Unlike most of King's novels, this can't be nailed down as "horror," since it contains a few sci-fi elements. There are a few disturbing descriptions, but it is gore-free, for the most part. The characters are quite different from King's normal novels, too: the main character is in his seventies, which is notable because authors normally keep main characters at the age of the book's intended...
more Unlike most of King's novels, this can't be nailed down as "horror," since it contains a few sci-fi elements. There are a few disturbing descriptions, but it is gore-free, for the most part. The characters are quite different from King's normal novels, too: the main character is in his seventies, which is notable because authors normally keep main characters at the age of the book's intended audience. The book itself outlines a very unique standpoint on death, and King fans will be amused to note the many allusions to his other works (Pet Sematary, for example).
If you've enjoyed most of King's other books, then this one is definitely worth your while as long as you can get through the beginning, which is slightly tedious. But, after that, the pace picks up dramatically, and the book is a very enjoyable experience (and it's one of my favourites from King). As for people new to King, I'd suggest reading his other novels first, but only because of the allusions to them in this book. This book can stand on its own, but it would probably be more enjoyable if the reader can pick out the mentions to King's other works.
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