BOOK REVIEW | BOOK RECOMMENDATION
Duma Key by Stephen King
Reading Duma Key is like sitting with a friend by a firepit on the beach, a cup of coffee or a glass of bourbon in hand, and leaning in to share an intriguing and mystifying story.
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Stephen King begins by introducing the characters, as he normally does. The primary protagonist, Edgar Freemantle, a wealthy building contractor from Minnesota, suffered a debilitating accident when a crane fell on top of his pickup at a worksite.
Edgar’s life plummets after he loses his right arm and suffers head injuries that impair his speech, vision, and memory. He battles suicidal thoughts, violent outbursts, and abusive mood swings, leading his wife to file for divorce after he tried to strangle her.
“I just didn’t want her to get hurt. I thought she was going to be. But everyone gets their share, don’t they? Sure. Pow, in the nose. Pow, in the eye. Pow, below the belt, down you go, and the ref just went out for a hot dog.” — Edgar.
Summary
“Duma Key” was released on January 22, 2008, and quickly rose to #1 on The New York Times Best Seller list.
It is a captivating exploration of the human psyche and the supernatural, set against the backdrop of the mysterious Duma Key in Florida. The novel follows Edgar Freemantle’s “second life,” as an artist. A skill he only dabbled at before the accident.
Seeking solace and healing, he moved to the remote Duma Key in Florida, where he discovered an uncanny talent for painting.
However, his newfound artistic abilities come with a sinister twist as his paintings begin to influence reality and reveal dark secrets hidden from his life and the island’s history.
Edgar’s art consumes him, painting with frantic intensity. Psychic images emerge, revealing his daughter’s engagement and his ex-wife’s sex life.
While his daughter Ilse is on the island with him, they encounter Elizabeth Eastlake, an elderly woman. As they explore, Ilse falls sick, and Edgar receives a call from Elizabeth. She warns him it “has never been a lucky place for daughters.”
Edgar dismisses the message due to her age and Alzheimer’s initially.
Two other characters greatly affecting the story are Jack, a college student who serves as Edgar’s handyman and chauffeur, and Wireman, Elizabeth’s caretaker, who also suffered a head injury and lost his wife and daughter.
Every reader will agree that everyone should have a friend like Wireman.
“When you create, you make choices. Even the act of destruction is an act of creation in a way, as the debris left behind takes on a life of its own.” — Edgar.
Narration
The story of Duma Key is narrated in the first person, with Edgar Freemantle serving as the storyteller.
“The table is leaking.” — Elizabeth.
Setting
The story unfolds in modern-day Duma Key, a remote and secluded island off the coast of Florida. The island’s isolation and eerie beauty play a crucial role in driving the plot, as it becomes a canvas for both Edgar’s art and the unfolding supernatural events.
As the story progresses, the island’s isolation and unique history come to the forefront, adding complexity to the narrative. The setting isn’t just a backdrop but an integral part of the novel’s intrigue and mystery.
“Florida’s full of old people — they don’t call it God’s waiting room for nothing — but precious few of ’em grew up here.” — Edgar.
Theme
“Duma Key” explores creativity and its ability to heal, transform, and reveal hidden truths. It examines the concept that art, in various forms, can connect us to the supernatural and serve as a means of self-discovery. The novel also touches on themes of trauma, friendship, and the inexorable ties between the past and the present.
“We fool ourselves so much we could do it for a living.” — Wireman.
Genre
Duma Key is horror — but more than a conventional horror story. It seamlessly combines psychological thriller elements, supernatural suspense, and character-driven drama.
Compared to other works by King, in my opinion, it is one of his best. It is a true masterpiece.
“Our memories have voices, too. Often sad ones that clamor like raised arms in the dark.” — Edgar.
Author
The author, Stephen King, needs no introduction. His body of work includes more than 60 iconic novels like “The Shining,” “It,” and “The Dark Tower” series.
In “Duma Key,” King showcases his unparalleled storytelling skills and knack for crafting complex characters.
“The only religions I don’t like are the ones that insist their God is bigger than your God.” — Edgar.
Plot
Duma Key follows Edgar Freemantle’s journey of recovery and self-discovery after a life-altering accident. As he immerses himself in painting, his artwork takes on a supernatural quality, granting him glimpses into a world beyond our own.
The plot is a rollercoaster ride of suspense, supernatural encounters, and psychological tension. It masterfully combines the personal struggles of its characters with the broader mysteries of Duma Key, creating a narrative that is as emotionally charged as it is chilling.
“Do the day and let the day do you.” — Wireman.
My Recommendation
Duma Key is a must-read for Stephen King fans and anyone who enjoys a blend of horror, psychological thriller, and supernatural intrigue.
While the novel contains horror elements, it is not excessively gory or reliant on jump scares, making it suitable for a broad audience.
It’s a timeless tale that transcends age groups and will leave a lasting impression on those who venture into its enigmatic world.
“Life is like Friday on a soap opera. It gives you the illusion that everything is going to wrap up, and then the same old shit starts up on Monday.” — Wireman.
If I hadn’t retired from the Army just months before its release, I probably would have read this a lot sooner. However, for most of 2008, I was either drunk or hungover — if I am brutally honest with myself.
Somehow, I met my current wife, moved to the Philippines, and discovered my love of writing again.
“…life is a wheel, and if you wait long enough, it always comes back around to where it started.” — Edgar.
Of the 120,136 verified Amazon buyers who rated the book, 90% gave Duma Key four or five stars, with an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
“I love Stephen King, I’ve read almost every single book he has written (at least thought I had), but I came across this novel and I couldn’t wait to dig in. Mr. King you out did yourself, this was a wonderful, unexpected surprise. I enjoyed the thrilling story line; I was kept up past my bedtime because I couldn’t put it down.” — Dia.
“The last thing I need when reading fiction is needless political jabs by the author that have no bearing on the plot line. We get it, King is not exactly a red-state kind of a guy, and the protagonist is his stand-in. Get on with the story. Which, by the way, isn’t very compelling. I used to enjoy his writing.” — Anonymous Amazon Customer.
This review is obviously from a mindless MAGA minion who probably stuck this review on every King novel he/she came across on Amazon. This book, released in 2008, barely discusses anything political.
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Stephen Dalton is a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland and a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Also, a Top Writer in Bitcoin, Business, Investing, Nutrition, Travel, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, and Short Story.