Reviews with content warning for Animal cruelty - Misery

I've read a lot of King books, and I have to say, this one is by far one of the best ones I've read so far. I'd say it's now in my top five King books. Unbelievably tense, atmospheric and sad. I've noticed a recurring theme in the books I've his that I've loved, all of them are about an author. Annie is one of the most terrifying unhinged characters I have ever read about, but at the same time, it made her incredibly interesting to read about. I was so tense the whole time reading it I couldn't put it down! So good in a morbid kind of way. One of his best written works to date. Do yourself a favour, if you want isolated, uncomfortable, sad, tense, atmospheric psychological horror, pick this book up as soon as possible.

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redheadbookgirl's review against another edition

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challenging dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I don’t even know where to start with reviewing this. I had to leave a day to collect my thoughts together. Although I’ve watched a lot of his movies, this was my first Stephen King novel and it’s kind of exactly what I expected based off his movies.. I felt like I was the one high on drugs reading this (probably not helped by the fact I kept reading this before sleeping after night shifts!)

I found the first third slower in pace and it took me a while to get into the story, but the tension and suspense soon ramped up, and I flew through the rest of the pages on the edge of my seat.

This was a fascinating and unique plot, in that the entirety was based in one location with only two characters, which added to the feeling of captivity Paul felt. Annie was a truly chilling character; written brilliantly, she was unpredictable, unhinged and depraved, switching within seconds so that the anxiety and fear Paul felt around her was palpable.

Overall, a dark and chilling story, with a lot of violent + gory scenes (some of which I had to take a second away from), which I did enjoy but which left me with one question.. after all that suspense and build-up, WHAT was that ending!? Is this a King thing? I never understand the endings of any of his stories🤯

𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒚 @ 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍 🥀

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storyorc's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

When Steven King wants you to be uncomfortable, you will be uncomfortable. Biggest (pleasant) surprise is that this is a more compelling insight into Steven King's thoughts on writing than his actual memoir, On Writing.

Annie and Paul are forever showing us new layers, making Misery a page-turning character study despite the slim cast. Both are at times repulsive, sometimes even while being relatable, and at times impressive. Annie's fickle moods are a curiosity and a terror in themselves; she deserves to be on all the villain toplists for depth and depravity both.

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