S.K. Project - The Talisman

Looks like the 3rd book in Talisman is due out this fall so I’m re-reading the first two so I can get my head on straight. I can’t remember the last time I read the first book and I only read Black House when it came out in 2001. The first time I read The Talisman was in the 80s, close to when it was published. It’s almost like finding Easter eggs because it has so much in it that is either like earlier work (Jack & Speedy = Danny & Halloran) or will figure into future work (carnival setting = Joyland, more other universe stuff in Lisey’s Story and Fairy Tale). I can also see a little of a character Straub created in Shadowland, (Skeleton Ridpath).



Even on the first page, the writing sings - “It stood empty and still now, a heart between beats.”

We’ve had our first Sloat interlude and damn it’s disturbing. Reminds me a lot of Norman’s parts in Rose Madder and I find that I have to skim almost as much since I don’t want a lot of him in my head. Worse still, I picture Trump as Sloat even though one has orange hair and one has none.

I have also not read The Talisman or Black House for decades. I was planning to read the new book without rereading these.

I'm assuming you've finished The Talisman -- would you recommend a reread?

Actually I didn't finish it or Black House - I forgot just how much they tie to The Dark Tower series and that did my head in as I've never been able to get through that series. Stalled at book 5 or something about 20 years ago and never tried again.

Well, I guess that is an anti-recommendation of sorts. :-)

I don't recall The Talisman as being a favorite of mine and wasn't planning to reread it unless I thought it really necessary. I do think the next book will have Dark Tower connections, though, given its title of Other Worlds Than These.

>4 sturlington: I read that earlier in the year and while there were some gems, there were an equal amount of duds. I expect that in collections like this though. Mostly it was enjoyable.