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417
Novel • Fiction
Maine • 1990s
1992
Adult
18+ years
In Gerald's Game by Stephen King, Jessie Burlingame must escape from handcuffs after her husband Gerald dies of a heart attack during a failed sexual game, leaving her trapped and vulnerable. The situation forces her to confront past traumas, including childhood abuse by her father, while facing the immediate threat of a mysterious figure and a dog consuming Gerald's corpse. This work contains detailed descriptions and discussions of sexual assault, child sexual abuse, mutilation, and the desecration of dead bodies.
Dark
Unnerving
Suspenseful
Challenging
170,761 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Stephen King's Gerald's Game is both lauded for its intense psychological depth and criticized for its disturbing themes. The narrative grips readers with its suspenseful and claustrophobic atmosphere, though some find the content too unsettling. King's talent for character development is evident, but the dark subject matter may not appeal to all.
Readers who crave psychological thrillers with a blend of horror and suspense will find Gerald's Game by Stephen King captivating. Fans of Misery by King or Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn will appreciate its intense, character-driven narrative and exploration of human resilience in terrifying situations.
170,761 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Gerald Burlingame
Jessie's husband, whose actions early in the story set the stage for the novel's central conflict, leaving a lingering and menacing presence even after his death.
Tom Mahout
Jessie’s father, whose complex relationship with Jessie plays a crucial role in her backstory, impacting her perceptions and emotions throughout the narrative.
Goodwife Burlingame (Goody)
One of the voices in Jessie’s head, embodying traditional and submissive aspects of femininity, often reflecting influences from Jessie's past.
Ruth Neary
A real person and a voice in Jessie’s mind, representing a more defiant and modern femininity, pushing Jessie to confront her situation and empowering her attempts to escape.
Raymond Andrew Joubert
A minor yet significant character who intrudes into Jessie’s space, symbolizing an external threat and serving as a pivotal challenge in her struggle for survival.
417
Novel • Fiction
Maine • 1990s
1992
Adult
18+ years
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