Joyland was my last King book of 2018, and a brilliant choice to close the year with because I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Book Description
Set in a small-town North Carolina amusement park in 1973, Joyland tells the story of the summer in which college student Devin Jones comes to work as a carny and confronts the legacy of a vicious murder, the fate of a dying child, and the ways both will change his life forever.
My Thoughts
Joyland is a King novel I hadn’t heard huge amounts about, but during the month of December, I wanted to read one of his shorter novels; a fellow reader recommended Joyland, and I’m so glad she did, because I really enjoyed it! I read the illustrated edition and I would urge you, if possible, to do the same – it really does enhance your reading experience, and the illustrations are brilliant!
One of the things you pick up on really early in this novel, and take an instant liking to, is the narration style – Joyland is told in retrospect, an older Devin recounting his younger days. This style of narration worked extremely well for the story told, and really highlighted the coming-of-age elements of this novel.
King may be best known for his horror novels, but he excels in all genres; some would say Joyland is a horror novel, but I’d argue it has a horror influence rather than sits comfortably in the genre. If you read this one expecting horrors galore, you’ll be disappointed. As mentioned, this novel has a strong coming-of-age element, it is also quite literary in nature, and paints vivid descriptions. King creates a solid setting for this novel, such that you can visualise the events occurring. It’s quite slow paced, but the slower pace works to make this novel an incredibly atmospheric read. The atmosphere is further enhanced by the slangy dialect, the ‘carny talk’, that is so fitting to the amusement park setting.
This novel is built around a murder mystery, so it calls out to crime fiction fans too. And, it is extremely emotionally-driven in places. It’s fair to say this novel crosses genres; the main thing to note, regardless of genre classification, is that this novel is worth your time. It is a showcase of how well King writes, the content he creates, how skilled at his craft he is, how he’ll imprint his story on your heart, and have you invested in the fate of the characters.
Devin, the story’s narrator, is a character you can get behind, he is honest in his narration; as he looks back at his younger self, reminisces about the beautiful friendships he formed, and he is not afraid to call himself on his own bullshit. This realness makes Devin relatable, there’s something so genuine about his character, like he’s such a good guy you want him as a friend.
It was the characters over the mystery that had me invested in this novel, their relationships, their youthful ways and their growth. The atmospheric writing and emotional moments, I really hope to discover more King novels written in this tone that I can only liken to nostalgia, because it creates this yearning feeling while reading, this intense sense of emotion that I just loved. Joyland ranks up there with my favourite King novels, and I absolutely recommend it.
This book is available to buy from: Amazon UK / Book Depository
Keeper of Pages 
Fantastic review! I’m very tempted to try this one even though I vowed never read another King after my 11.22.63 disappointment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! If it helps, I didn’t like 11.22.63 either but loved this one, so you may too. Also it’s not that long at all, so not a huge investment of time if you don’t 🙂
LikeLike
I love Joyland, and don’t think it gets the attention it deserves. This review is spot on. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Agreed, this book deserves way more hype than it gets!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds a lot like Duma Key in style, not really fitting comfortably in the horror genre. I liked that one so I’d probably appreciate this one, too, as I’m not really a horror genre fan but love some of the elements. Great review, Janel!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! And I’m so glad you mentioned Duma Key as that’s my February King book, what a brilliant coincidence!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Duma Key is great! “I can do this…”
LikeLike
Fab review. I’ve had this book on my shelves for ages! Definitely going to pick it up sooner now I’ve seen this review 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, do, it’s so different from the other Kings I’ve read. Top 3 of the nine of his I’ve read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow high praise! What’s 1 & 2?
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Stand, then Doctor Sleep 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review! I’m very tempted….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Do it, read it, love it, haha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s on my list 😅
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I loved how you described the nostalgic, yearning feeling, Janel. This one sounds exceptional. Wonderful review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I really liked it too! Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant, it deserved way more love than it gets, IMO. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect review! The narration was one of my favorite things about this book too! I just love that he is looking back at this time of his life. In my opinion it gives the story so much more depth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tina. Yes, from the beginning I loved the narration. I really hope to discover more King books like this, I have his entire backlist (minus the 9 I read last year) so fingers crossed I will.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful review! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed Joyland as well. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I’m so enjoying my King Journey, Pet Sematary is up this month 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I still have to read that one as well! Ok, a lot of King books to be honest. xD
LikeLiked by 1 person
Are you on Instagram? You’re more than welcome to join in one month (or several)?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah I’m on Instagram although not as active as I would like haha. xD (yvo_about_books)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really liked this book. Can’t get over how cool this cover is ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this edition. They’re publishing The Colorado Kid in illustration form this year too, which I’m looking forward to adding to my collection!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aaaagh must find illustrated edition now and re-purchase!! Fantastic review Janel, isn’t that cover awesome too?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes!!! And this publisher is also publishing an illustrated edition of The Colorado Kid later this year, which I’m very excited for!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I found it an ok book, but I felt it was too predictable 😦 It’s not one of my faves by him. Glad you enjoyed it so much though!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did, I loved that it was so different from the others I’ve read by him! I’m looking forward to switching it up again, I’m reading Pet Sematary this month (Duma Key next month).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review! It’s one of my favourite King novels and I didn’t realise he could pull off a coming-of-age so well until I remembered The Body. This was such a quick, fun and breezy read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I haven’t read The Body, will have to get myself a copy of that one, thanks!
LikeLike