Edgar Freemantle escaped death when a construction site accident took his arm and memory. He was reborn in Duma Key, residing in the rental beach house he affectionately nicknamed Big Pink and rediscovering a talent for drawing. He also discovered magic on the island.
The descriptions of Freemantle’s injuries are painfully reminiscent of King’s own injuries when he was struck by a vehicle on a Maine highway in 1999. In fact, the accident and its aftermath dominate the first half of the story. Freemantle’s lingering pain and frustration resulted in blinding red rages and destroyed his 20-year marriage. At the recommendation of his therapist, Dr. Kamen, Freemantle relocated to Duma King seeking a “geographic cure.” to his suicidal thoughts.
Once Freemantle arrives on Duma Key, he begins a slow recovery, aided by the devotion of his youngest daughter Ilse, new friendships and an overwhelming desire to paint. His days become a routine of morning walks along the beach, visits with his neighbors Elizabeth Eastlake and Wireman, and afternoons spent painting glorious sunsets visible from his studio’s window.
Freemantle’s paintings take on a disturbing surrealism which stuns the artist and critics alike. His curiosity of the island grows and soon he uncovers its mysteries and tragic history.
“There’s something here, and it’s acting on me. Is it possible it even called me?”
Unlike most of King’s work, the suspense builds slowly and the supernatural forces are late arrivals. By the time the stage is set for the final conflict, the curtain is half drawn and the characters rush through the motions. Since the majority of the book is focused on Edgar Freemantle’s recovery from a near fatal accident, Duma Key is a different type of horror story. It is the real horror story King experienced and it is certainly worth telling. I only wish it hadn’t been so thinly disguised.
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