Should I reread Talisman before I read Blackhouse?

[barbiespoodle]

I now have Blackhouse in my collection. I understand this is part two of The Talisman, which I read years ago.

Should I refresh my memory by rereading Talisman first, or can I go directly into Blackhouse and expect a story that takes care of itself without having previous knowledge of Talisman? I do remember parts of Talisman, but again, I read it years ago which would be a few hundred books ago since I start a new book the second I finish one.

I ask because I am such an avid reader that I am never without at least 10 or more books waiting to be read, so I hate having to reread one in order to read another. But I will do so if those who have read both think it's best, I'll just make time to do one right after the other, maybe when I'm done with my current book.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Hmm, no I think you could go straight onto Black House since you have read The Talisman in the past and are aware of Jack Sawyer's back story, although I would read The Talisman again myself personally.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Moderator]

Doing it as John suggested and reading The Talisman again after you've read Black House might also help you relate to Jack more. You'll understand once you start reading Black House.

[rose key]

That's the way I did it. It had been many years since I read the Talisman, but when Black House came out I read it right away, then I re-read the Talisman afterword. It worked out pretty well.

[rok]

i think you can read black house as long as u remember the details from talisman it depends on how well the story stuck with you and how well you remember it

[CorruptGoat0079]

Both Talisman and Black House are awesome as stand alone novels. When you finish Black House, it may draw you back into a re-visit of Talisman just for the enjoyment of 'young' Jack's adventures. However, each novel has its own story and they are not interdependent. Personally, I feel safer with the knowledge that Roland and the ka-tet have others out there to help them complete their quest.

[wally wonder]

i read black house before i read talisman w/o any permanent damage. since then, i've gone on to read them (the way most recommend, 9 out 10 members) a number of times. these are two great stories and i look forward (10 out of 10 agree on this one) to the third!

[pawnman]

Eventually I would like to read Black House, but it has been many years since Talisman. I'm aware of the story of the main character trying to save his mother by jumping between worlds and something about a werewolf--but that's it.

Should I reread? Personally, I'm leaning toward Talisman first.

[jchanic]

Reading Talisman first will give you some insight as to what is happening to Jack Sawyer in Black House, but it's really not necessary. The "tone" of the two books is really rather different, with Talisman being a quest-type adventure and Black House being something else (I don't think I can qualify it adequately.)

John

[wally wonder]

hey pawnman, what say? you wouldn't have to to enjoy black house. the story takes up w/jack quite a few years later. but yeah, if you feel the need to read talisman, you won't go wrong. i've read both stories a number of times and have enjoyed each read. lots of great characters in talisman. same goes for black house. let's hear it for a third!