
'Misery' by Stephen King is a gripping thriller that tells the tale of a best-selling author, Paul Sheldon, who is rescued by his number one fan, Annie Wilkes, after a car accident. However, Paul soon discovers that Annie is not as benevolent as she seems, as she holds him hostage and forces him to bring back to life the character Misery, whom he had killed off in his book series. The novel explores themes of isolation, obsession, and the terrifying lengths a fan will go to in order to control their favorite author. King's writing style is described as haunting, psychologically demanding, and suspenseful, with a focus on building tension and creating a claustrophobic atmosphere within the restricted settings of the story.
The book is known for its terrifying depiction of a psychotic fan and the intense psychological torture faced by the protagonist. King's masterful storytelling weaves a tale of horror that is not reliant on supernatural elements but rather on the monstrous nature of human beings. The narrative is filled with graphic scenes, suspenseful moments, and unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats, making it a page-turner that is hard to put down.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for Misery include graphic violence, torture, and themes of addiction and obsession.
From The Publisher:
The #1 New York Times bestseller about a famous novelist held hostage in a remote location by his "number one fan." One of "Stephen King's best…genuinely scary" (USA TODAY).
Bestselling novelist Paul Sheldon thinks he's finally free of Misery Chastain. In a controversial career move, he's just killed off the popular protagonist of his beloved romance series in favor of expanding his creative horizons. But such a change doesn't come without consequences. After a near-fatal car accident in rural Colorado leaves his body broken, Paul finds himself at the mercy of the terrifying rescuer who's nursing him back to health-his self-proclaimed number one fan, Annie Wilkes. Annie is very upset over what Paul did to Misery and demands that he find a way to bring her back by writing a new novel-his best yet, and one that's all for her. After all, Paul has all the time in the world to do so as a prisoner in her isolated house...and Annie has some very persuasive and violent methods to get exactly what she wants...
"King at his best…a winner!" -The New York Times
"Unadulteratedly terrifying…frightening." -Publishers Weekly
"Classic King…full of twists and turns and mounting suspense." -The Boston Globe
Ratings (260)
Incredible (47) | |
Loved It (122) | |
Liked It (67) | |
It Was OK (17) | |
Did Not Like (5) | |
Hated It (2) |
Reader Stats (445):
Read It (273) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (112) | |
Did Not Finish (2) | |
Not Interested (57) |
4 comment(s)
This is got to be one of the most chilling Steven King books. I think it's so scary because it feels possible, like everything in the book is realistic and could happen.
Lovin' me some horror books lately! Now, if they'd only make a GREAT horror
movie, I'd be happy.
A compelling and expertly crafted novel; however, the language may present difficulties for some readers. While the storyline is captivating, the writing style may not be easily approachable for all audiences. The suspenseful atmosphere is masterfully created, yet the explicit language could discourage Christian readers.
Torture porn
Paul Sheldon. He's a bestselling novelist who has finally met his biggest fan. Her name is Annie Wilkes and she is more than a rabid reader - she is Paul's nurse, tending his shattered body after an automobile accident. But she is also his captor, keeping him prisoner in her isolated house.
About the Author:
Stephen King is the author of more than sixty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. His recent work includes Billy Summers, If It Bleeds, The Institute, Elevation, The Outsider, Sleeping Beauties (cowritten with his son Owen King), and the Bill Hodges trilogy: End of Watch, Finders Keepers, and Mr. Mercedes (an Edgar Award winner for Best Novel and a television series streaming on Peacock). His novel 11/22/63 was named a top ten book of 2011 by The New York Times Book Review and won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Mystery/Thriller. His epic works The Dark Tower, It, Pet Sematary, and Doctor Sleep are the basis for major motion pictures, with It now the highest-grossing horror film of all time. He is the recipient of the 2020 Audio Publishers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2018 PEN America Literary Service Award, the 2014 National Medal of Arts, and the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. He lives in Bangor, Maine, with his wife, novelist Tabitha King.
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