This is the most enjoyable Stephen King book I've read in ages! I still think it's too long (though it's only half the length of The bloody Stand) but I was riveted throughout. I wonder if it's the setting... there's something about the idea of a tropical island that lends itself to lazy days and meandering. Of course, being a King book, there's something dodgy going on at this particular island, but it didn't affect the setting so much - more the people inhabiting it. And being creative myself, I enjoyed Edgar's working process, and his thoughts about art. Admittedly, I have just about enough artistic skill to draw a stick figure, but reading about other writers tinges on the masturbatory, I've often thought, so having the protagonist be a painter was just distance enough. But, as always, creativity lends itself to disturbance. That's the danger of it, and if mine doesn't come with drowning and creepy ships and statues, it's familiar nonetheless.

I got this book for fifty cents at a library sale, I think. I was going to read it and then toss it, as the cover's kind of half destroyed. But I enjoyed it so much I think I'll keep it...