Maybe it could be an interesting short story, but then again, its heavy reliance on hallucinations seems rather dumb.

It's as if the author took the easy way out by using this trope to drive the plot. However, when I think about it, it might actually make a brilliant, albeit kinda dumb, Netflix film.

The visual effects that could be used to bring the hallucinations to life on the screen would be truly captivating. Audiences love seeing strange and otherworldly images, and this story has the potential to deliver that in spades.

Plus, the dumbness factor could actually work in its favor. Sometimes, we just want to watch a film that doesn't require too much thinking and that can simply entertain us with its absurdity. So, while the story may have its flaws, I have a feeling that it could be transformed into a highly enjoyable Netflix film.

DNF @ 54%

You might observe that there aren't many 3-star DNFs from me. Generally, I either don't rate them (as I didn't read enough to form a fair judgment) or give them 1 - 2 stars (because they were so harmful or dreadful that I couldn't bear another page). That being said, "Gerald's Game" is like the epitome of my 3-star DNF review: it wasn't for me, but it wasn't bad.

This is undoubtedly one of King's less popular novels, and I think there are many reasons for that. However, I truly didn't believe it was a case of bad writing or a bad plot. For the first 30%, I was genuinely intrigued by what was happening to poor Jessie. I liked the concept of this highly plausible scenario: a woman left chained up, alone, and starting to experience visions and intrusive thoughts. It's impossible to determine whether to blame these on dehydration, panic, mental instability, trauma, or something supernatural.

That said, once it approaches the halfway mark, things begin to feel sluggish and repetitive. I just couldn't seem to find any remaining interest in the story. When I realized that, in 10 days, I had only read perhaps 5% (split between two sittings), and that every time I picked it up, I felt at risk of entering a reading slump, I decided it was time to stop.
Normally, in a situation like this, I might place it on my "finish-me-soon" shelf to attempt again later. But, to be honest, I just don't think this is a book I'm missing out on much by leaving it alone. That said, if the plot interests you, I definitely think it's worth picking up and giving a try.

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CONTENT WARNINGS BELOW INCLUDE SPOILERS FOR THE FIRST 54%

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Content warnings for sexual assault, child abuse, pedophilia, death, grief, hallucinations, imprisonment, dehydration, PTSD, mutilation of a corpse, animal neglect/abuse, misogyny, fat-shaming

This is only the second book I've read by the incredible author Stephen King.

And now I fully understand why he is so successful and why so many of his books have been picked for movies. The way he describes things, situations, feelings, and people is truly remarkable. It's the way every author should strive to write. His descriptions are so detailed and real that you can almost smell, feel, and experience the fear, horror, and pain.

There were parts in this book that were so disgusting, wrong, and awful that I had to take breaks while reading. It was just too real and I couldn't handle it. This happened twice. The first time was when I read about the incident that occurred to her long ago. That incident also reveals the kind of mental scars that can remain on a victim and how it can hurt them in numerous ways, from which they can't escape. Oh, it's just so wrong.

The second time it happened was when I read about the thing she had to do to rescue herself from the situation she was in. Honestly, I almost threw up. I was constantly fidgeting nervously in my chair and even said "Oh, noooo" out loud. It was just too disgusting. This was so raw.

And this is exactly what a book should do for you. It should make the things you read about seem so real that you feel as if you are there, witnessing it happen, as if it is happening to you. And that's why I love to read. Books open up a whole new world for you.

Stephen King is indeed a renowned and legendary author, particularly in the horror genre. It's a well-known fact that numerous horror movies have been adapted from his highly acclaimed novels. However, when it comes to this particular book, I have to say that I would not like to see a movie adaptation of it at all.

This book is simply gross. The images that are presented within its pages are truly nauseating. One has to give Stephen King credit for his remarkable ability to create extremely vivid imagery for his readers. Just by looking at the expressions on the readers' faces, you can tell how horrible and disturbing the scenes are.

This is precisely why I tagged this as "I'm sorry I read this book." Nevertheless, kudos to Stephen King for having the power to scare the living daylights out of his readers. After reading this, no couple would ever consider using handcuffs in their intimate moments again.

It's quite astonishing how King manages to evoke such strong emotions and reactions from his audience. His works continue to be a source of both fascination and terror for horror enthusiasts around the world.

**"Gerald's Game": A Terrifying Masterpiece by Stephen King**

Stephen King's "Gerald's Game" is an absolute gem that has left a lasting impression on readers. The story follows Jessie and Gerald as they attempt to spice up their marriage by returning to their cabin by the lake. However, things quickly take a dark and twisted turn when Gerald handcuffs Jessie to the bed as part of a sexual fantasy gone wrong.

The adaptation of this book was phenomenal, capturing the tone and essence of the original story perfectly. The acting was top-notch, adding to the overall unsettling atmosphere. The book itself is one of King's best and most terrifying works. He has an uncanny ability to put both the characters and the readers in the most harrowing situations, leaving them on the edge of their seats throughout.

The vivid descriptions of the horror that unfolds are truly disturbing. King's characterization is outstanding, breathing life into not only the human characters but also the animals and inanimate objects. The subject matter explored in this book is not for the faint of heart, as it delves into some deeply disturbing themes. It crosses paths with another of his well-known books, "Dolores Claiborne," but manages to be even more terrifying.

Overall, "Gerald's Game" is a must-read for horror fans. It's the perfect book to pick up during Halloween or whenever you're in the mood for a good scare. And with the upcoming Netflix movie adaptation, it's only going to gain more popularity. So, if you haven't already, do yourself a favor and pick up this thrilling and unforgettable book.

UPDATE: The adaptation was phenomenal!!! Captured the tone of the book, well acted & absolutely unsettling

\\n  \\n    \\n      “If anyone ever asks you what panic is, now you can tell them: an emotional blank spot that leaves you feeling as if you've been sucking on a mouthful of pennies.” \\n    \\n  \\n

I still believe that this is one of King’s best and most terrifying books ever. He managed to put the characters and the reader in one of the scariest situation, even after re-reading this I still hold my breath and anxious throughout.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500"] This Gif scares the shit out of me!![/caption]

Jessie & Gerald decide to venture back to their cabin by the lake to sort of spice up their marriage. Gerald sort of has other plans to elevate their sexual fantasy and it involves handcuffing Jessie to the bed. Jessie is intrigued but it soon turns into one dark twisted situation that will bring back demons from the past and shadows will become alive. (\\n  It is best not to read the synopsis and just experience it but be warned a lot of trigger warnings\\n)



  

It was one of those (\\n  how can this get any worse situations\\n), it was bloody, gruesome and it made me wonder how King can put himself through such a book because this requires some \\n  balls of steel\\n. I was flinching the whole time and the vivid description of the horror that can happen to one human being both physical & psychological is just disturbing, to say the least. His characterization shines that he even gives animals and inanimate objects so much life.

\\n  \\n    \\n      “men were not so much gifted with penises as cursed with them.”\\n    \\n  \\n

This book isn’t for the faint-hearted some subject matter that is explored will leave the reader shocked. Also this book kind of crosses paths with another of his well-known and amazing book Dolores Claiborne but it’s more terrifying. I would highly recommend it especially for Halloween or just for the shock factor.


P.S. It's so good that it has been optioned for a Netflix movie and the casting has already been set (\\n  SEE HERE\\n)

In the remote vacation home, things get too kinky.

There's a flashback handcuff combination. King loves to demonstrate his prowess as the pimp grandmaster by using a single setting to show us how it's done. It includes childhood trauma, how far one might go to survive, married life and its development, and the switching between the terror of a seemingly hopeless situation and flashbacks to the mystery of what happened when the protagonist was a girl and how those events influenced the current happenings.

It's terrible to be in that situation, but at least without Misery. The situation of being alone in a remote area, helpless, bound, or next to the dead body of a loved one is frightening enough. But all of it together, where nobody hears you scream except for the definitely wrong people, is truly a bad situation. Hunger, thirst, nature, and evil forces all unite against one single, brave woman. It's a very similar setting to his novel Misery, except there's no personified danger in the form of an axe-crazy woman.

Just by jumping the character POV and puff, the magic happens. The introspections are amazing. King slips inside the minds of his protagonists so skillfully. The reader is shattered by each new little twist and each deterioration of the already precarious situation. The characters think and feel so realistically and credibly. So little actually happens, yet the few plot twists seem so suspenseful and intriguing in retrospect.

The killer at the end is just described on a few pages, but the intensity and concreteness are immense. Also, realizing that such a hardcore sick freak was standing there, lurking and stalking around, gives a giant finale goosebump. This has some similarities to the Misery backstory too. And yes, King's wife is making fun of him, saying, "You first wrote this novel Misery about an injured man in a house and a female fan. Now you write Gerald's Game about a woman in a bed. Next, you'll write something about a couch and no characters at all." And maybe it will still be good, average reading material because it is the freaking craziest, sickest, and most perverted couch one can imagine, haunted by PTSD caused by serious couch abuse and childhood trauma.

Tropes show how literature is conceptualized and created and which mixture of elements makes works and genres unique: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph...

Another one of those King novels that completely thwarts the expectations set by its premise and reputation. I was truly astonished by how rich and dynamic this story turned out to be. Despite having only one character, Jessie, who is chained to a bedpost all alone in a remote cabin, the narrative is anything but dull. Well, perhaps not entirely alone. On the floor beside her lies her dead husband, and then there are, of course, her Thoughts. These take the form of some very distinct and real (and seemingly well-meaning?) Voices in her head. To add to that, there is a disturbing Unresolved Past that she is now forced to confront, and which ultimately holds the key to her escape. And then there is that thing in the corner… For some reason, I had the impression that this was going to be a novel without supernatural elements. Well, it sort of is, but then again, maybe not. Maybe it’s just that King has managed to achieve a little more ambiguity and balance between the psychological and the supernatural than he usually does, and that, of course, makes it all the more creepy. For surely that thing in the corner is just a hallucination, brought on by her fevered state of thirst and starvation. And hallucinations can’t hurt you, can they? Although in the end, we do get a resolution and the ambiguity is dissolved. But by then, it has already achieved its effect, and somehow the resolution does not explain all the dark, otherworldly corners of what Jessie has seen. Some of it lingers, leaving us with a sense of unease and mystery.

Story 3.5 stars**

The story presented here has its own charm and merits. It manages to engage the reader to a certain extent, with its plot twists and turns. However, it may not be a masterpiece that leaves a lasting impression. There are moments when the narrative could have been more developed or when the characters could have been fleshed out more fully. Nevertheless, it still offers an enjoyable read for those who are looking for a light and entertaining story.

Audio 3.75 stars**

The audio version of this story is quite good. The quality of the recording is clear, and the sound effects add to the overall atmosphere. The pacing of the audio is also well-done, keeping the listener engaged throughout. The use of different voices for the characters helps to bring the story to life and makes it more immersive. Overall, the audio version enhances the experience of the story and is a great option for those who prefer to listen rather than read.

Narrator Lindsay Crouse

Lindsay Crouse does an excellent job as the narrator. Her voice is pleasant and easy to listen to, and she has a great ability to convey the emotions and personalities of the characters through her narration. She brings the story to life with her performance, making it more engaging and enjoyable. Her pacing and intonation are also spot-on, adding to the overall quality of the audio. Overall, Lindsay Crouse is a talented narrator who adds a lot of value to this story.

As always, it is a pleasure to read King's stories, especially in this era. The protagonist of this story, Jessie, will go to spend a weekend at the countryside house that she and her husband Gerald own. Upon arrival, he will have prepared an erotic game for her that will end in catastrophe. Jessie will have to fight for her survival.

The best part of the novel is undoubtedly the plot itself. The idea appealed to me a great deal, and I think, in part, it is carried out quite well. The psychological ebb and flow that the protagonist experiences seemed to me to be the most interesting. I always enjoy those books where one can learn about human behavior in the face of a lived trauma. And this book has quite a bit of that. The memories that constantly come to the protagonist's mind, and how she struggles to forget them, accepting along the way things that she had never accepted before, seemed to me to be the strong point of the novel.

The bad part? I think it could have been a bit shorter, and perhaps in that way, the sense of slowness in the plot would have been alleviated. Normally, I really enjoy slow-paced novels, in which things happen at a more realistic pace, so the fact that it was very slow didn't completely bother me. But it is true that at times it went over the same situation too many times and fell into unnecessary repetitions.

Once again, I find myself in front of a book by King that, while not perfect, is also not at the lower end of his work. Let's say it's in the middle leaning towards the upper part.

I read this book in the early 90’s when my husband and I were just starting out.

He was working nights at that time, and this book had such a profound impact on me. It scared me to such an extent that when I was ready to go to sleep, I wouldn't even reach down to put the book on the floor.

The reason was that I was extremely afraid of my hand being near that "under the bed zone".

Out of all the Stephen King books I've read, this one is undoubtedly the one that scared me the most.

As I was reading it, he really managed to get inside my brain and create a sense of unease and terror that lingered long after I put the book down.

His descriptive writing and ability to build suspense made this book a truly unforgettable and spine-chilling experience.

Even now, decades later, the memory of that book and the fear it instilled in me still vividly remains in my mind.

It's a testament to Stephen King's mastery as a horror writer and his ability to tap into our deepest fears and phobias.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good scare and wants to be taken on a thrilling journey into the unknown.

Just be prepared to sleep with the lights on for a few nights after reading it!

A kinky sex game. A heart attack. Handcuffed to a bed. A serial killer on the loose. How scary can it get?

Well, that's exactly what you'll experience when you watch the new film on Netflix. This thrilling movie takes you on a wild ride filled with intense moments and unexpected twists.

The story begins with a couple engaging in a kinky sex game that quickly turns dangerous. As the night progresses, one of them suffers a heart attack, leaving the other handcuffed to the bed and completely vulnerable.

To make matters worse, a serial killer is on the loose in the area, and he has his sights set on the couple. With time running out and no way to escape, they must find a way to outwit the killer and survive the night.

Overall, this film is quite good. It keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish and will leave you breathless. If you're a fan of thrillers, then this is definitely a movie you don't want to miss.

I'm not the kind of person who gets easily scared. However, certain parts of this book actually made me nervously check my closet! It's a creepy and spine-chilling recounting of a mythical woman who discovers herself handcuffed to a bed in the very same room as her deceased husband.

The story is an amazing tale of survival, delving into the terrifying thoughts that can cross our minds during our darkest and most desperate hours.

If you're a devoted fan of Stephen King, then you're bound to love this particular work. It's definitely one of his finer creations, captivating readers with its intense atmosphere and gripping narrative.

The author has masterfully crafted a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, making you question what you would do in such a terrifying situation.

Overall, it's a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good horror story that will leave them with a sense of unease long after they've turned the last page.