home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
DP Tool Club 12
/
CD_ASCQ_12_0294.iso
/
vrac
/
sun9402.zip
/
BOO3
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1994-01-31
|
3KB
|
68 lines
Book Reviews
Copyright (c) 1994, Kathy Kemper
All rights reserved
NIGHTMARES & DREAMSCAPES
Stephen King
Viking Publishers
$27.50 (at this writing available only in hardback)
To say I'm a Stephen King fan would be an understatement. In fact
he is one of only three authors who have the distinction of being
those that I purchase in hardback. I absolutely refuse to wait until
the more affordable and less space restrictive paperback arrives in
print.
Nightmares & Dreamscapes is the third short story collection of
King's. However, it has the dubious distinction of being his least
attractive book. This isn't the traditional literary criticism of
King's works in which reviewers often find him overwritten. This
is the critique of one who has all of his books, and has read them
all--most many times. Nightmares & Dreamscapes is one I don't plan
to re-read.
The old King is present in "Nightmares", the characterizations are
full and well rounded; and the horror is explicit with his usual
plot twists and ironies. Yet there remains a difference, in this
book, our ordinary worlds are once again disturbed by the master of
his craft, but one is left pondering the question "why"?
That is not to say that everything in the book is unenjoyable, it
isn't. In fact there are a couple of stories that stand out well.
One is entitled "The End of the Whole Mess". Here an
intellectually gifted person discovers that Texas is the most
violent state (per capita) in the union, but that even here exists
a "calmquake". An area where violent crimes drop dramatically.
This area is centered around La Plata which is close to Waco.
Given the tragedy that occurred in that town just last year,
perhaps another location would have proved more beneficial.
However, King could not possible foresee the future (or could he?).
This scientist is able to ascertain that the peaceful feelings
people have for one another is literally "something in the water".
What he fails to realize until after he has concentrated the stuff
and distributed everywhere is that there is an appalling side
effect.
Two other stories that rate mention are "The Doctor's Case" which
is solved by Sherlock Holme's partner, Dr. Watson; and "Head Down"
which contains no horror or remarkable twists. It is merely the
analysis of a season of his son's little league experiences. In
fact, although it isn't typical King, I enjoyed the insight in this
historical piece much more than the other stories in the volume.
The book ends with notes detailing the writing of each of the
stories. I always find this part interesting--a sort of mini look
into the convoluted mind of Stephen King. The last story, which
appears after the story notes, is a Hindu parable which is
incredibly thought provoking and also unlike the typical King.
For those that are looking for classic King, this isn't the book to
purchase. And, while I recommend it on other merits to readers, I
still suggest one wait until the paperback is released.
My score (out of possible 10): 6.5