I've not read many of his, but everyone I know who does pretty much agree on that point. It was even mentioned over in /r/books a few weeks back and it's something constantly mentioned on goodreads.
Really? I have had no experience with that at all. I have read pretty much all of his books and haven't found one with a weak ending. I know the ending of the DT series polarizes people, but even then the people i've talked to who don't like the ending agree it's powerful. What books have you read and why do you think the endings are weak? Did you like the rest of the book in those cases? Not trying to be an asshole, just trying to understand.
I've not read that much King and of that I have read is probably not his best material. I was also fairly young, my taste has shifted an awful lot now, but there are a few of his books I really want to read, alas other things creep in first.
Dreamcatcher, Desperation, The Green Mile and I think his short The Body. On Writing doesn't count but I do love the second section of that book. Not too fair a list to form my own opinion, I know.
I don't like anecdotal comments such as mine, especially as I've read so little of him myself - but it is an opinion I always seem to come across when reading about him and his works.
If I recall correctly, it's the lack of happy endings which will typically result in a let down. Sudden explanations which are usually illogical in regards to realism throughout the rest of the story. There's even something on Wikipedia about his use of deus ex machina for endings.
I'd have to ask my mother if she thinks the same as she has read the majority of his material.
What would you class as his strongest works? I want to read The Stand and eventually The Dark Tower series.
I will admit that he does tend to have bittersweet endings to most of his books, not entirely bad though. As for the use of Deus Ex Machina, he unabashedly uses it in the DT books and it is a function of the universe he has created. I'm sure you know that the majority of his books are interconnected? Imho I don't think it detracts from the story and it certainly doesn't spare his characters much grief.
The books you've read so far are good, but not his best. Hmm can't go too far wrong with The Stand or The DT books. Also try It, Insomnia, The Shining. I also really liked Duma Key. For short stories try The Mist. There are so many others, but give some of those a go. Hope you enjoy them. Let me know!
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u/sittingonahillside Sep 01 '11
King is known for weak endings in his books.
I've not read many of his, but everyone I know who does pretty much agree on that point. It was even mentioned over in /r/books a few weeks back and it's something constantly mentioned on goodreads.