Dear Constant Writer,

  • This message board permanently closed on June 30th, 2020 at 4PM EDT and is no longer accepting new members.

Sep 9, 2013
6
29
Hello. I must apologize again. I am not the best at responding, it seems I can go years, months, weeks, days before I actually get around to my correspondence. Letters always seem so last on the to do list, and no matter how many times I put them at the top, more pressing matters always push them back to the bottom….

I finished Full Dark, No Stars a few months ago.... Harsh doesn't do this collection justice. The stories went in under my skin and then weaseled their way into my head - to the point where I was scared for a few weeks. Putting my reaction into words, I believe I can sum it up this way: Truths within scare without prejudice.

Outside of the fear, there were things that struck me. One thing that I found interesting is that
Willy's wife went in the well ("1922"), as did Dolores's husband (Dolores Claiborne). Burying the alcoholic in a well, no matter how many times, always hits me in my core.
The other thing that I noticed is that dates of both my anniversary and my birthday (not the years, but the months/days) were mentioned - I am not sure which stories, and I am too scared to go back through and find them. But by the time I got to "A Good Marriage" those dates haunted me too much, but worth it because my marriage is stronger today.

And as I sit here, with eyes blinded by the light, I realize I may never recover from the dark. Please warn me next time, so I can bring me a flashlight. I don't know if I could survive another trip down there without it.

Sincerely,

Constant Reader
Deanna Repose Oaks
 
Last edited by a moderator:

FlakeNoir

Original Kiwi© SKMB®
Moderator
Apr 11, 2006
44,082
175,641
New Zealand
Hi Deanna, I found 'FDNS' quite tough going for a couple of reasons too. Steve is very good at getting right in there to the core of it all and digging until he hits the pain well-spring. He often gives us a ladder back out, but sometimes he just writes like real life happens... no stars, no shining light. He does know people.

Good to have you back with us. :)
 

Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
61,289
239,271
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
'Full Dark' as a descriptive term occurs in almost all SK's books. Never indulgently I feel, more as a little Easter egg for the constant readers.
This book however takes you to the darkest dark and leaves you there screaming. Brilliant stuff.
Welcome to the newest version of SKMB @scheuerle - cool avatar!
 

Brittney

Well-Known Member
Apr 9, 2018
88
410
34
Hi Deanna, I found 'FDNS' quite tough going for a couple of reasons too. Steve is very good at getting right in there to the core of it all and digging until he hits the pain well-spring. He often gives us a ladder back out, but sometimes he just writes like real life happens... no stars, no shining light. He does know people.

Good to have you back with us. :)
Well said!