Revival

A Novel

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: David Morse

Length: 13 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

A dark and electrifying novel about addiction, fanaticism, and what might exist on the other side of life.

In a small New England town, over half a century ago, a shadow falls over a small boy playing with his toy soldiers. Jamie Morton looks up to see a striking man, the new minister. Charles Jacobs, along with his beautiful wife, will transform the local church. The men and boys are all a bit in love with Mrs. Jacobs; the women and girls feel the same about Reverend Jacobs - including Jamie’s mother and beloved sister, Claire. With Jamie, the Reverend shares a deeper bond based on a secret obsession. When tragedy strikes the Jacobs family, this charismatic preacher curses God, mocks all religious belief, and is banished from the shocked town.

Jamie has demons of his own. Wed to his guitar from the age of 13, he plays in bands across the country, living the nomadic lifestyle of bar-band rock and roll while fleeing from his family’s horrific loss. In his mid-30s - addicted to heroin, stranded, desperate - Jamie meets Charles Jacobs again, with profound consequences for both men. Their bond becomes a pact beyond even the Devil’s devising, and Jamie discovers that revival has many meanings.

This rich and disturbing novel spans five decades on its way to the most terrifying conclusion Stephen King has ever written. It’s a masterpiece from King, in the great American tradition of Frank Norris, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Edgar Allan Poe.

©2014 Stephen King (P)2014 Simon & Schuster Audio

Early reviews raised expectations too high.

Would you listen to Revival again? Why?

No. David Morse is the best reader I've ever heard but this story was barely mediocre. I think the earliest reviews (prior to 11/11) set my expectations so high (best new work since Carrie, blah blah blah) I was seriously disappointed at the denouement which didn't occur until the last 30 minutes of the book and made little to no sense at all.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Introduce more of the supernatural elements revealed at the end, earlier in the novel. Weave them into the picture slowly with enough detail and experience to make them feel real. Aside from electricity and lightening the strange reality lying just beneath the surface of "our" reality was never even hinted at, aside from a couple of comments about dead ivy on the door (whatever that was intended to mean). The book ended and I felt cheated, disappointed and dissatisfied.

What does David Morse bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He's the best narrator I've ever heard, and I've heard a lot of them. I used to like Scott Brick, but the last work of his I tried to listen to was so irritating with his breathless and overdramatic delivery, I couldn't stand it. This narrator made the central character (Jamie) come alive. His delivery was perfect, easy to listen to.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Other than confusion and befuddlement, no.

Any additional comments?

Although I did enjoy his previous work - Mercedes Man, as a modern detective story not horror, I'm not sure I'll listen to or read any further work from him. It's just too disappointing. King has been the master of prose, painting a vivid picture that draws you into the story. Maybe he has run out of ideas.

Stepen phones it in again

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No. Typical King formula: Long build up to fight against evil forces. The writing was high schoolish.

What could Stephen King have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Stepped out of his comfort zone

What about David Morse’s performance did you like?

Brilliant! Morse
s voice transformed with each new plot advancement! His narration was one of the ony reasons I listened through to the end.

Disappointing

What did you like best about Revival? What did you like least?

The beginning of the story was quite strong - in a small New England town, a young boy meets the minister who will end up changing his life. The end of the story was incredibly disappointing and unusually weak.

If you’ve listened to books by Stephen King before, how does this one compare?

It is not one of his best.

What does David Morse bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrator was good enough that I continued listening.

Do you think Revival needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No. The story just wasn't strong enough to need an additional book.

What the Hell Happened?

What did you love best about Revival?

There wasn't really much to recommend this book. I haven't a clue what I can say about it other than there were few spelling mistakes

Which character – as performed by David Morse – was your favorite?

I'm not a fan of narrator's taking on, obviously, the voices of the different characters.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Bring a pillow

Any additional comments?

Stephen King, as much as I love him, really missed the mark with this one.

Meh.

This book was so slow.
It felt like a short story
that went on too long.

Very disappointed

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I have already, not because it's a great book but because a large portion of the book is set in Tulsa Oklahoma which is where I have been for the past 38 years.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The fact that he mentions the Tulsa State Fair, and the old Bells Amusement park.

How could the performance have been better?

The narrator was dreadfully boring, and dry.

Could you see Revival being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No! The book was dry! Stephen King is much better than this.

Any additional comments?

I was very disappointed in the book. I had very high hopes, and the book did not live up to them. If you listen to audio books while driving do not get this book. It will put you to sleep.

Can’t finish it

The reader’s performance makes every character sound like an ancient imbecile, even the teenagers sound in their 80s. I tried. I have two hours left but I just can’t listen to him for one more minute.

Revival

Stephen King is predictable and formulaic. His character development is superficial at best. Comes nowhere close to a true novelist like Ivan Doig. If superficial is what you want you will not be disappointed.

Not Kings best work

While the premise is nice, the story seems to lack that “scary” feel that should go along with it. There are some parts that seem like they were forced out. Not a huge fan. To me, this was almost as disappointing as the talisman or the tommyknockers.

Great performance, not so great story

Three stars overall because it does have good moments-Charlie losing his faith, the Terrible Sermon, Astrid, his family relationships. The premise is also pretty good. Also, David Morse is fantastic in every way in this recording. Five stars all the way.

Two stars for the story, though. The premise is good. The execution? Not so much. I found myself saying "OH COME ON" at one point.