About this book
Blurb from Goodreads
“From legendary storyteller and master of short fiction Stephen King comes an extraordinary new collection of twelve short stories, many never-before-published, and some of his best EVER.
“You like it darker? Fine, so do I,” writes Stephen King in the afterword to this magnificent new collection of twelve stories that delve into the darker part of life—both metaphorical and literal. King has, for half a century, been a master of the form, and these stories, about fate, mortality, luck, and the folds in reality where anything can happen, are as rich and riveting as his novels, both weighty in theme and a huge pleasure to read. King writes to feel “the exhilaration of leaving ordinary day-to-day life behind,” and in You Like It Darker, readers will feel that exhilaration too, again and again.
“Two Talented Bastids” explores the long-hidden secret of how the eponymous gentlemen got their skills. In “Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream,” a brief and unprecedented psychic flash upends dozens of lives, Danny’s most catastrophically. In “Rattlesnakes,” a sequel to Cujo, a grieving widower travels to Florida for respite and instead receives an unexpected inheritance—with major strings attached. In “The Dreamers,” a taciturn Vietnam vet answers a job ad and learns that there are some corners of the universe best left unexplored. “The Answer Man” asks if prescience is good luck or bad and reminds us that a life marked by unbearable tragedy can still be meaningful.
King’s ability to surprise, amaze, and bring us both terror and solace remains unsurpassed. Each of these stories holds its own thrills, joys, and mysteries; each feels iconic. You like it darker? You got it.”
EAN: 9781399725095
PUBLISHED BY: Hodder & Stoughton (Jonathan Ball Publishers in South Africa)
My Thoughts
My Thoughts“Grief sleeps but doesn’t die. At least not until the griever does.”
Stephen King’s “You Like It Darker” is truly a captivating anthology of short stories that highlights the author’s exceptional talent in blending elements of suspense, horror, and raw human emotion within each narrative. This collection is a must-read for any avid fan of King’s work, offering a diverse range of tales that are both spine-tingling and intellectually stimulating.
“The world is full of rattlesnakes. Sometimes you step on them and they don’t bite. Sometimes you step over them and they bite anyway.”
One particular story that stood out to me was “Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream.” This novella-length story delves into the complex themes of police abuse of power and personal vendettas. The palpable tension that builds as I follow Danny’s ordeal is truly gripping, drawing me to the mystery and frustration that surround his predicament. The unwavering conviction of the detective in Danny’s guilt creates a compelling yet exasperating storyline that kept me guessing until the very last page.
“Imagination is hungry, and needs to be fed.”
While there are moments in the collection that may seem predictable and a supernatural aspect that may not resonate with all readers, overall, “You Like It Darker” serves as a powerful testament to King’s storytelling prowess. His talent in crafting memorable characters and intricate plots shines through each story, even if some conclusions feel slightly rushed.
“He thought a person’s skin was thinner in the small hours. It didn’t start to thicken again until five, when the first light began to show in the east.”
In this anthology, King revisits themes of ageing, remorse, and the essence of being human. The contrast of grounded and supernatural narratives offers a well-rounded reading experience that is both unsettling and profoundly engaging. This compilation truly showcases King’s versatility as a writer and his enduring ability to captivate audiences with his unique blend of terror and heartfelt storytelling.
“His bouncing, opinionated, athletic, argumentative, take-no-prisoners sister was old. So was he. They were proof that life was basically a short dream on a summer afternoon.”
For fans of Stephen King, “You Like It Darker” is a literary journey into the unknown, filled with unexpected twists and turns that only King can deliver. Each story within this anthology offers a fresh exploration of the human experience, leaving readers eager for more of King’s signature brand of storytelling.
“Horror stories are best appreciated by those who are compassionate and empathetic. A paradox, but a true one. I believe it is the unimaginative among us, those incapable of appreciating the dark side of make-believe, who have been responsible for most of the world’s woes. In stories of the supernatural and paranormal, I have tried especially hard to show the real world as it is, and to tell the truth about the America I know and love.”
Thank you, Jonathan Ball Publishers, for the opportunity to read this book.
Genre: Horror, Short Stories, Fiction, Thriller
