By Erica Wiggins
Fairy Tale is the latest novel from storyteller Stephen King. It tells the story of Charlie Reade, an average kid carrying a difficult load. After losing his mom, his dad starts drinking and Charlie must learn to take care of himself. Then one day Charlie meets Howard Bowditch, the recluse who lives at the top of the hill. Mr. Bowditch has fallen, and Charlie gets him help and takes care of Mr. Bowditch, his house, and his dog Radar. When Mr. Bowditch dies, Charlie inherits the house and a whole lot more responsibility. There is a locked shed in the backyard, and this isn’t any old shed—it is the portal to another world where Charlie must lead the battle between good and evil. It is interesting to note that King said that this story was a result of the pandemic because he needed “something to entertain himself.”
Fairy Tale is the perfect title for this novel; King expertly weaves his newest story, incorporating many of the fairy tales we all know and love.
“… I see a clear thread leading up through the years to Mr. Bowditch and the padlocked shed behind his ramshackle old Victorian. But a thread is easy to break, so not a thread but a chain. A strong one. And I was the kid with the shackle clamped around his wrist.”
What can you say about a master of writing? It is a challenge, but here goes.
For me this book did not disappoint. From the first chapter and illustration, you are drawn into this world. Written as if Charlie is telling you the story, he debates the right place to start to ensure we as readers get the full picture. I love the honest way that Charlie relates his experience, cementing early on that he is a reliable narrator. Charlie is endearing. I was drawn to him and the strength he shows through challenging situations. As mentioned, each chapter begins with an illustration, which gives you a peek into the next chapter and is masterfully created to tie into the story. As someone who is not very visual, it made imagining this place and these characters so much easier. I found myself saying “one more chapter” and being unable to put the story down.
While Mr. Bowditch is in the hospital, Charlie begins to take care of his elderly German shepherd, Radar, and instantly falls in love. So did I. This adorable, sweet, and loyal dog becomes an integral part of the story and after Mr. Bowditch passes away all Charlie wants is to save Radar. I think anyone who has owned a dog will be able to relate to this feeling.
The world below the shed is called Empis. This world is incredibly well developed and engaging. There is a blurring of reality and fantasy that can only be accomplished by an author like King. Charlie’s journey into this world is an adventure full of expertly created characters, connections, and the creepy horror King is known for.
The excitement continues until the very end of the book, leaving you guessing what will happen. It all gets tied up very neatly and leaves us with an epilogue that brings us back to the present. This will be a book I easily recommend to fans of King, fantasy, and horror, and it is at the top of my favourite King books.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for this complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!