My Introduction to Duma Key (potential spoilers)

[Aericanwizard]

I read Duma Key about a year ago, and I absolutely loved it (after Salem's Lot, and It, it is probably my favourite SK novel), but it didn't begin that way.

I was out of reading material (or at least didn't feel like reading the material I had at hand), so I went to my library to see if anything called to me. As always, I wandered over to the K section of the fiction, and was browsing through the novels, thinking I might do a re-read of one of my favourites, when all of a sudden this tome grabbed my attention. My first thought was "Ooooh, holography", after which I read the blurb on the inside cover. I'm studying linguistics, so when I learned that the protagonist had a speech disorder brought about by a traumatic injury, I thought "Why not?", and took the book home, thinking that if it didn't catch me right away, I was no worse for wear.

Now, I've read Sai King's novels off and on over the years, and like a lot of you, have been caught up in the intense character studies therein, and Duma Key was no exception. I grew to feel for Edgar, and although I didn't ravenously devour the novel, I found it moving along at a steady pace. Then came mentions of Wireman. Who was this Wireman? Although I assured myself that I hadn't been hooked (although I felt the familiar tugging at my mind), I had to find out more about Wireman. I continued reading, and became very connected to the characters of Edgar and Wireman, and felt close connections to other characters, particularly Ilse, who was stunningly reminiscent of my own sister. By the half way point of the novel, I was making time to read, trying to find out what happened next, and in classic King style, trying to find out what had happened previously to explain what was happening now.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that this novel snuck up on me. I went in with absolutely no expectations, and before I realised what was happening, I was in it for the long haul. This was one of those rare novels that I got so caught up in the story that I forgot that I was reading at all. By the time the end was coming, I simply didn't want it to end. I realise that this story may not have gripped you in the same way, but I'd love to hear your experiences with the novel. I'm planning a re-read sometime soon, but who knows, I may get to the library and find another book pleading its way off the shelf.


Long days and pleasant nights.

[GNTLGNT]

I too went along for the ride, and as The Amboy Dukes sang-"It's a Journey to the Center of the Mind"...as most of Unca Stevies works are...

[Haunted]

I read Duma Key about a year ago, and I absolutely loved it (after Salem's Lot, and It, it is probably my favourite SK novel), but it didn't begin that way.

I was out of reading material (or at least didn't feel like reading the material I had at hand), so I went to my library to see if anything called to me. As always, I wandered over to the K section of the fiction, and was browsing through the novels, thinking I might do a re-read of one of my favourites, when all of a sudden this tome grabbed my attention. My first thought was "Ooooh, holography", after which I read the blurb on the inside cover. I'm studying linguistics, so when I learned that the protagonist had a speech disorder brought about by a traumatic injury, I thought "Why not?", and took the book home, thinking that if it didn't catch me right away, I was no worse for wear.

Now, I've read Sai King's novels off and on over the years, and like a lot of you, have been caught up in the intense character studies therein, and Duma Key was no exception. I grew to feel for Edgar, and although I didn't ravenously devour the novel, I found it moving along at a steady pace. Then came mentions of Wireman. Who was this Wireman? Although I assured myself that I hadn't been hooked (although I felt the familiar tugging at my mind), I had to find out more about Wireman. I continued reading, and became very connected to the characters of Edgar and Wireman, and felt close connections to other characters, particularly Ilse, who was stunningly reminiscent of my own sister. By the half way point of the novel, I was making time to read, trying to find out what happened next, and in classic King style, trying to find out what had happened previously to explain what was happening now.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that this novel snuck up on me. I went in with absolutely no expectations, and before I realised what was happening, I was in it for the long haul. This was one of those rare novels that I got so caught up in the story that I forgot that I was reading at all. By the time the end was coming, I simply didn't want it to end. I realise that this story may not have gripped you in the same way, but I'd love to hear your experiences with the novel. I'm planning a re-read sometime soon, but who knows, I may get to the library and find another book pleading its way off the shelf.


Long days and pleasant nights.

So, so glad this story snuck up on ya'; it is IMO one of Mr. King's bestest. There were so many different facets to explore in this tale and so many complex characters to love.

AND I am sure there are those here who will tell you that their favorite is the bestest and that's alright 'cause I'd agree with them too!!

[CCAL]

One of the most riveting aspects of Duma Key was the 'cartoonish' descriptions of some of the things Edgar saw. SK did an excellent job there. I sometimes dream of parts of it, and my memories of living in FL during hurricanes Charlie,Frances,Jeanne, and Ivan the terrible. lol wonderful/scarey dreams. ha