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I looked forward to the release of Stephen King’s “Lisey’s Story” for several reasons. First of all, I am an unabashed King fan. Though his work in later years has been a bit uneven, I think his writing far surpasses the credit people give him. Secondly, the buzz around the book was that King had delivered a view of an intimate marriage through the eyes of a widow’s reflections two years after her husband died. It was supposed to be a softer, more reflective book, that still had the normal King punch. Well, “Lisey’s Story” does not disappoint.
The book centers on Lisey Landon, widow of famous author, Scott Landon. Scott died two years prior, and the book begins with Lisey sorting through her husband’s office. For any famous, deceased author, their office offers a treasure trove of unexplored writings. Universities and fans would love to find half-finished novels, unpublished short stories, personal letters and the like. And that is the central theme of “Lisey’s Story.” What stories does Scott have to tell – both written and unwritten? These stories are sought after by a University professor, a deranged fan, and Lisey, herself. However, the first two want the written kind, whereas Lisey wants the stories that Scott left behind that will both reveal and release her from her past and present.
The highlight of the book, however, is how King interweaves the secret language of marriage. Each union has its special words and codes that only husband and wife know. This involves words surrounding memories or just words that are unique to the personalities present. These are languages without lexicons and without any true ability to translate to others. They only have meaning for each couple. This was a fun exploration within the book, and insightful readers will also begin to consider and appreciate their own unwritten, marriage languages. I know my wife and I did. As I told her about the novel, we began to catalog the secret words and winks that only she and I knew.
All this to say, “Lisey’s Story” still has its horror elements; every King story does. (If you don’t think Shawshank’s prison was horror, you haven’t looked deeply enough.) But, this novel is not about bumps and scares, though there are plenty. This novel is about appreciating a loving marriage, full of ups and downs and good and bad. It’s about appreciating the life that two people built together and mourning its passing. The novel is sweet and scary, deeply spiritual and worldly, and beautiful and ugly ... just like any good marriage.
Gordon Duncan is the Pastor/Church Planter of Sovereign King Church in Garner, NC. He blogs daily. He delightfully is married to Amy, and they love to talk to each other in ways that no one can understand.
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