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View Full Version : Finally figured out why people don't like The Gunslinger.... (read on)



unclelouie
10-02-2012, 05:46 AM
So I am now awaiting my copy of DT VII in the mail (via Amazon). And without wanting to start anything new during my wait, I decided to re-read The Gunslinger. I admit... I loathed The Gunslinger the first time I read it. Half the time I had no idea what was going on. All these crazy references. All the weird language. It sounded like a bunch of rambling nonsense. No plot. No sense to it.

However, I have changed my opinion whole-heartedly.... after having read the first 6 entries in the series, I thoroughly enjoyed my re-read, and thought it to be a masterpiece. Maybe its because I now know Roland much better. Maybe its because I understood the non-stop "obscure" and "weird" references this time around?

Which references did I pick up on this time, that meant jack to me the 1st read?

-Sheemie and his mule
-The Manni (SK mentions the Manni on the first page or so..)
-The Taheen (man with the raven's head).. ah, yeah, from the Dixie Pig!
-Why Roland didn't want to discuss Susan with Allie
-the reference to the beam pulling Roland southeast
-the reference at the beginning to the lost horn and his deceased friend Cuthbert (although not mentioned by name)
-the conversation between Roland and Sheb referencing Susan buring
-references to Mejis and the Clean Sea
-references to The Goodman aka Farson
-etc etc etc

In other words, I was able to enjoy the story and the beautiful style in which the story was written, without being so lost on obscure references and trying to figure out "what the hell was going on". Gunslinger can be a confusing read the first go-around.

Now that my mind was free to just enjoy the story, I must say, Roland's visit to Tull, from the time he entered town to the time he unloaded fire in the streets would stand right up there with the best of any Spaghetti Western story, book, or movie. Its one of the most gritty and intense "Spaghetti Western" stories ever. Heck, the whole Gunslinger book is sort of a Spaghetti Western in and of itself.... but with elements of horror, fantasy, etc. Nah, it's just its own thing. Cannot define it.

Merlin1958
10-02-2012, 08:20 PM
I think that was kinda the whole point. This coming from someone who read the books as they came out. The whole point, to me anyway, was that King was introducing us to a new world. The devil was in the details. JMHO

CRinVA
10-03-2012, 10:00 AM
It also sounds like your first read of The gunslinger was the re-written version! :-)

Jean
10-03-2012, 10:34 AM
It also sounds like your first read of The gunslinger was the re-written version! :-)Obviously. I have many issues with The Gunslinger, but none of them was listed...

Merlin1958
10-03-2012, 10:46 AM
It also sounds like your first read of The gunslinger was the re-written version! :-)Obviously. I have many issues with The Gunslinger, but none of them was listed...

Oh, you have issues with every book, Jean!!! LOL Sometimes you just gotta enjoy the ride and not analyze. Lighten up a bit my Eastern European friend!!! LOL

Merlin1958
10-03-2012, 10:47 AM
It also sounds like your first read of The gunslinger was the re-written version! :-)Obviously. I have many issues with The Gunslinger, but none of them was listed...



Oh, you have issues with every book, Jean!!! LOL Sometimes you just gotta enjoy the ride and not analyze. Lighten up a bit my Eastern European friend!!! LOL


Pretty sure the ursine population loved it on the whole!! LOL

Jean
10-03-2012, 12:44 PM
if bears lighten any more, they will fly away like big furry balloons...

Also, enjoyment isn't something we could share nonstop for all those years (and years ahead), while analysis is.

and no, I respect The Gunslinger and love - even adore - some aspects of it, but don't really like it

Merlin1958
10-03-2012, 12:48 PM
OK, Bear. I defer to you and yours.

Jean
10-03-2012, 01:01 PM
no, it's the other way

http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/merlin-and-white-bear-irene-hipps-aka-carroll-liotis.jpg