Misery by Stephen King
Review by Joanna S., Youth Reviewer
“Misery” was my first venture into the vast world of Stephen King novels, and it most definitely will not be my last. The story follows Paul Sheldon, the best-selling author of a book series he had just completed by the name Misery. Whilst Paul is driving under the influence in a snowstorm, he finds himself in a car wreck with more than a few broken bones. But, before he can wake up, Annie Wilkes comes along. Annie manages to get Paul out of the wreck as she attempts to save him. When looking through his wallet for identification, Annie realizes that she has hit a gold mine; Annie Wilkes has just saved the author of her favourite book series. Essentially, she kidnaps him, taking care of him until he is well enough to rewrite “Misery’s” ending.
This book was captivating. The very premise of the novel pulled me right off the bat. There were practically only two characters; just Paul and Annie, Annie and Paul. And yet, the way their relationship had come to be was so fascinating. Sometimes I would find myself pleading with Paul to choose his words more carefully to avoid the wrath of Annie Wilkes. And oh man, could Annie Wilkes be impulsive when angry.
I think what fascinated me the most was Annie as a character. This was a woman with so many layers, so many moods, and so many opinions. A woman so in love with a book series that she would not have it end the way Paul intended. It could not end with Misery Chastain, the character so dear to her, dead. This novel really just emphasizes the extreme things some are willing to do to get what they want as it goes into detail about gore and violence (which some may want to avoid). Truly, there is so much to unpack when it comes to “Misery”, I think those who enjoy horror and thriller should definitely read it.
Find Misery at Kitchener Public Library!