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Gerald's Game

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1992

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Book Brief

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Stephen King

Gerald's Game

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1992
Book Details
Pages

417

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Maine • 1990s

Publication Year

1992

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

3.9

170,761 ratings

55%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

16%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Gerald's Game?

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.

3.9

170,761 ratings

55%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

16%

Not a fan

Character List

Jessie Burlingame

The protagonist, characterized by her intelligence and resilience in the face of traumatic events, as she navigates a life-threatening situation both physically and psychologically.

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.

Jessie’s father, whose complex relationship with Jessie plays a crucial role in her backstory, impacting her perceptions and emotions throughout the narrative.

One of the voices in Jessie’s head, embodying traditional and submissive aspects of femininity, often reflecting influences from Jessie's past.

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.

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.

Book Details
Pages

417

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Maine • 1990s

Publication Year

1992

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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