Helpful Score: 26
I've always hated it when people said "such and such book is so and so's best work ever!" That being said, I'm going to admit that DUMA KEY is, indeed, one of Stephen King's best books ever. Probably the best he's had in the last few years.
The great thing about DUMA KEY is that it's not out-and-out horror that grabs you right away. It's an isidious type of evil that's at work in this story, and it's actually the very real character of Edgar Freemantle who makes it worth reading. The horror, which comes later, advances the plot very well, but watching Edward tumble, soar, and then crash through it all is what makes the book one that's hard to put down.
If you like King, if you like stories of horror mixed with the supernatural, and if you want a book you'll read within a matter of days, then DUMA KEY is for you. It's that good!
The great thing about DUMA KEY is that it's not out-and-out horror that grabs you right away. It's an isidious type of evil that's at work in this story, and it's actually the very real character of Edgar Freemantle who makes it worth reading. The horror, which comes later, advances the plot very well, but watching Edward tumble, soar, and then crash through it all is what makes the book one that's hard to put down.
If you like King, if you like stories of horror mixed with the supernatural, and if you want a book you'll read within a matter of days, then DUMA KEY is for you. It's that good!
After reading all the glowing reviews and remarks that this was the return of the "Old King", I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of Duma Key. By the time I was 1/4 of the way through, I found myself totally bored. This was the first King book that I put down numerous times and had to force myself to pick up again. I know the main character is recoving from brain damage (this is not a spoiler, but is how the story begins) but do we have to read pages and pages of the same phrases & dialogue? This happens over & over throughout the book. Ever since King became the success that he is (and after his accident), I think that editors gave him free reign and are hesitant to edit his work. This was one that needed editing badly - maybe 200-300 pages could have been removed. This is not how King wrote in the beginning of his career. Even in his long books (like the Stand), he easily managed to grab your attention and keep it till the book's end. Every word was a precious morsal to devour & relevant to the plot.
I did enjoy the final chapters of the book. But, the payoff was not worth the hours of tedious reading. I am beginning to realize that King can no longer can recapture the brilliance of his first works. I'm sure this one will end up as a movie - and I'll probably watch it, but this is nowhere near the caliber of early King.
I did enjoy the final chapters of the book. But, the payoff was not worth the hours of tedious reading. I am beginning to realize that King can no longer can recapture the brilliance of his first works. I'm sure this one will end up as a movie - and I'll probably watch it, but this is nowhere near the caliber of early King.
Helpful Score: 8
I'm sure that with so many books under his belt King has a few clunkers, but so far I've not come across any. Duma Key is an ominous, atmospheric ghost story, reeking of Southern Gothic. The location, a semi-deserted Florida key, is as strong a character as any of the human players, and that's saying something.
Duma Key is the story of Edgar Freemantle's second life. In his first life he was a happily married Minnesota contractor. A devastating accident leaves his brain damaged, one arm amputated and his previous persona in tatters. He moves to Duma Key, begins painting with an unsuspected talent and fervor, and meets his neighbors, the key's elderly owner Miss Eastlake and her mysterious caretaker Wireman.
Duma Key and its inhabitants have their own secret hidden lives, and the ghosts surrounding them echo the newly awakened demons in Edgar's own mind. As in any good horror story, the demons and ghosts on Duma Key won't be content to stay quiet.
King delivers a creepy, character-driven ghost story that's as much about the ghosts of our former selves as about a real sea-spook. The characters are well drawn, enigmatic without being unlikable, and worth the time it takes to get to know them. Once you know them, its impossible not to follow their macabre and inescapable fate.
Duma Key is the story of Edgar Freemantle's second life. In his first life he was a happily married Minnesota contractor. A devastating accident leaves his brain damaged, one arm amputated and his previous persona in tatters. He moves to Duma Key, begins painting with an unsuspected talent and fervor, and meets his neighbors, the key's elderly owner Miss Eastlake and her mysterious caretaker Wireman.
Duma Key and its inhabitants have their own secret hidden lives, and the ghosts surrounding them echo the newly awakened demons in Edgar's own mind. As in any good horror story, the demons and ghosts on Duma Key won't be content to stay quiet.
King delivers a creepy, character-driven ghost story that's as much about the ghosts of our former selves as about a real sea-spook. The characters are well drawn, enigmatic without being unlikable, and worth the time it takes to get to know them. Once you know them, its impossible not to follow their macabre and inescapable fate.
Helpful Score: 6
Good fantasy/horror story.
King has really evolved as a writer, and the stories that he has been writing lately are more in the fantasy genre than horror. This story was scary in places, but overall, I think it was more of a scary, fantasy story than the kind of horror one expects from Stephen King.
The writing itself was very good. I hate to say it is his best work, but I found myself rereading passages, because the prose was so well done. I don't believe I have ever done that with anything he has written.
I was really impressed with the writing and the character development, and I would recommend this story to readers who don't think of themselves as fans of King's work, and to those who don't usually read horror stories. I think you may be surprised by this one.
King has really evolved as a writer, and the stories that he has been writing lately are more in the fantasy genre than horror. This story was scary in places, but overall, I think it was more of a scary, fantasy story than the kind of horror one expects from Stephen King.
The writing itself was very good. I hate to say it is his best work, but I found myself rereading passages, because the prose was so well done. I don't believe I have ever done that with anything he has written.
I was really impressed with the writing and the character development, and I would recommend this story to readers who don't think of themselves as fans of King's work, and to those who don't usually read horror stories. I think you may be surprised by this one.
Helpful Score: 5
I really enjoyed this one. I have read many of King's books and have enjoyed them all. I really liked this one, although it was sad in at times and made me cry. Other times it made me laugh. I am glad it had a closing end...unlike his book Cell. I live in FL and liked it being set in FL! You really fall in love with the people in this book, and it kept me interested all the way through. Thanks for another great book!
