Misery
Misery is one of the most classic examples of Stephen King’s astonishing work. Published in 1987, this novel integrates both traditional horror, psychological scares, and the examination of broader themes including the effect of fiction on the human brain, and what the art of writing really consists of.
Misery tells the story of an author named Paul Sheldon. Sheldon is in a sort of rut in life, and has escaped to Colorado to do some light writing, but mostly to get away from his messed up life back home. Unfortunately, the author is in an accident during a snowstorm, and is found by former nurse, Annie Wilkes. However, Wilkes is not your normal “retired” nurse, she happens to be Paul’s biggest fan.
This honor does not work in favor for Sheldon, though, as Wilkes finds out that he has killed off her favorite character in the Misery Chastain series of his. Annie Wilkes has no tolerance for such nonsense, and she has many methods of changing Sheldon’s mind, including pills, an ax, and even a blowtorch. Sheldon, stuck in Wilke’s house with his extensive injuries, has no hope but to do what Wilke’s says, and pray that someone finds him before it is too late.
I have to praise Misery for all that it entails, but one piece of it in particular is incredible. It is the simplest of plots, yet it is the most fascinating of reads. The storyline is just about a guy getting kidnapped, and the book is set almost entirely in one bedroom, with the occasional exits to other rooms in the same house. Yet, you cannot seem to put the book down because even in its simplicity, King does an incredible job of keeping the reader enticed even if it is just through the crazy characters.
Misery is a must read for any psychological thrill seekers, and Stephen King connoisseurs. No story that I have read so far has kept me as intrigued as this masterpiece, and I urge you all to give it a read and enjoy the same effect.
