The Wind Through the Keyhole (Scribner, April 24) The same month that Stephen King co-authors a world premiere musical at the Alliance Theatre, he publishes a new volume in his mammoth, genre-busting series of books, The Dark Tower. An untold story of Roland, the series protagonist, this 320-page book (slim by King standards) finds the last gunslinger befriending a young boy while attempting to stop a shape-shifting fiend. Following the acclaimed Under the Dome and 11/22/63, King has been enjoying a creative renaissance lately, so it'll be interesting to see where Wind fits in.So have things picked up for King since Under The Dome? I think the comment has merit. While King is very passionate about Lisey's Story -- I must admit frustrating trying to read it. Duma Key was fantastic, but UTD picked things up to a new level for King. 11.22.63 is powerful. There has also been Blockade Billy, and the very scary Full Dark, No Stars.
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Stephen King Experiencing A "Creative Renaissance"
Curt Holman at Atlanta's Creative Loafing site has posted his most anticipated books of 2012. #4 on his list is Wind Through The Keyhole.
I think he's been experiencing a creative renaissance since about 1971, personally.
ReplyDeleteI get why people say things like this, but the truth is, he's been publishing great books at the rate of one every couple of years for ... well, for quite some time. The mere fact that more people are paying attention to "11/22/63" doesn't mean he's on a major upswing creatively; it only means that people who don't typically notice are noticing currently.
That's my take on it, at least.
I would agree with Mr. Holman. I've been in tune with Mr. King's work for over thirty-five years, and like anyone you have your ups and downs. Let's be honest, not everything he's ever published would be considered outstanding. He has written a lot of work, so much so that there is a lot unpublished - the man likes to write. When he's on he is great and one of the reasons I have come to enjoy his work. But he has been off too. I do think that Full Dark, No Stars was an excellent volume of novella's, some of his best work in years, and reminiscent of what I call his "magic period," his work in the 70's was truly great story telling. He can't always end a tale, but his ride is better than most. In any event, I will always read what the man publishes for us, and glad he's out there. I should be, I created a bookstore and publishing concern based on the hotel from the Shining - The Overlook Connection - and proud to be a part of the Stephen King world.
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