Duma Key

[[deleted user]]

Yes, I thought the boat people were scary. After moving along with what I would call drama, King springs them upon the reader, much to my delight.

[Kandice]

Seán wrote: "I just picked this one up. I'm jumping around the King chronology like a madman – from Carrie to Mr Mercedes, to The Shining and now this. It's giving..."

I certainly don't think they need to be read in order, but the change in his writing must seem jarring when you skip years, sometimes decades, that way. Does it?

Those of us who have read him from the start have experienced his changes gradually and they seem less apparent until you look back.

[Messier110]

Finished this one tonight. I thought it was great. This was one of the King novels that I had no clue on where it was going or how it was going to end. I think I might move this in to my top 5:

1. IT
2. Stand
3. 11/22/63
4. The Shining
5. Duma Key

I'm not sure it fits there, but I loved the book!

[Jenny]

I enjoyed it but I'm not sure how I would place this one in my list
1 stand
2 it
3 Salem's Lot
4 shining
5 DT trilogy
6 Dreamcatcher
7 hearts in Atlantis
8 Mercedes trilogy
9 bag of bones
10 Desperation

[Ramble]

What's the DT trilogy?

[Jenny]

Dark tower

[Ramble]

I thought there were seven books in that series.

[Jenny]

8 books

[Ramble]

Okay. But a trilogy is three books...

[Jenny]

Oh yea good point should be DT series
My bad just like my bad ass TAT

[Nick]

Kenneth wrote: "Oh yea good point should be DT series
My bad just like my bad ass TAT"

Dreamcatcher... and more.

[Messier110]

Kenneth, I see you have bag of bones on your list. Going to do that one next. The the Dead Zone and then maybe Under the Dome.

[Rach]

Messier110 wrote: "Finished this one tonight. I thought it was great. This was one of the King novels that I had no clue on where it was going or how it was going to end. I think I might move this in to my top 5:

1...."

Yes, I love how this kept me guessing until the end; and still turned out a bit different. I'd recommend to all.

[Aymen]

Duma Key will be my next King' s read. and Messier, bag of bones is a good choice, crazy book.

[[deleted user]]

Yes, I loved Bag of Bones.

[Jorge]

I remember buying this book and thinking "Am I ever going to read it?" "Would it be good?" I was too busy trying to read just the most popular books by King and Duma Key usually didn't appear on the "Top 10 books by King" and so I just kept it on my shelf.

Anyway, when I finally decided to read it, I didn't know how to feel because I didn't know much about it. But the more I read, the more engaged I became and although the book takes its time, it really kept me going.

When I finished it, I literally apologized to it for leaving behind for so long. It certainly became one of my favorite books from King and if I had to read it again, I'd do it gladly.

[Nick]

It's # 15 on my list... maybe higher in later ones. The fact that it builds slowly makes it a great intro for non-horror fans who end up so invested in the characters that they don't even mind when the horrors start.

[ElleEm]

Okay, I just finished Duma yesterday and I must say that it is one of my favorite books of all time. It is beautifully written and for someone to write a 600+ page book with pretty much two characters is pretty amazing. (view spoiler)[I really wanted Ilse to come out of this okay but you almost never walk away from a King book without at least a couple of bruises. (hide spoiler)] Also, these characters are so real, I love Wireman and I didn't want the book to be over because I'm going to miss my friends. I rent a house in Florida for a week every year and I so wish I could meet some people like these guys.

I think I could start reading it over again today, I loved it that much. Instead of a reread I ordered the audio book since so many of you recommended it. I'm looking forward to it's arrival.

[Jessica]

My response to the book was so similar to yours, ElleEm! I absolutely love Duma Key and felt it was such an underrepresented King novel. I loved the characters so intensely I was so disappointed the book came to an end. Seeing your post has me itching to read it again.

[Kandice]

ElleEm wrote: "I rent a house in Florida for a week every year and I so wish I could meet some people like these guys. ."

Have you read The Gingerbread Girl? If not, you definitely should. It's short too, but will definitely be familiar to a summer renter. :)

[Jenny]

I also enjoyed Duma Key. The characters felt real and how they came together to fight the evil force was reminiscent of a number of other King works like Desperation, IT and the stand. Gingerbread girl totally freeked me out.

[David]

Anyone who has never given Audiobooks a try, I recommend Duma Key. Maybe the best audio I have ever heard and I've read and listened to many of SKs work

[Nick]

David wrote: "Anyone who has never given Audiobooks a try, I recommend Duma Key. Maybe the best audio I have ever heard and I've read and listened to many of SKs work"

I totally agree. Great read.

[ElleEm]

Kandice wrote: "ElleEm wrote: "I rent a house in Florida for a week every year and I so wish I could meet some people like these guys. ."

Have you read The Gingerbread Girl? If not, you definitely ..."

I will check it out! Thank you. Maybe I should take it with me on vacation.

[ElleEm]

David wrote: "Anyone who has never given Audiobooks a try, I recommend Duma Key. Maybe the best audio I have ever heard and I've read and listened to many of SKs work"

My copy is on the way! I can't wait to listen to it. I miss Wireman and Edgar.

[Tom]

Was Pickering in Duma Key, I can't remember?

[ElleEm]

Tom wrote: "Was Pickering in Duma Key, I can't remember?"


That name doesn't ring a bell.

[Jenny]

I think Pickering was in Insomnia

[Nick]

Kenneth wrote: "I think Pickering was in Insomnia"

I haven't read insomnia in a really long time. It may be worth another look.

[Tom]

Thanks! I was just trying to associate Vermillion Key (Gingerbread Girl) to Duma Key. Jim Pickering was in Gingerbread and Charlie Pickering was in Insomnia. The WIKI says there was no mention of their relation anywhere. Don't think it has anything to do with Duma. But my whole thought process is kind of mute since neither Vermillion or Duma exist! I love the internet!

[ElleEm]

For those that read Duma Key, I have a question. First of all I will say that this is one of my favorite books. I read the novel just a few weeks ago and I am now listening to the audiobook. I also listened to a podcast that analyzes the novel and the podcaster made a comment that he has a problem with this novel because it doesn't follow the rules. (view spoiler)[He says that in novels that the author makes it apparent or gives a hint about what will kill "the monster" for example, a stake through the heart for a vampire or a silver bullet for a werewolf. So how did Elizabeth and Nan Melda know that putting Perse into freshwater would make her powerless? I thought that was a good question. What leads them to that conclusion? (hide spoiler)]

[Nick]

ElleEm wrote: "For those that read Duma Key, I have a question. First of all I will say that this is one of my favorite books. I read the novel just a few weeks ago and I am now listening to the audiobook. I also..."

Wow, wish I knew... not sure everyone follows that rule bout giving a hint on how to kill the monster... though you really should. If the hero can't figure out how to kill the monster from some evidence, then it's just an accident or deus ex machina, or something that solves the problem... not good. Anyway, I'm almost certain we'll be listening to this book on an upcoming trip and will look for that hint.

[Kandice]

ElleEm wrote: "For those that read Duma Key, I have a question. First of all I will say that this is one of my favorite books. I read the novel just a few weeks ago and I am now listening to the audiobook. I also..."

While I can agree a hint is a good idea, because otherwise, Like Nick points out it's Deux ex Machina and that is laziness, it's pretty apparent the saltwater is Perse's habitat. Salt water life can't live in fresh and vice versa, but I'm not sure that is enough of a hint now that you mention it.

Many of King's books have this type of hole and I find myself very forgiving because I don't read him for plot, but it still does seem a bit lazy.

[ElleEm]

Kandice wrote: "ElleEm wrote: "For those that read Duma Key, I have a question. First of all I will say that this is one of my favorite books. I read the novel just a few weeks ago and I am now listening to the au..."

I am also very forgiving for much the same reason as you. Don't get me wrong I love, love, love this book and was just curious if maybe there was something there that I and the podcast host missed.

Your explanation makes a lot of sense. (view spoiler)[We do learn about Perse's weakness to silver because of what happens when the creatures touch Nan Melda's bracelets but the water, not sure I remember anything specific. (hide spoiler)]

Since I am now listening this on audio maybe I will pick up a hint or something. If I do then I will let you know.

[Aymen]

I m currently reading Duma Key, there is something about this book, it's kind of slow but deep. the concept of starting a new life after reaching the bottom gives hope and awakes old dreams. the characters looks real and their stories are touching. the place is amazing and terrifying at the same time, Stephen King can make something beautiful look scary... I realky want to know the end, but I m going to miss this great book then.

[ElleEm]

Aymen wrote: "I m currently reading Duma Key, there is something about this book, it's kind of slow but deep. the concept of starting a new life after reaching the bottom gives hope and awakes old dreams. the ch..."

I agree with you! The characters in this book are amazing, King did a great job bringing them to life. I actually missed them when I finished reading the book so I bought the audio book and am listening to it now.

I hope you continue to enjoy, it has turned into one of my most favorite novels.

[Kandice]

I think part of the genius of this book is that King was in a situation much like Edgar's after his accident. I mean he had the support of his wife, but ad far as the physical pain and learning to walk again, that's all real. He always seems to be writing what he knows, but here he really, really is and so it can't help but touch your heart.

To be able to add an element of horror and supernatural to all that reality is his true gift.

[Aymen]

Thank you EllEm :)

[Aymen]

I agree Kandice it s a true gift, King did the same in Bag of Bones I think.

[Nancy]

ElleEm wrote: "For those that read Duma Key, I have a question. First of all I will say that this is one of my favorite books. I read the novel just a few weeks ago and I am now listening to the audiobook. I also..."

It was the (view spoiler)[the swimming pool. Libbit thought she could talk to Nan Melda while in the pool without Perse knowing. Even though Perse would use the Heron as a any to spy on them. Libbit must have brought Perse to the pool and something happened to lead her to this conclusion about the water (hide spoiler)]

[Nancy]

I bought this a few years and just got to it. I am not sure how I missed it when it first came out since I used to always buy his books when they first came out. This didn't blow me away like his other books. I liked the ending but the first 400 pages went by so slow. I felt like he kept repeating things. I didn't feel like he did as good a job developing his characters either. I seem to be in the minority on this.

I was wondering if Elizabeth in a way was unconsciously still doing Perse's bidding? (view spoiler)[Until recently, she had always let artists stay at Big Pink for free. It wasn't on the rental market until Edgar rented it. They kept insisting she blocked all of this out (what happened when she drew her pictures as a little girl) yet she knew exactly what Edgar had drawn and told him to get them off the island. That doesn't sound like forgetting to me. Why would you encourage artist to be on the island when you know what could happen? I'm sure some would argue that she thought it was safe since Perse was buried in the cistern inside the bottle of water but I would think you wouldn't want to take chances. I was wondering if while the water was leaking out of the bottle, Perse was able to exert some influence on Elizabeth? (hide spoiler)]

[Nick]

Nancy wrote: "I bought this a few years and just got to it. I am not sure how I missed it when it first came out since I used to always buy his books when they first came out. This didn't blow me away like his o..."

I think the slow start is great for non-horror fans because it lures them in before getting to some real hard core horror. I've listened to the audio book with several people who tend to avoid horror and they all are sucked into the story and eventually list it as one of their favorites. Having said that I have to add that, though I've read it and listened to the audio, I don't remember the details, so I really can't address the questions people are asking. But I did write a review a while back. Here it is:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...

[Clifton]

It was definitely a slow burn, with the payoff after 500+ pages feeling a bit limp. IMHO, one of King's lesser novels (though I still liked it).

[Doreen]

I just finished reading this one about a month ago. It was very interesting but sad.

[Tim]

So I just finished this one last night, and I gotta say I was pleasantly surprised. It's a crazy slow burn, but it's done in such a way that I was hooked in and in it for the ride. Not really overly scary though, but honestly that never felt like a bad thing for me. It just seemed like just the right levels of 'horror' and 'dread' for what was going on.

[[deleted user]]

I read it years ago, and I vaguely remember enjoying it. I should read it again.

[Nick]

Tim wrote: "I read it years ago, and I vaguely remember enjoying it. I should read it again."

Me too. Read it, then got the audiobook for a trip. The audio is great, but it really is time for a re-read.

[Vernon]

Based on the comments above, a lot of readers feel that "Duma Key" represents a mini-revival in King's writing.

I agree that "Duma Key" is a top book but, for me, it represents the continuation of a more mature, philosophical King that emerged after his accident.

"Lisey's Story" and "Duma Key" both explore "what if" a loved one suddenly died or left. They are stories that explore tragedy, the fallout thereof and the agonising rebuilding associated with learning how to live after things have fallen apart.

In between that, there was a reworking of "Of Mice and Men" via "Blaze" (another novel that explores the loss of a partner) as well as King's unusually fast-paced "Cell".

The above doesn't sound like a slump to me, rather just a shift in maturity, writing style and focus.

[Nick]

Vernon wrote: "Based on the comments above, a lot of readers feel that "Duma Key" represents a mini-revival in King's writing.

I agree that "Duma Key" is a top book but, for me, it represents the continuation of..."

Vernon - I agree with you completely. Not a slump at all, just a change in point of view and attitude almost.

[Vernon]

Nick wrote: "Vernon wrote: "Based on the comments above, a lot of readers feel that "Duma Key" represents a mini-revival in King's writing.

I agree that "Duma Key" is a top book but, for me, it represents the ..."

Thanks for the response Nick. I'm in completely uncharted territory with King now and my attempt to read his books chronologically.

I know nothing about the "newer" King novels and I've got "Just after Sunset" and "Under the Dome" next on the list. Rather than taking this dip that so man fans talk about, King just keeps on impressing me.