Title: Misery
Author: Stephen King
Pages: 420
Published: 1987
Genre: Horror Fiction, Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Psychological Horror.
My mum has read and collected many Stephen King books over the years. I grew up watching her with a book in her hand when she had free time. I was lucky because recently she asked me if I would like any of her books so of course I jumped at the chance as I am a huge fan of many of Stephen Kings films and TV series. I have seen the movie Misery with Kathy Bates and I loved it, so I thought Misery would be the perfect Stephen King book to start with.
I started this book with an open mind because I’ve watched the film but my goodness, it had me putting the book down with shock in some parts of it because it was quite gory! Check out what I thought with my review below.
Paul Sheldon has finished his victorian based book series of Novels which feature Misery. He ends up having one too many drinks before driving to Los Angeles to get the book to publishers in bad weather and ends up in an awful crash where his car drifts off-road into the snow. All seemed lost till he was found.. so it seemed, by Annie.
Paul wakes up in a very bad way in Annie Wilkes secluded home. Not only is he in a lot of pain but he has broken legs. Paul wants to go to the hospital but psychotic superfan Annie wants to nurse him herself since she is an ex-nurse. When Annie sees the new instalment of her favourite series of books she is fuming with Paul for killing off her favourite character. She makes Paul burn the book and rewrite it.
She punishes him in many ways from denying him pain medication to serious bodily harm! As he was strolling around her home while shes out, he discovers her scrapbook which has lots of newspaper clippings while looking at the book he realises shes not only psychotic but also a serial killer; victims including her own father! Paul feels like he has no choice and needs to rewrite the novel on a typewriter with missing keys and any complaint can make Annie over the edge, how will he get out of this mess?
My thoughts
This book was very hard to put down because it was so interesting! It was mostly based on two characters which are Paul Sheldon and his psychotic superfan Annie Wilkes. You feel for Paul the more you read the book. Every time something awful happens you really wonder how he will manage to getaway.
I am very glad I read this book because it got so many parts that are different from the film. If you have watched the film and loved it, read the book and your jaw will drop when you read what Annie does with the axe!
I love this book and I am glad its the first Stephen King book I have read. I am looking forward to reading more.
Have you read Misery before? if not what Thriller books do you like?
Until next time
Mel x
I read this book last year and really enjoyed it. Despite it being 400 pages, I finished it in a couple days because I had to know how it ended. Definitely love the twists and turns but ultimately I’m more of a thriller/mystery fan as opposed to the horror genre.
Fantastic post 🙂 thank you for sharing, I’ve heard so much about Stephen King, and he really is the King of Horror! I think this one might be a bit scary for me (I’m a wimp!) but I love this review 🙂
An excellent review of a fabulous novel. Misery is definitely one of my favourite King thrillers and you’re right; it is very gory! Thanks for sharing.
I read this book long time ago. It was an interesting and intriguing read.
Fab post! I’m ashamed to say I’ve never read any Stephen King but I really want to – I’m just nervous I’ll find them too scary or gory, haha!
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I haven’t seen the film or read the book but I know it’s basic story and everyone says it’s really good. I’m trying to read more Stephen King this year, as I’ve only read Carrie so far so will add this to the list! Salem’s Lot is next on my list of his.
Kayleigh x
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It’s a really good book and I even enjoyed the1990 film. There are a few chapters that I will never forget!
Excellent post, great review. This is one of my favourite books and it is so much more gory then the film. May have to re-read at some point 🙂
Misery is one of the films on my ‘to watch’ list so this was a really interesting book review to read! I know that the film is supposed to be pretty gory in parts so I can’t even imagine what it must be like in the book! x
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It certainly sounds intriguing – I’ve been looking to read some Steven King this year, and perhaps Misery will be where I start, thanks for sharing!
I’ve only read one Stephen King book and that was Pet Semetary and I was HOOKED. It’s so disturbing and I couldn’t believe how tame they made the new movie. I loved the film of Misery, so good! I might have to get this one to read as well x
Such a great review Mel! The only book i read by STephen King was “On Writing”. I am not a huge fan of horror and thrillers, but the plot sounds great! Will have to give this a go this year. Thanks for sharing x
I’m a huge fan of the movie too which is why I never read the book before. Usually I like the book version way better than the movie, so I’m always worried to experience them in reverse. Sounds like you really enjoyed it though.
This is a very memorable book and I think I read it shortly after its release way back then! Thanks for sharing your review.
Loveeeee this, i have been so on the fence about trying it but now I’m definitely downloading it and trying it. Love your blog x
I have read Misery so many times! It is definitely my favourite Stephen King novel, I’ve never need the film though 😂