Lisey's Story | Stephen King

Title: Lisey's Story

Author: Stephen King

This book is a fascinating read, not least because it feels like Stephen King is trying to prove all those fussy literary critics wrong. He's clearly showing off his range here, delivering a gothic, melancholy romance full of loss, grief, and magical realism. It's so exceptionally well-written--the prose is clear, imaginative, and resonant--that I kept thinking, "See that, Dr. Snob? He can do fancy!"

The whole plot is derived from King almost dying and seeing his wife, Tabitha, packing up his stuff. It's a sweet, personal origin story, which is great, but the resulting book, dedicated to Tabby, is basically an extremely long, beautiful, and sometimes bewildering peek into King's marital love language. Every couple has their own code words, but Lisey and Scott's felt like they were communicating entirely in footnotes from a very specific New England dialect. I'm waiting for the Rosetta Stone.

The story itself is about Lisey dealing with her dead novelist husband's complicated past, his terrifying family, and a present-day maniac who wants his manuscripts. It's psychologically terrifying in a domestic setting, which is King demonstrating his great talent for making normal things (like marriage and paperwork) feel absolutely horrifying.

Ultimately, this book is the literary equivalent of a complex, seven-course meal that you know is brilliant, but you really just wanted a killer slice of pizza. I respect the artistry and the emotional depth--and I respect that King says this is his favorite--but sometimes, I just want the sewer clown, you know?

In short, it's a memorable, romantic, and heartbreaking novel that proves King can write whatever he wants. But it's far from my favorite, babyluv.

Three out of five stars.