Richard Bachman Blaze

Blaze

Richard Bachman

Scribner, Jun 12 2007, $25.00

ISBN: 141655484X

The physical and mental abuse suffered by Clayton "Blaze" Blaisdell at the hands of his father has taken its toll on the lad. The beatings left Blaze with reduced cognitive skills. His time spent in an orphanage led to more thumping, further reduction in his mental capacity, and petty crimes.

In the present Blaze and his partner in crime, George Rackley, plan a kidnapping with the latter providing the brains. However, before they can execute the abduction, George is murdered. Blaze "consults" with George as if his partner is still at his side and decides to go ahead with the snatch.

Written in 1973 before Mr. Bachman died from "cancer of the pseudonym", Stephen King has somewhat revised this character study. The story line focuses on Blaze rotating between his abusive childhood and the present when he turns to his dead partner for leadership. Fascinatingly readers will empathize with the title character while detest the males in his life, from his father to his peers and teachers at the orphanage to nasty George; all share in common abusing Blaze at least in what is left of his mind. Although there are no surprises coming out of the grave, this is a fine tale. Note that a recently released short story, "Memory," is also included, but though entertaining not sure why as that feels like padding and advertising Mr. King's future novel Duma Key that apparently comes from it.

Harriet Klausner