Review by: Samantha M. Chandler
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QUICK SUMMARY
Stephen King typically writes horror books, but this one is a fantasy novel. This book follows Charlie Reade as a 17 year old boy that helps his stubborn and crochity old man of a neighbor out because he fell off his ladder and broke a leg. The old man has a dog named Radar that Charlie also helps take care of (if you like animal companions in a story, this one is definitely for you). Charlie inherits keys to a hidden portal world and finds himself battling evil and trying to help the forces of good shine through in a broken new to him world.
THE REVIEW
Told by Charlie as a 26 year old, this coming of age tale starts out with Charlie being a 7 year old boy. It goes through the trauma of how he lost his mother and how his dad had become an alcoholic afterwards. Charlie had to grow up and learn to take care of the house and his father at a very young age. At the age of 17, Charlie meets his neighbor, Mr. Bowditch, because Mr. Bowditch becomes injured. Charlie takes on the task of taking care of Bowditch and his dog Radar. He ends up finding the other world portal which is where the fantasy part of the novel really kicks into high gear.
Another wonderful aspect to the American version of the book are the amazing illustrations throughout. They are stunning, help put the story into perspective, and are just beautiful. I love it when adult books have illustrations because we are just big kids and love to see what the author envisions.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
If you are someone that likes the day-to-day comradery of solid relationships being built, you are going to love the first half of this book. The characters have realistic character interactions and relationships. King spends a lot of time developing Charlie and his relationships with his dad, Adrian Bowditch, and of course the animal sidekick, Radar. Charlie and Mr. Bowditch’s relationship building was a lot of fun. Bowditch is a grumpy old man stuck in his ways and very anti-social while Charlie is the new age of technology and could win his way into anyone’s heart. One of my favorite memories from reading the book is when Bowditch comes home from the hospital and Charlie is trying to show Mr. Bowditch how certain technologies work. For example, Mr. Bowditch had a tube tv which didn’t get the greatest reception even with the antennae, so Charlie showed him the TV show he liked on his computer and Mr. Bowditch was amazed at the clarity of such technology. It just reminded me of my grandma who is not technologically advanced and me showing her pictures of things on my phone. She is amazed at how fast something can be spread on the internet. I love the shared interest of reading between the two of them as well. The unique thing about this book is it isn’t just from Charlie’s perspective, but also from Radar’s. King does a great job with giving an invisible voice to Radar by demonstrating her reactions, barks, and body language. That was something I was not expecting.
EASTER EGGS
Stephen King refers to a few of the books he has written throughout the novel. No spoilers from me though, gotta read the book yourself! However, there are many other references to the Grimm’s fairy tales, Lovecraftian works, and even Ray Bradbury. There are other references to other pop culture from the last 50 to 60 years throughout the book as well (some of them shows my grandma watches and enjoys). Throughout the entire book are hints at childhood fairy tales you may have grown up with. There are of course references to other authors that have had an influence on King as he wrote this book. For example, H.P. Lovecraft’s work is referenced a lot and some of the book reminds me of creatures that you would see in Lovecraft’s works. You don’t need to read any other book to enjoy this book though (although I would recommend H.P. Lovecraft because I love his work).
FANTASY WORK
I love how the fantasy novel starts out very much in what we would call the real world (dysfunctional family, alcoholism, death, relationships- all things that were relatable to me and to many others) and then slowly creeped into the fantastical world. It just allows me to sink into the book and feel like this could really happen to anyone. Harry Potter was the same way for me. I like the real element that just makes you feel like this is an ordinary day for any human being.
The ending was a fitting fairy tale ending that wrapped up most of the story well. However, I have so many more questions about some of the characters and how the other world was doing. I wanted Charlie to go back and give me more answers!
LOWER THE SCORE
The one thing I absolutely love is a good book with character development. The relationships in the beginning of the book were so strong, yet in later chapters the book didn’t really pride itself on that as much. I know that introducing so many people would have been a hassle, but with some of the characters that Charlie did spend time with, I wanted to know more. I needed to know more. King spent so much time developing the relationship with Charlie and Bowditch and I wanted that special connection with him and the other people/creatures he met along the way.
SCORE
If I had to give this book a score out of 5, I would say it is a 4.5. Overall it was a fun read, but I just needed more character development and I honestly wanted more of the book (but I understand Charlie’s decision).
IN CONCLUSION, READ THE FRACKING BOOK!
Up Next: A Polish Doctor in the Nazi Camps by Barbara Rylko-Bauer
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