Tuesday, January 26, 2010

12 - Shutter Island; Dennis LeHane


In anticipation of the movie release in February 2010, I was anxious to read/listen to Shutter Island. I've read and enjoyed LeHane's earlier books: Mystic River and Prayers for Rain and have not been disappointed. The audio version is read by Tom Stechschulte who happens to be an amazing reader. He was able to effectively handle voice changes for multiple characters.

It's 1954 and Teddy Daniels is a U.S. marshal assigned to check out a reported escape of a Rachel Solando, a murderess, at Ashcliff Hospital, a federal asylum for the criminally insane. The facility is located on an island off the coast of Massachusetts. While aboard the ferry taking him to Shutter Island, Teddy meets another marshal, his new partner Chuck Aule.

Once they arrive at the hospital they begin  interviewing patients and staff. Although most of the people they talk to seem helpful, some seem to be hiding something. The medical director responsible for the missing woman's care seems very odd and suspicious, and at times even Teddy seems a bit messed up, from flashbacks of the war, and the loss of his wife in an apartment fire set by an arsonist.

The location and description of this asylum set on a remote island is enough to send chills up the reader's spine, but then a hurricane hits.  When the ferry services from the island are stopped , and no one can leave, things take a turn for the worst.

MY THOUGHTS - Do you like creepy psychological thriller --the sort of book with imagery that makes the reading experience all the more intense? Do you like a thriller with disturbing events and multiple twists are turns? Not every reader will be satisfied with the way that this book ends, but remember it's fiction. In my opinion, the plot and ending were written with movie options in mind back in 2003 when the book was first published. Can't wait to see the movie - RECOMMENDED - (rating - 4/5 stars).

(Library Audio Book)

18 comments:

  1. Sounds very atmospheric! I haven't read the book yet but I sure hope to catch the movie.

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  2. I listened to the audio of this one too and enjoyed it. For me, it was the ending that totally made the book.

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  3. This is the kind of book which would be great to listen to, perfect for a stormy night. I'll keep an eye out for this one. Thanks for your review.

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  4. I have just picked up my first Dennis Lehane book which is filled with short stories. I hope I like it.

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  5. I just had a student mention this movie the other day, and I knew nothing about it. Now that I have read your review, I think I would enjoy the book, but still not so sure I will go see it on the big screen.

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  6. The movie trailer for this just creeps me out. I'm not sure I could handle the book in audio. I would like to read it though, since I enjoyed Mystic River so much.

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  7. I want to read a Dennis Lehane book. Have not up to this point but I've seen the movies based on his books. Not always pleasant but compelling. This might be a good one to start with. Looking forward to the movie.

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  8. I hadn't heard of LeHane until a copy of his latest book, The Given Day popped through my letter box unannounced last week. It looks fantastic and I'm pleased to hear that you enjoyed his previous books. I'll be interested to see what I think of my first Le Hane soon.

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  9. I have one of his books...need to read it and then maybe move on to audio!!

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  10. This is definitely on my must-read list! I'm just not sure how much of the psycho thrilling stuff I can take. :)

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  11. I like books like this one every now and then. I will probably listen to it on audio. It would make a good "trip" book.

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  12. I remember reading this and being pretty creeped out. I bet it will be a good movie.

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  13. I've totally enjoyed reading this book. I read it in preparation for the movie. Stacy is right. The ending is FANTASTIC.

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  14. I'm looking forward to the movie, too.

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  15. I read this years ago and I was impressed by the twists and turns of this book. It really made me a Dennis LeHane fan. I am curious if the movie will be able to meet the standards I felt the book did.

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  16. I read an ARC of this when it was first published. LOVED it!! Loved the ending!! I can't wait to see the movie, but I'm thinking I really need to re-read the book first. Lehane is one of my favorite authors. His Kenzie/Genaro series is fantastic. I wish he'd bring them back.

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  17. My husband listened to this years and years ago and enjoyed it. I have it on my iPod ready and waiting, but just haven't chosen it yet. With the movie coming out (or is it out already?) I may listen to it sooner rather than later. Not sure yet. Thanks for the heads-up on the ending. :)

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  18. Shutter Island hit the theaters today; we saw it this afternoon- very good.

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