with a sledgehammer??" Probably not many people, but, what I mean is... while a normal person might cringe and be upset by it for a while... for ME, it will linger on and on... haunting my edge-of-sleep moments indefinitely. I even covered eyes and ears when I watched the movie on Sunday to make it past that scene, since this time I knew it was coming, whereas my innocent child-self had no idea of the trauma she was about to witness.
I find it interesting that the filmmakers found DUAL ankle shatterings to be less traumatic than the scene in the book, which only affects one foot. To me it has always been the opposite and I have no trouble reading about the amputation and cauterization, but... as we just recounted above, have serious issues with the movie's version. Though, I guess they are right. It's less permanent than the hobbling in the book, that's for sure. But... some things are just never supposed to BEND certain ways!! *shudder* Ugh... Let's move on before I never sleep again.
Let's chat about Annie, because she's really why we're all here. Annie is such a fascinating character to me. I can't say that I like her character, though everyone knows that I do love me some bad characters, but I do find her fascinating. She has her own moral code, and her own way of living that doesn't quite fit into society's standards. Had Paul Sheldon not decided to drive drunk (blizzard or no), she probably would have gone on quite some time on her semi-secluded little farm, with just her animals. She was quite scrupulous in taking care of them, and her home, and so without the wrench in the plot, things would have gone on as they had presumably been going... nobody bothers her, she doesn't bother anyone else.
But Paul DID drive drunk, in a blizzard, and by all accounts should have died there with two frozen leg pretzels. Thank goodness that Annie was passing by. It BOTHERS me that Paul gets a complete pass on the fact that he was drinking and driving when he crashed. Sure, he might've crashed anyway - road conditions in the mountains can get really bad, really fast... but if he hadn't been drinking too, he might have had the sense to know better than to KEEP driving in those conditions. So it bothers me that he never acknowledges this fact at all as the cause of his personal misery. Not once, not even in all of his self-awareness about his newly acquired back-monkey, Novril brand pain pills. He would much rather blame it on the weather, and the woman, than on his own bad choices.
OK, sorry, derailed a bit there... coming back to Annie in 3... 2... 1:
I do not think that anyone, whether they drove drunk or not, should be subjected to such a punishment as being saved and nursed by the likes of Annie Wilkes. That's a bit much... but at least Paul was rescued. So that's better than being dead, yeah? Probably, Annie really was just being a good samaritan, a Do Bee... and seeing that she had then rescued her favorite author had to seem to her like some sort of divine offering. I don't think that she had any plans for how it would go, but my guess is that she was hoping that, as happens in romance novels sometimes, the hero saves the victim from certain death, and when the victim regains consciousness and realizes what has happened, they fall in love, and there are fireworks and sunshine and fairysprinkles... So, of course she was in for a rude awakening when the first things he wanted to know was why he wasn't in a hospital and when could he go to one. I think, in Annie's mind, the hospital is now part of the vast enemy network against her, and I think she truly never would have thought about taking ANYONE to the hospital, even if it was just some Joe Schmoe. Probably, if it was a random Joe, and they were as badly injured as Paul was, she'd just have quickened their journey to the afterlife, and moved on with her chores.
I loved and feared her steadfast nature. Once she decides something, right or wrong, she's going to do it. There is no stopping her, no pleading, no compromising, it's just going to be done. I wanted to know so much more about her than the little clippings that we got from her self-curated Memory Album... I want to know what happened to her in her childhood to make her the way she is. If nothing did, I find that even more terrifying. She is a terrifying woman... all the more because of how long she was able to carry on the facade of normality before anyone ever questioned her.
I also found it super fascinating how paranoid she was, but at the same time completely hiding it in all the ways that mattered to Paul. Just when he thinks he's gotten away with something, she's there to show him that she sees all, and knows all, and should never, ever be underestimated. In the same vein, I asked one of my bookclub friends who is a medical professional how likely it is that Paul would have gotten as addicted to the codeine-based Novril as he did, and he said, "Without a doubt, she hooked him on purpose, right from the start." Which makes perfect sense, when spelled out that way, of course. Legs can heal (if they're allowed to anyway), but an addiction... that's the gift that keeps on giving to someone who likes to control and vindictively cause suffering when displeased.
One more thing about the movie, and then I will move on. Kathy Bates was perfect as Annie Wilkes, duh, of course, but I do wish that the movie had allowed for more of her quirks. The blank, "going away" stare, maybe her Laughing Place, her suspicions, and more specifically, her suspicions as direct cause for the punishments she gives out. I feel like, much with Kubrick's version of The Shining, they just made her crazy, and that was enough. But it's the nuance, the escalation, the little things that matter, at least to me.
OK, so, Paul, aside from his less than stellar life decisions, I actually thought did the best he could with what he had to work with. Too often, in these kinds of stories, the victim refuses to "play along" with the perpetrator's demands - whether or not they make sense. Not Paul. He knew he was in trouble very quickly, and immediately started Survival Mode: Don't Rock The Boat. Sometimes it was not something he could help, and sometimes he took a gamble and rocked the hell out of it, but for the most part, I can't say that I'd have done a whole lot differently than he did.
Finally, it's pretty easy to see this book as an allegory for King himself. At the time that King was writing this, pretty early in his career, he had already gotten pretty heavily into drinking and drugs. And, he had already formed a pretty vociferous fanbase. Though he had not, yet, created series characters that were so well loved as Misery Chastain (Roland Deschain had only just met Eddie and experienced 'astin' and 'tooterfish' a month before Misery's release), it is still a lot of pressure for a young author with numerous bestsellers under his belt already, to feel the constant droning whine of his fans wanting more... The pressure of delivering on their expectations, the pressure of not writing a flop... Well, I'm guessing. I don't know how King felt. Maybe he always had 73 ideas in his head and a golden hand to write them down with... but if it were me, I would feel it, and feel sort of trapped.
Anyway, 1986-1987 was an incredibly prolific period for King. IT was released in September of 86, and then The Eyes of the Dragon in February 87, then The Drawing of the Three in May, Misery in June, and The Tommyknockers in November. I wonder how his Constant Readers would have reacted to that year. It must have been like Christmas every quarter. Maybe that year was the equivalent to him shoving burning book pages in Annie's mouth at the end, huh?
You want it? Take it. TAKE IT ALL. I hope you choke.
Or... maybe not. Maybe the guy just like writing stories. Could go either way. :P
April 21, 2016
This was a re-read for me. I usually have a Stephen King book on my bedside table that I dip into at odd times; when I have just finished reading another book, in the middle of the night, or when I can't settle to anything else.
I never fail to wince when Annie shatters Paul's ankles. I feel every bone breaking......great writing!
I never fail to wince when Annie shatters Paul's ankles. I feel every bone breaking......great writing!
March 30, 2022
oh shit i loved it. go off Stephen.
the movie is a great and faithful adaptation but the book is way more graphic and violent. totally understand why they took out or changed some scenes. surprisingly enough the ending was fine.
the movie is a great and faithful adaptation but the book is way more graphic and violent. totally understand why they took out or changed some scenes. surprisingly enough the ending was fine.
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October 12, 2020
Misery was one of the most upsetting books I've ever read in my entire??? life?? I hate it. There was not one chapter that didn't make me feel angry or deeply disturbed. I just hated it so much. So much. I want to delete this story from my mind and at the same time want to reread it so what happens to Anne happens to Anne a thousand times over. It's what she deserves.
I'm so upset.
The writing was, of course, wonderful--if a bit too convoluted at times. Paul's despair upset me so much that I had to read this book as fast as possible so I'd know what happened to him and Anne. It was such a scary situation and the helplessness of it all was one of the worst feelings I've ever felt while reading a book. I finished the book about half an hour ago and I still kind of want to cry. What the fuck.
At the same time that I'm happy I read this, because it was an amazing piece of writing, I also know it was a Big Mistake. I'm going to keep thinking about Paul and Anne for the rest of my life. Nightmare fuel. I hate it. If you're looking for a spooky read this October, look no further. This was fucked up.
I'm so upset.
The writing was, of course, wonderful--if a bit too convoluted at times. Paul's despair upset me so much that I had to read this book as fast as possible so I'd know what happened to him and Anne. It was such a scary situation and the helplessness of it all was one of the worst feelings I've ever felt while reading a book. I finished the book about half an hour ago and I still kind of want to cry. What the fuck.
At the same time that I'm happy I read this, because it was an amazing piece of writing, I also know it was a Big Mistake. I'm going to keep thinking about Paul and Anne for the rest of my life. Nightmare fuel. I hate it. If you're looking for a spooky read this October, look no further. This was fucked up.
August 8, 2022
DNF @ 20%
I think Stephen King books are just not for me. His writing is overly descriptive to the point I was getting bored.
I’ll maybe try this again at a later date who knows.
I think Stephen King books are just not for me. His writing is overly descriptive to the point I was getting bored.
I’ll maybe try this again at a later date who knows.
January 5, 2018
Έχοντας δει (και λατρέψει) την ταινία δεν ήμουν σίγουρη αν θα παρέμενε αμείωτο το ενδιαφέρον μου διαβάζοντας το βιβλίο. Αν κάποιος μου έλεγε ότι η Annie Wilkes του βιβλίου είναι γύρω στις δέκα χιλιάδες φορές πιο τρομακτική από την Annie Wilkes της Κάθι Μπέιτς δεν ξέρω αν θα το πίστευα (διάβαζα?). Να όμως που 369 σελίδες μετά αισθάνομαι αηδιασμένη, τρομοκρατημένη και ακόμα πιο αποφασισμένη να έχω απόλυτη εμπιστοσύνη στον Στήβεν Κινγκ και την ικανότητα του να σε κρατάει αιχμάλωτο και με την τρίχα κάγκελο μέχρι την τελευταία σελίδα.
#readathon18 1/26: Ένα βιβλίο που ο πρωταγωνιστής είναι συγγραφέας
#readathon18 1/26: Ένα βιβλίο που ο πρωταγωνιστής είναι συγγραφέας
July 20, 2021
the only word to describe this book: masterpiece
January 9, 2018
In this book Stephen King seems to have written down his own personal nightmare: It follows the semi-popular author Paul Sheldon who gets into a car crash and is "rescued" by a former nurse called Annie Wilkes who takes him home with her. Annie turns out to also be his number one fan - and when she finds out he has killed her favourite character in his latest novel, she is not happy at all.
The book doesn't really work with a lot of suspense, since the main character essentially starts off in a very, very bad situation that - while it does proceed to get worse - is already quite suggestive of things to come. It's not too difficult for the reader to predict the direction the book will head into, but that didn't really detract from my enjoyment of the book at all.
While reading this, I kept feeling extremely anxious for the main character - for obvious reasons - but because of the unique dynamics between him and Annie, I was never overwhelmed by it. The book manages to make you feel trapped and scared and anxious just enough, while still preserving a sense of hope to keep the stakes high and this book from being downright depressing.
I also liked the way this story touched on how fictional stories and characters can become so real for us that we suffer real-life consequences when unpleasant things happen to them. Not only is this thought actively discussed, it is also represented by the story itself that draws the reader in and puts him into bed right next to Paul Sheldon. It's impossible not to cringe and cry and fear with him.
I really, really enjoyed this novel - unlike from what I've usually heard about Stephen King's ending, this was actually really fitting and very well executed. A wonderful, terrifying, gruesome novel that was a well chosen second SK read for me.
The book doesn't really work with a lot of suspense, since the main character essentially starts off in a very, very bad situation that - while it does proceed to get worse - is already quite suggestive of things to come. It's not too difficult for the reader to predict the direction the book will head into, but that didn't really detract from my enjoyment of the book at all.
While reading this, I kept feeling extremely anxious for the main character - for obvious reasons - but because of the unique dynamics between him and Annie, I was never overwhelmed by it. The book manages to make you feel trapped and scared and anxious just enough, while still preserving a sense of hope to keep the stakes high and this book from being downright depressing.
I also liked the way this story touched on how fictional stories and characters can become so real for us that we suffer real-life consequences when unpleasant things happen to them. Not only is this thought actively discussed, it is also represented by the story itself that draws the reader in and puts him into bed right next to Paul Sheldon. It's impossible not to cringe and cry and fear with him.
I really, really enjoyed this novel - unlike from what I've usually heard about Stephen King's ending, this was actually really fitting and very well executed. A wonderful, terrifying, gruesome novel that was a well chosen second SK read for me.
April 2, 2020
“I think I am going to kill you, Annie, he thought, and smiled warmly at her. I really do.”And you should, Paulie, you really should! She'd have thoroughly deserved it!!
Tell me, have you ever been in love with an author and with a particular story they wrote and you just wished that the story wouldn’t end and the author would keep on writing about that story and nothing much else, bcz everything else they write feels lacklustre to you? I know I have. So does Annie. Only, Annie isn’t what you’d call normal!
Annie finds herself in a situation where her fav author is in her grips, literally, and she is in a position to make demands of him about what she wants him to do. Paul Sheldon, the best-selling author, finds himself in the clutches of his number one fan, Annie Wilkes, and now he must do as he is told. He dare not refuse or make Annie mad bcz mad Annie is a cockadoodie dirty birdie, to say the least!
This is the premise of the story, which I think is an interesting one. I liked Annie and Paul both, and I liked the story, especially the ending (to an extent). So what went wrong, you ask? Why the 3-star rating, you ask? Well, you see, ever since I read The Shining, I have considered myself as a Constant Reader, and the idea was even further solidified once I picked up Salem's Lot and boy, how I enjoyed that book. I knew with the finish of Salem's Lot that King will always have me coming back for more for a long, long time. So, when I picked up Misery a couple of days ago, I thought it would be like going back to a loved author who you can count on for a great time and an amazingly well-told story. But this was not the case this time. I didn't enjoy this book as much as I had hoped to, and it left me sort of high and dry.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that the story was bad or it wasn’t well told or anything.
Was this book good? Yes!
Was it crazy? Yes!
Were the characters realistic? Yes!
Was it a brutal read? Yes!
Was it enjoyable? Now, this is where it gets murky! But we’ll get to that in a while.
I love King. I really love the way he can spin things in his stories with his deep understanding of the human mind and how messed up our brains can be, and he uses all of that to great effect in every one of his stories. It is legit the mainstay of why I am his fan. His writing style is so distinctive and different. It brings craziness between the pages alive and you can touch it and feel it on your fingers well past you've put the book down. And while all of that was true for this book as well, essentially, there were two things that were different this time.
Problem 1: I think the most this book suffered is from one of the things I did, unwittingly. See, I’ve been on a fantasy binge since the start of 2019 itself with a small filler book here or there. But for easily the last 8 months or more, I have been reading purely fantasy. And when I randomly decided to pickup up Misery after that, I didn't realize it would somehow be harder for me to get into the book and the setting. It was like, deep down, my mind was still hung up on fantasy, and it was looking for another fix. Also, that my last read, just before Misery, was The Eye of the World, made matters worse. My mind was not only trying to get back to fantasy, it was trying to get back to WoT in particular. I wish I had known that I needed a non-reading kinda break of couple days before I could switch genres like that.
Problem 2: This might be up for debate, but I do feel that King was not 100% in his element in this book. It felt like the book was a little off, in some way, I guess. While the craziness of it all did creep back in, but I felt it was a little late in happening than it should have.
It was these two problems that sort of brought low my reading experience of this book. But despite these issues, I did like to book to a healthy extent and I think that that’s a testament to the fact that the book actually is well done in itself, and if my problem number one had not been in the picture, this might have been so much better loved by me. I would have hated Annie so much more, and I would have pitied Paul so much more. In short, the story itself would have stayed with me in a much stronger way. But unfortunately, that is not to be. However, this doesn't diminish my love for King in any way, and I will be reading more from the master soon. But for now, it is a fantasy year in my life, and we shall stick to it. Until next time, Mr. King. Ciao!
“The reason authors almost always put a dedication on a book, Annie, is because their selfishness even horrifies themselves in the end.”
April 27, 2021
Uno de los clásicos imprescindibles del autor. También un ejercicio de diálogo con la ficción. Nos cuenta la historia de un escritor que, tras un accidente de auto, es "rescatado" por una fanática de una saga de novelas que ha escrito. Con el paso de los días el rescate cambia y todo se vuelve más sombrío, más cruel, más terrible... tuvo una excelente adaptación al cine que todos recordarán.
August 8, 2021
Because writers remember everything. Especially the hurts. Strip a writer to the buff, point to the scars, and he'll tell you the story of each small one.
Misery is the kind of book that will give you a good thrill if you're a reader, but terrifying nightmares if you're an author. Annie Wilkes is Paul Sheldon's #1 fun or so she sais. She loves his Misery series and the protagonist and when fate decides to pull a horrible stunt on poor Paul, he'll understand just how much Annie loves Misery. The things we do for our favorite characters, right? So when Annie finds Paul after his car accident, she kidnaps him and forces him to write the next Misery book so she won't kill him.
It's been a while since I've read a King novel and now that I did, I realised I'm hooked on his writing. I just can't get enough of his raw and realistic style that will make everything seem so vivid and cruel. This book scared me as a writer but fascinated me as a reader. Every page was a breathtaking moment between a goddess and her captive parot. It was one of the rare occasions in which I flinched during violent scenes and got goosebumps. If you want something more frightening than reality, you can definitely give this one a go.
Misery is the kind of book that will give you a good thrill if you're a reader, but terrifying nightmares if you're an author. Annie Wilkes is Paul Sheldon's #1 fun or so she sais. She loves his Misery series and the protagonist and when fate decides to pull a horrible stunt on poor Paul, he'll understand just how much Annie loves Misery. The things we do for our favorite characters, right? So when Annie finds Paul after his car accident, she kidnaps him and forces him to write the next Misery book so she won't kill him.
It's been a while since I've read a King novel and now that I did, I realised I'm hooked on his writing. I just can't get enough of his raw and realistic style that will make everything seem so vivid and cruel. This book scared me as a writer but fascinated me as a reader. Every page was a breathtaking moment between a goddess and her captive parot. It was one of the rare occasions in which I flinched during violent scenes and got goosebumps. If you want something more frightening than reality, you can definitely give this one a go.
June 14, 2020
Everything that happened in this book had already been said in the synopis or was extremely predictable. Plus, neither the plot nor the characters developed in any way. This book definitely wasn‘t for me, even though the idea sounded super promising. Taking into account all the raving reviews this book collected in the last 30+ years, you might still wanna give it a try though.
November 16, 2018
Well what a ride that was! I won’t lie and say it was the best thing ever, and I will admit that half way through I got a little bit disheartened at the slow burn, but by the end I was racing through, and thoroughly enjoyed the ride! :)
Misery is about a writer, Paul Sheldon, who has an accident one day on an icey road. He is ‘rescued’ by his number one fan, Annie Wilkes. Annie takes Paul home and sets about making him better after his near fatal crash.
Being Paul’s number one fan, Annie is a tad upset that he has killed off her favourite character in his most recent book, so she makes him write her a new book, to fix this little error.
The story is told from Paul’s POV. It’s a creepy, chilling account of what happens in the weeks and months after he is imprisoned. His sarcastic and desperate narration, make this story all the more horrifying.
I don't blame him to be honest.
I’ve read a few Stephen King books, and they all have in common, the fact they are excellently written. I tend not to read the more super natural ones, so can’t comment on the style of writing in those. But the true to life scenarios and frightening reflections on actual situations, are what make his works so petrifying. As outlandish as this story sounds it could happen. It isn’t impossible - improbable yes, but impossible no.
Annie is the ultimate monster. A crazy, psychopathic serial killer, who has a warped sense of care and loving. She is everyone’s worst nightmare, and rightly so. She is more terrifying because we know she is real, there are plenty of Annie's out there waiting to show us her axe and electric carving knife!
*I got about half way into this and I found it started to drag for me, I knew that something was going to happen and it just wasn’t happening. But I pushed on and it got so much better after that little slump, that I powered through the rest quite quickly.*
The shocks are brilliant, they are occasionally expected but still shocking. This book is gruesome, it’s thrilling, you will be on the edge of your seat at times. I would highly recommend this one to horror fans.
I’d hoped to finish this for Halloween so I could watch the movie, but it just didn’t happen. So now I am ready to watch the film. In the daylight. With the doors locked. And someone holding my hand.
www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
Misery is about a writer, Paul Sheldon, who has an accident one day on an icey road. He is ‘rescued’ by his number one fan, Annie Wilkes. Annie takes Paul home and sets about making him better after his near fatal crash.
Being Paul’s number one fan, Annie is a tad upset that he has killed off her favourite character in his most recent book, so she makes him write her a new book, to fix this little error.
The story is told from Paul’s POV. It’s a creepy, chilling account of what happens in the weeks and months after he is imprisoned. His sarcastic and desperate narration, make this story all the more horrifying.
... again in his mind he imagined shoving a chunk of glass into her throat.
I don't blame him to be honest.
I’ve read a few Stephen King books, and they all have in common, the fact they are excellently written. I tend not to read the more super natural ones, so can’t comment on the style of writing in those. But the true to life scenarios and frightening reflections on actual situations, are what make his works so petrifying. As outlandish as this story sounds it could happen. It isn’t impossible - improbable yes, but impossible no.
Annie is the ultimate monster. A crazy, psychopathic serial killer, who has a warped sense of care and loving. She is everyone’s worst nightmare, and rightly so. She is more terrifying because we know she is real, there are plenty of Annie's out there waiting to show us her axe and electric carving knife!
...stared at the rat as it squeaked and struggled, and realised that he had actually believed that things could get no worse. Untrue. Un-fucking true.
*I got about half way into this and I found it started to drag for me, I knew that something was going to happen and it just wasn’t happening. But I pushed on and it got so much better after that little slump, that I powered through the rest quite quickly.*
The shocks are brilliant, they are occasionally expected but still shocking. This book is gruesome, it’s thrilling, you will be on the edge of your seat at times. I would highly recommend this one to horror fans.
I’d hoped to finish this for Halloween so I could watch the movie, but it just didn’t happen. So now I am ready to watch the film. In the daylight. With the doors locked. And someone holding my hand.
www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
December 5, 2014
While reading this book I actually found myself reflexively plugging my ears in the way I do during suspenseful scenes in movies- but you can't keep Annie Wilkes away that easily. Not only did I love this as a psychological thriller, but also as a meditation on the relationship between celebrities and their (cockadoodie) "number one fans"...
I've never seen the movie, but I think it may be worthwhile (after all, if Stewie Griffin makes such a good Annie Wilkes, I can only imagine how Kathy Bates will do!)
Actually, if you're a fan of Stephen King and haven't seen the Three Kings episode of Family Guy, stop whatever you're doing right now (seriously, lock yourself in the bathroom if you're at work) and go watch it.
Non-sequitur: Loved the little references to The Shining (you'll find yourself back in Sidewinder, CO)!
I've never seen the movie, but I think it may be worthwhile (after all, if Stewie Griffin makes such a good Annie Wilkes, I can only imagine how Kathy Bates will do!)
Actually, if you're a fan of Stephen King and haven't seen the Three Kings episode of Family Guy, stop whatever you're doing right now (seriously, lock yourself in the bathroom if you're at work) and go watch it.
Non-sequitur: Loved the little references to The Shining (you'll find yourself back in Sidewinder, CO)!
October 27, 2020
Still a little embarrassed that I've somehow made it this far in my Stephen King journey and have never read some of his older classics. In working to remedy that, I've had some expected reactions....and some unexpected ones. (Expected - Pet Sematary was pretty darn freaky...cats back from the dead, kids back from the dead...yeah. 😳 Unexpected - I didn't love Needful Things...too dark, I didn't like any of the characters, the ending wasn't satisfying.)
Misery was both expected and unexpected. I expected I'd enjoy it. I'd seen the movie (Kathy Bates = QUEEN) and so knew what was coming. I didn't expect to be so swept away by the story that I had to stay up until almost 2am to finish. I still think the movie is incredible, but I also love that there were plenty of surprises and unexpected twists and turns in the actual book. Annie Wilkes is literally one of the most (if not THE most) terrifyingly psychotic characters I've ever read about.
A perfectly scary pre-Halloween read!
Misery was both expected and unexpected. I expected I'd enjoy it. I'd seen the movie (Kathy Bates = QUEEN) and so knew what was coming. I didn't expect to be so swept away by the story that I had to stay up until almost 2am to finish. I still think the movie is incredible, but I also love that there were plenty of surprises and unexpected twists and turns in the actual book. Annie Wilkes is literally one of the most (if not THE most) terrifyingly psychotic characters I've ever read about.
A perfectly scary pre-Halloween read!
September 16, 2017
3.5 Stars
Damn, this book was messed up. It took me a while to get into though, I'd say at least some 70 pages, but then I really started to enjoy it. It was dark, twisted, creepy. It has moments that got me really tense and nervous and that's pretty much what I expected, and really wanted, from this book.
I loved the mental aspect of this story, all of Paul's realizations and self-discoveries while being imprisoned writing for his life. I loved how King played with Paul's struggles as a "popular" writer, it's wonderfully self-aware.
I loved how claustrophobic this book makes you feel, and how even when you are pretty much reading about only two characters the entirety of this novel, it's engaging and gripping.
Plus, Annie is one hell of a psychopath.
Full review later!
Damn, this book was messed up. It took me a while to get into though, I'd say at least some 70 pages, but then I really started to enjoy it. It was dark, twisted, creepy. It has moments that got me really tense and nervous and that's pretty much what I expected, and really wanted, from this book.
I loved the mental aspect of this story, all of Paul's realizations and self-discoveries while being imprisoned writing for his life. I loved how King played with Paul's struggles as a "popular" writer, it's wonderfully self-aware.
I loved how claustrophobic this book makes you feel, and how even when you are pretty much reading about only two characters the entirety of this novel, it's engaging and gripping.
Plus, Annie is one hell of a psychopath.
Full review later!
October 29, 2019
Excellent. A truly absorbing and intriguing read from start to finish - thumbs up! However, not sure why so much of the 'Misery Returns" story was given and how much it actually added to the overall plot(?). I would definitely give it 4.7/5 stars.
"Ok Annie, I've finished my review...coming for that ice cream sundae now, dear...won't be a minute!"
"Ok Annie, I've finished my review...coming for that ice cream sundae now, dear...won't be a minute!"
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