Misery

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Lindsay Crouse

Length: 12 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

The number one New York Times best seller about a famous novelist held hostage in a remote location by his “number one fan.” One of “Stephen King’s best…genuinely scary” (USA Today).

Best-selling novelist Paul Sheldon thinks he’s finally free of Misery Chastain. In a controversial career move, he’s just killed off the popular protagonist of his beloved romance series in favor of expanding his creative horizons. But such a change doesn’t come without consequences. After a near-fatal car accident in rural Colorado leaves his body broken, Paul finds himself at the mercy of the terrifying rescuer who’s nursing him back to health - his self-proclaimed number one fan, Annie Wilkes.

Annie is very upset over what Paul did to Misery and demands that he find a way to bring her back by writing a new novel - his best yet, and one that’s all for her. After all, Paul has all the time in the world to do so as a prisoner in her isolated house...and Annie has some very persuasive and violent methods to get exactly what she wants...

“King at his best...a winner!” (The New York Times)

“Unadulteratedly terrifying...frightening.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Classic King...full of twists and turns and mounting suspense.” (The Boston Globe)

©1987 Stephen King, Tabitha King, and Arthur B. Greene (P)1992 Penguin Highbridge Audio

Loved every moment!

Lindsay Crouse does an impeccable job. I really enjoyed her interpretations of these iconic King characters. A must listen!

gripping

this is king book #17 for me, all audio books, this one hit me like IT did the first time. it's brutal, and amazing, but mor3 importantly it gives a glimpse into the mind of King, I feel like this book is autobiographical as to how king used to use drugs to write stories. amazing read/listen.

King rocks the writing, Crouse rocks the speaking

forgot or never realized what an eloquent writer King is. Lindsay ROCKED the narration! I like that she doesn't put on a "man" voice for the male roles. only thing I didn't like was the music.

5 Stars 4 Sure!

Waaay better than the movie even! Really great story, even though shorter than most King books. I only wish I could have kept Kathy Bates face out of my mind the entire time. LOL

First Stephen King experience. What a doozy.

Twisted and gruesome and well delivered. Listened to the whole thing within a week. What a mind (four letter word)!

Weird music but it was good

The transition music took some getting used to, but it was otherwise great. The reader gave a great performance.

One of my favorite story from Stephen King

For the first time I love this story. I never put this down and kept on going to listening to this book. I never imagine the torture and cruel that Annie Wilkes gave to the Paul Sheldon. Glad that the end everything turn out ok for this beloved Author.

Very good! Very good! Very good!

Very good! Very good! Did I mention it was very good? Ok.... Very good! Yes.

Good book. Wasn’t super impressed with the narrator

I liked this Stephen king book a lot. I really didn’t like the reading (narrator) though. I listened to ‘The Stand’ just before this one and I thought the guy who narrates that one was way better.

Full of terror, and of despair, but never dull

On the story:
King's ability to take the simplest of details and turn them into plot elements, or even final lines, is my favorite aspect of his writing, and this novel particularly. I had seen the movie prior to reading the book, but the book transported me away from my memories of the film and I am grateful upon completion. Annie is one demon of a goddess, and Paul, by the end, reaches a level of sainthood. I was horrified, often looking over my shoulder when I was alone because I thought of the events of the novel and Annie Wilkes, and I shuddered to think of such a reality.

On this production and Lindsay Crouse as narrator:
I read several reviews prior to listening, although I had already purchased the audiobook, and was disheartened to see several complaints about Crouse's narration. I heard what several reviewers spoke of, but at times, I felt her style of reading was necessary for a book so grinding and horrific. Her voice is level, calm, but with an airiness that makes the more sinister moments pass by with even more suspense. Altogether, I was impressed. The editing, including the addition of transition music, was spot on. When Annie's mood begins to decline and the situation and story darken, the music, in its moody tones, supplied a healthy backdrop of morbid beauty.