#48 – Duma Key

Plot

An extension of his earlier short story, “Monday,” Duma Key follows Edgar Freemantle, a construction worker from Minneapolis who narrowly misses death in a freak accident, losing an arm and suffering brain damage. After the accident, Edgar moves to a sparsely inhabited island off the coast of Florida, where he starts to develop psychic powers.

His hope for a peaceful year away from home is undermined by his inexplicable bouts of rage and other extreme behaviors that drive away his wife and soon start to change his life in other ways.

Review

When I decided to read the entire Stephen King bibliography, it was 2009 and my plan was rather simple. After finishing the Dark Tower series and a few recommendations, I would read his newest book (at the time it was Under the Dome) and then work my way up his bibliography, meaning I would read Carrie – his first novel – last. Later I would tweak this strategy, but it meant that I read Duma Key – which was published right before Under the Dome – rather early in this process.

Stephen King’s rich history of character development is on full display here. He truly captures Edgar Freemantle and all his inner workings. He also spends time fully developing minor characters such as Jerome Wireman and Elizabeth Eastlake. When the stakes got high – I was truly invested in the outcome for this group.

The issue I have with Duma Key was the lacking plot and how slowly it moved in the middle. This book clocks in at 600+ pages, but easily could have been cut in half without losing anything from a character development perspective. Yes, I found it interesting how Edgar discovers and ultimately wields his new powers, but the entire Eastlake mystery never captured my full attention.

Details

Pages: 611

Dates Read: Pre-2012

Quote: “Talent is a wonderful thing, but it won’t carry a quitter.”

Best Part: Edgar’s final painting was the perfect – if not altogether obvious – ending.

Hint for #47: Christopher Walken and Martin Sheen star in this 1983 film adaptation.

 

Until next time, peace be the journey.