"Full Dark, No Stars" by Stephen King

"Full Dark, No Stars" was an interesting book, and it took two readings to appreciate what it has to offer. First off, this book is DARK, in terms of it's outlook on the human heart. This is no monster book; there's barely a whiff of the supernatural. We see the devil (maybe) and a re-animated corpse (perhaps), but King himself said it best when he quoted R.L. Stevenson's own estimation of the potion in "Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde" as, "so much hugger mugger". The 'out there' elements in these four stories are a means to an end, and that end is clearly to make us look at the monster within ourselves--to REALLY look, unflinchingly.

This he accomplishes well. The characters in all four stories are flawed, some fatally, but all are very human and relatable, even if we'd rather not see their less savory elements in ourselves. Ever been fixated on one idea (even pig stubborn)? '1922' will speak to you. Been hurt and want to retaliate? Try 'Big Driver' (in my opinion, the weakest story of the quartet). Thought you'd do ANYTHING to get what you want? 'Fair Extension'is your nasty little treat. Think you know all about your significant other? 'A Good Marriage' actually gave me a nightmare! After having read King's work for more years than I care to admit!

I'm trying to avoid spoilers, because I want you to get the full impact when you read this book (in fact, don't even read the book jacket--it gives away too much). Read these stories. Mull them over. Then go back and read them again. You won't be sorry.

I've only read one review of this book, and it was fairly negative. Fair to say that I think the reviewer didn't 'get it'. He was picking at similes and losing the forest for the trees. King's writing has changed over the years. He's no longer an idealistic twenty-something; he's got a mature person's view of life and what lies within us that can be unsettling. However, what he's lost in starshine he's more than made up for in heart. He's seen that dark (whether within himself or in others I wouldn't even hazard a guess), he acknowledges it... but he still has hope. All wrapped up in his characteristically realistic characters and dialogue that's hard to beat. This man knows people, and he's not afraid to show us with our halos balancing ever so precariously on our horns.

Now I want to go read this again...