The Talisman is a fantasy novel written by Peter Straub and Stephen King. It was first published in 1984 and has since become a cult classic in the genre. The story follows a teenager named Jack Sawyer, who embarks on a dangerous quest across parallel universes to save his mother. The novel explores themes of identity, courage, and the power of imagination. Jack discovers that he is a "Talisman," someone with the ability to travel between these parallel universes. Along his journey, he encounters a mix of fantastical creatures and dangerous foes, all vying for control over the Talisman, an object of great power that can heal both his own world and the parallel universe called "The Territories," where his mother's life is in danger.
“Not only is it a terrific psychological thriller involving two women with dueling points of view surrounding a centuries-old legend, it is also an above-average gothic horror story that will keep the candle burning long into the night as you furiously turn the pages.” — Book Reporter
What begins as a fiercely competitive sense of ownership over Ilsbeth and her story soon turns both women s worlds into something more haunted and dangerous than they could ever imagine. One of the most interesting elements about this story is how Bruce manages to make it work and keep readers turning pages despite having two somewhat unlikeable narrators at its core.
Along his journey, he encounters a mix of fantastical creatures and dangerous foes, all vying for control over the Talisman, an object of great power that can heal both his own world and the parallel universe called "The Territories," where his mother's life is in danger. As Jack navigates through these different worlds, he must face his deepest fears and learn to control and use his Talismanic powers. Along the way, he forms alliances with a variety of characters, including a werewolf named Wolf and a mysterious woman named Speedy Parker.
The Witch in the Well
Local schoolteacher Catherine Evans has made writing the definitive account of what happened when Ilsbeth Clark drowned in the well her life's work.
Some don't want the past raked up, but Catherine is determined to shine a light upon that shameful event. Because Ilsbeth was an innocent, shunned and ostracized by rumour-mongers and ill-wishers, and someone has to speak up for her. And who better than Catherine, who has herself felt the sting and hurt of such whisperings?
And then a childhood friend returns to F -. Elena is a successful author who's earned a certain celebrity. Now in search of a new subject, she announces her intention to write a book about the long-dead woman.
And Elena has everything Catherine has not. A platform. And connections. And no one seems to care that this book will be pure speculation, tainting Ilsbeth's memory. Catherine is left with no option but to blunt her rival's pen .
Before summer is over, one woman will be dead and the other accused of murder.
But is she guilty, or are there other forces at work? And who was Ilsbeth Clark, really?
An innocent? A witch? Or something else entirely?
Together, they face perilous challenges and confront the evil forces that seek to destroy them. The Talisman is a masterful blend of fantasy, horror, and adventure. It combines the vivid imagination of Stephen King with Peter Straub's poetic prose, creating a gripping and immersive reading experience. The novel delves into themes of duality and the interconnectedness of worlds, offering readers a complex and thought-provoking narrative. Through the character of Jack Sawyer, the authors explore the journey of self-discovery and the search for one's true identity. As Jack grapples with his role as the Talisman, he must confront his own fears and doubts, ultimately learning to harness his inner strength and embrace his destiny. The Talisman is widely regarded as one of Peter Straub and Stephen King's most beloved works. Its richly detailed world-building, compelling characters, and intricate plot make it a must-read for fans of fantasy and horror. The novel's success led to a sequel, Black House, which continues Jack Sawyer's story and further explores the complex mythology of The Talisman's universe..
Reviews for "The Psychology of Collecting Peter Stra8b Talismans"
- John - 1 star
I have to be honest, I really did not enjoy "The Talisman" by Peter Straub. I found the plot to be convoluted and confusing, with too many unnecessary subplots that never seemed to go anywhere. The characters were also extremely flat and one-dimensional, making it hard to connect with them or care about their journey. Overall, I just felt like the story dragged on and on without any real payoff, and I was left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied.
- Emily - 2 stars
"The Talisman" by Peter Straub was just not my cup of tea. The writing style was overly verbose and heavy-handed, with the author trying too hard to be clever and profound. I also found the world-building to be lacking, with not enough detail or explanation for me to fully immerse myself in the story. Additionally, the pacing was incredibly slow, and it took a long time for anything interesting or exciting to happen. Overall, I found the book to be a bit tedious and underwhelming, and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
- Sarah - 2.5 stars
I had high hopes for "The Talisman" by Peter Straub, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. While the concept of parallel universes and the idea of a young boy on a quest were intriguing, the execution left much to be desired. I struggled to connect with the main character and found his journey to be repetitive and monotonous. The climax of the story also felt rushed and anticlimactic, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. Although the book had its moments, overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and not fully invested in the story.