Originally Posted by
Br!an
Originally Posted by
TheByteSmasher
Howdy all. I'm going to throw my 2˘ in here. Firstly, I've seen cries that this was a money grab. I don't think so. It is a neat little story. Similar to Joyland. It's just a quiet story. There are a ton of King-isms in this book. Down to the writer's word choices... pish-tosh and so on. As for Flagg and Farris being the same, I'd say yes. in TDT and The Stand (maybe eyes of the dragon) Flagg is a more centrally located character. We see more of him, we see more into him... As such I believe that A) Flagg does not always remember what he did or who he even is while traveling between worlds, even on the King's bidding. B) Flagg isn't evil, just selfish and ruthless. In the stand he was very dictatorial but in the wind through the keyhole, as the covenant man, he was a bit like Richard Farris in Gwendy's BB. A little harsher in manner but, he allowed events to happen and for people to make their own choices.. He just set it in motion and watched. That's what he likes doing... I think he's actually a little closer to Fate personified than strictly evil in most cases... Also.. I think there is a little discontinuity because I'm not 100% sure that for his entire writing career, SK thought of RF as the actual same guy in all his books until later on.
Additionally, a word on Horror: I do not believe Horror has to be actually goose bumps scary. Gwendy's is a horror due to the sheer nature of, and visceral reaction from, the situations in the book. That being said, I didn't love the story. Largely because of the basic premise : young girl grows up. I've raised 2 girls and have had enough teenage drama for the rest of my life
Good first post, TBS. Welcome to the site.
Yes, welcome to the site.
I gotta tell ya though, I don't see the
Joyland connection at all.
Joyland comes in at 82,000+ words (
The Mist comes in around 73,000+ words,
Carrie and
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon are only 60,000+ words, while
The Colorado Kid is only 36,000+ words), so to call it a "neat little story similar to
Joyland" is a bit of a disservice.
Joyland is one of my favorite King novels. The story may seem small at times, but I find it brilliant. Much of King's worlds take place in these small towns that have secrets hidden underneath. That being said, I agree with your assertion that
Gwendy's comes up short (pun intended) in the King cannon on multiple levels. I think that someone on the site had Gwendy at about 23,000 words. There is only so much that can be done at that size.
Again, welcome to the site. It's a fun place where King fans can agree and disagree with each other, hopefully, without too much consternation. I have raised two girls too, so you have my congratulations and my sympathies - mostly congratulations!