15 December 2013

Review: 11.22.63 by Stephen King

If you can suspend your belief about time travel then you will enjoy this offering from Stephen King, 11.22.63.

Essentially it's about Jake, an American teacher in 2011 who discovers he can travel back in time to 1958 and after some careful consideration, sets out to prevent the assassination of JFK in 1963.

11.22.63 is part historical fiction and part science fiction in a unique combination of genres that only Stephen King can successfully achieve.

I have to admit that 11.22.63 is the most enjoyable novel set in the late '50s and early '60s I've ever read and the meticulous research King undertook in order to write this novel makes for a convincing and realistic atmosphere.

Jake's observations of the time period and the differences are very amusing and educational at the same time.  The consequences of time travel and changing the future are addressed through the characters and the ending was extremely satisfying although perhaps not the 'happily ever after' some readers might be seeking.

A thought provoking novel and highly entertaining, King fans will love 11.22.63 and those who don't enjoy his supernatural and paranormal themes, should definitely pick this one up.  An interest in the assassination of JFK will add to your enjoyment.

My rating = ****

Carpe Librum!

Would you like to comment?

  1. I did very much enjoy this book, Tracey, even though I am definitely NOT a Stephen King fan. I thought he did a great job capturing the timer & place, and making the comparisons that are so much a fun part of time travel tales versus straight historical fiction.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, if you're 'definitely NOT' a Stephen King fan and you still took this on, I'm so proud of you. I'm glad you liked it, and I hope he captures more fans/book lovers from this book.

    Have you read The Green Mile? One of my all time favourites.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for your comment, Carpe Librum!