Reviewed by clq on
We get to meet Gwendy who in turn meets a man who gives her a box with buttons. The box seems to have unknown, yet tangible, powers. The box also has an effect on Gwendy’s life which is hard to pin down, but undoubtedly positive. Up to this point I’m all aboard. I like the mystery, I like the vagueness, and I like the character of Gwen. The quick introduction to the character, her surroundings, and the premise are great, and I’m excited to see what this build-up will lead to.
Unfortunately it doesn’t really lead anywhere.
The story just takes place. Events happen – some more mysterious than others – but nothing ever really gripped me. And then the story just ended, giving me a feeling of wasted potential.
I might be expecting a little too much of a story that’s only just over a hundred pages long, but I’ve seen, as King has shown, the ability short stories can have to grip a reader, and Gwendy’s Button Box just doesn’t quite live up to what I feel it could, and maybe should, be. I know that there is a longer sequel of sorts that might pick up the elements I liked about this book and do more with them. As for this story, it’s short enough that I’m fine with it, and entertaining enough to justify its length, but one could say that it didn’t quite push my buttons.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 6 May, 2020: Finished reading
- 6 May, 2020: Reviewed