Lisey's Story: a Love Story, a Horror Story or Both?

[brasileiro]

I know that many people have called Lisey's Story a love story (almost all press reviews in the US). And lots of people consider it not a horror story. But I've read the book and, although there are lots of love moments flashbacks, the grievance of loss and the family support thing, I recognized lots of horror elements of classic King in this story.

For example, the scene about Scott's brother possession by the BAD-GUNKY, the threaten of a stalker around Lisey's house, the voice of Scott through Amanda's, the dark atmosphere of Boo'ya Moon, the long boy, the father menace, the kill of a son by his father, the kill of the father by his son, the disappearances of Scott, the hyenas, the fear of being locked in Boo'ya Moon during the dark...

I don't know about you, but I think Lisey's Story is a good horror story, with lots of love moments...

[Ubasti]

I agree with you. It's some of both. I think there are more horror elements in it than there are love story elements. I haven't read it since it first came out and I remember not really caring for it all that much. It's been long enough now that maybe a re-read is in order.

[Doc Wilson]

I don't think there is any natural dichotomy between genres. Lots of horror stories are also love stories. Some of the best, in fact.

[Jojo87]

I also agree. Liseys story is still my favorit and it I think it's two years ago since I read it. Like Ubasti I also plan to re-read it soon.

[GNTLGNT]

It is most certainly a love story-one that just happens to have horrific elements intertwined in it(the shrouded ones at the pool-yikes!)...

[randallFlaggfan1]

I also agree that Lisey's is very much a horror story, with elements of loss, love, mental anguish, etc..
It isn't made up of just one thing; it's many.


("All things serve the Beam")

[Mommy2KeriaNThaddeus]

Both, the love element is undeniable, and thank God! I read it at a time when I was very much alone and grieving for my mom. The love between Scott and Lisey was so true and intense it gave me hope for the future. Horror because of Gerd Allen Cole, the Long Boy & Jim Dooley, omg! He was one scary dude.

[ConstantReader1973]

For me, Lisey's Story was, and will always be, a love story. Yes, there were elements of horror, but for me they were secondary. Each scene describing Lisey's grief over Scott, each scene describing Scott's desire to please Lisey in the only way he knows how (blood-bool), all the memories she has ('you saved me, you brought me ice'), they all come together as a love story in my mind.

[J.T. Adams]

I don't think there is any natural dichotomy between genres. Lots of horror stories are also love stories. Some of the best, in fact.

How true!

[blunthead]

Come to think of it, I think Lisey's Story is a love story, a fantasy story, a horror story, a science fiction story, and a story I can't find a box for. It's supernatural while humanistic. I've always felt Lisey's Story to be unique in sK's canon.