Backstory in Gerald's Game

[Doc Wilson]

Re-read Gerald's Game over the weekend, first re-read since publication. Thoroughly enjoyed it, but I do have a quibble. I think the book could have been much better without Jessie's backstory. To me it was unbelievable that she had to resolve her childhood incest issues to get free. The whole thing felt forced and preachy, like the story was sacrificed to make some sort of feminist point.

The main story, though, I thought was brilliant. King described this one as a "situational" (i.e. unplotted) novel, but I'd never have guessed it from the ending, which was really satisfying. I'd have probably ended it when she woke up alone in the car, but hell the maestro was actually able to get the story going again without being anticlimactic.

Anyone else feel this way?

[JRM]

I personally thought the back story was perfect. The amount of detail in the sexual scene I could have done without, but I think it worked well. I agree with you about where I would have ended it. But at the same time, the last few pages are the creepiest part of the whole book! It didn't feel a part of the book, however; I wish there was a stronger connection between -- POSSIBLE SPOILER -- The 'thing' she kept seeing in the room at night and herself. The revelation of what the 'thing' was was kind of a let-down, imo, as creepy as it was. Still, I enjoyed it. Not a favorite, but an entertaining read.

[GNTLGNT]

Yeah Doc, I felt that way the first couple of times I read it-now I'm just not sure. It IS a little heavy handed, but I think the classic King touches ameliorate that well enough...(maybe another read will give me some closure of opinion)

[motocop]

Now that you mention it, I guess that backstory wasnt really needed to complete the story. Although you wouldnt have the tie in with Dolores Claiborne if you didnt have the story of Jessie as a girl.

[michal]

I liked the back story very much. Both because it relates the book to Dolores Claiborn and the fact that if there was no back story you'd have a lot of empty space to fill - considering that we're dealing with one woman tied to the bed for days. The back story helped fill up the gaps.

[Doc Wilson]

Oh there definitely had to be something to fill the time, I agree.

I hesitate to quibble at all, it was an enjoyable read. But then there'd be nothing to talk about.

[JayneH]

mmm ... might have to pick this one up again !!!!

[Jack Roman]

No.

[L-una]

Hi ,I know you started this thread ages ago but I've just joined and just finished GG so I hope you're still interested! I enjoyed Jessies backstory ,although I found the molestation a little too graphic, I would however have been interested to find out more about her marriage to Gerald , we found out that she'd been forced to give up her job and it was suggested that she had given up the chance for children for Gerald , but did she still love him?
Obviously she was battling with the voices in her head to remember or not the incest and faced with the situation she's in with time to spare I reckon her mind decided that remembering won't kill her.
I enjoyed the ending too ,Joubert was a truly chilling character.

[Doc Wilson]

Yeah its not illogical, its just my least favorite aspect of the story. The rest I thought sheer genius, from the setup to the denoument.