Duma Key is the engaging, fascinating story of a man who discovers an incredible talent for painting after a freak accident in which he loses an arm.
He moves to a "new life" in Duma Key, off Florida's West Coast - a deserted strip, part beach, part weed-tangled reef, owned by a patroness of the arts whose twin sisters went missing in the 1920s. Duma Key is where out-of-season hurricanes tear lives apart and a powerful undertow lures lost and tormented souls.
Here, Freemantle is inspired to paint the amazing sunsets. But soon the paintings become predictive, even dangerous. Freemantle knows the only way forward is to discover what happened to the twin sisters and uncover the secret of the strange old lady who holds the key.
The story is about friendship, about the bond between a father and his daughter, and about memory, truth and art. It is also is a metaphor for the life and inspiration of a writer, and an exploration of the nature, power, and influence of fiction.
©2007 Stephen King; (P)2007 Simon & Schuster
"Written by the man who once memorably called himself 'the literary equivalent of a Big Mac with fries' - this is supreme, page-turning storytelling; the sort of popular fiction that comes along only rarely and only from a writer at the top of his game."(Daily Mail)
"Another brilliant audiobook from a master"
The weekend has disappeared under the spell of another terrific audiobook from Stepen King. Great novel, excellent narrator. But be warned - I was immediately drawn in so tightly that I couldn't concentrate on anything else until I finished. Guaranteed to cheer up a wet weekend - or maybe to put a shiver down the spine even if you are enjoying the sun by the pool.....
"Absolutely Superb!"
Being an avid Stephen King fan I have to say this did not disappoint. Like the other reviewers, this hooked me from the start and was very difficult to pull away from. I'm still haven't got over having finished it. A fantastic tale and brilliantly read.
"Superb audiobook"
Stephen King is just such a good storyteller, and Duma Key is right up to his high standard. The friendship between the two main characters is so brilliantly drawn, and the way he blends fantasy and the real world is just amazing. This is a thrilling book and and emotional roller coaster at the same time.
Narration is just perfect.
What more can I say? five stars and strongly recommended.
"Absolutely at his best"
This really is my favourite King novel. It's a great story, but with some real depth to it as well. Oh, to be able to write as well as Stephen King in top form...Hugely recommended!
"Brilliant - Fantastic - Weird - Wonderful"
Duma Key has replaced The Stand as my favorite KING novel. I just LOVE Edgar and Wireman. Listen to John Slattery beautifully narrate this tale of woe. This book is simply delightful and tragic in equal measure. Really don't want to give any spoilers - but read this and weep and smile and be delighted and terrified in equal measure. Well written and developed characters, you really feel that you get to know so many, so well. I love the way that Wireman has 'special phrases' and how he and Edgar develop a close understanding and relationship. I find this so easy to listen to and have used it almost as a relaxation tool.
11/10 from me.
"Long but worthwhile"
Overall I enjoyed this one. I think it could have been shortened substantially as a lot of the filler didn't really do much to push the story along.
Quite enjoyed it but glad to move onto something else....
"Worth a listen"
I enjoyed the print version of this book very much, but the audio version isn't as sinister, I'm afraid. I think it's because King wrote this one in short (VERY short, sometimes) chapters, which work in print but not in audio. That said, it's a good story and has kept me entertained over two very long car journeys.
"duma key stephen king"
A good story and like stephen king you can picture every bit of this book, but when you think something is going to happen and it doesn't - i was very disappointed with the ending, not his best book, not scary at all.
Gerry
"King at his most scary"
I usually read King's epics like "The Stand" and " The Dome" however this one is a more scary offering. I have read Susan Hill's short scary tales which can effect your sleep, but "Duma Key" is a more troubling book. Especially when I paint and draw for amusement, I haven't done a lot of that since listening to the story. If you want a good fright listen to this audio.
Jerome Wireman aka Wireman was my favourite even though Freemantle is the hero, something about Freemantle could not raise any empathy from me. Wireman had a raw deal.
His American accent brings a great deal of authenticity to the narrative and he is a pleasure to listen to.
It gave me insomnia.
Keep an open mind