I just finished listening to the audiobook of Fairy Tale by Stephen King and let me tell you, it was one of the looooogest books I have ever had the pleasure to read.
Stephen King is one of those authors who was born to write. The way he crafts a story is incredible with every element carefully thought out. He has a way of writing that draws you in right from the start. It is accessible, but without feeling dumbed down.
The novel centers on a boy named Charlie and the adventures he has after befriending an old man in his neighborhood. Early in the novel Charlie makes a deal with God in order to save his father from alcoholism. When he stumbles across his neighbor, Mr. Bowditch, and Mr. Bowditch’s dog, Radar, in need of assistance Charlie sees this as a way to repay his debt to God.
The book meanders through Charlie’s relationship with Mr. Bowditch and Radar during the old man’s recovery before getting into the real meat of the story. And by real meat, I mean a completely different kind of story altogether. Charlie finds something in Mr. Bowditch’s shed that completely changes his life and provides the setting for the rest of the novel.
I understand why King takes so long to introduce these relationships and set up everything else that happens in this portion of the story. Much of it serves well as payoff during the second half of the book. Still, it felt long and not in a good way. King’s writing made it enjoyable enough to continue through this less than exciting section, but altogether the book would have been better if King got to the action quicker.
Here is the thing about King’s writing: every seemingly random plot point King places has a reason, and serves its purpose by the end of the book. If he introduces you to a person or concept, however fleeting it seems at the time, he will bring it back. It is a great feature of his writing, and I think it keeps readers engaged and attentive. However, I felt that King could have taken out multiple points while maintaining the integrity of the story and I wouldn’t complain. In fact, I might even love the book more.
This book made me think of all the books I read and want to keep reading when the book is done. I’m sure most of us have had that feeling. You reach the last page and don’t want the feeling to end, you want to keep reading beyond the final words. This wasn’t one of those books for me. But, it also wasn’t one of those books I was rejoicing to finish, ready to cast aside while I search for my next read. I really did enjoy the story. I loved the characters. But when the book was finished I was satisfied, I didn’t need more. I liked what I read, and I read enough. Which now has me thinking, is that the best way to end a book? With the feeling that I am happy and can move on to other stories? I’ll have to keep thinking about it.
Catherine Michalk 