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THE DARK HALF by STEPHEN KING
“You're dead, George. You just don't have the sense to lie down.”
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It's a funny feeling which emanates from The Dark Half. This book reads much like it belongs under SK's one-time pseudonym Richard Bachman. But of course, considering what this story is about, Richard Bachman certainly had an influence here. I wouldn't be at all surprised if this story came to fruition due to the 'killing off' of Bachman that SK did once it was known he was writing under that name.
So, the story; as I've said in previous reviews, I absolutely love books where the protagonist is a writer. It really adds that added richness for me. And it's sort of a double dose in this case, what with the writer protagonist, Thadd, (SPOILER) having a doppelganger in George Stark.
The majority of the story is a sort of cat-and-mouse rhythm, plus the mystery of how/why Stark even came to be. As the number of bodies left in his wake begin to grow, the question of his ultimate motive becomes more clear. This leads to a showdown between the two that is sure to rock the fabric of reality itself...or at least it should have. this is the point where the story faltered for me a bit.
For me, the final confrontation didn't actually amount to much, especially after all the build-up that rose to it. The design of it is cool enough, it just sort of peters out abruptly and left me wanting more.
There are definite allusion to the Dark Tower Saga also, which I greatly appreciate.
Enjoyed it quite a bit, just was left wanting a little more from the ending....
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