11/22/63: A Novel
Winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize
Soon to be a miniseries from Hulu starring James Franco
This enhanced ebook edition contains a 13-minute film, written and narrated by Stephen King and enhanced with historic footage from CBS News, that will take you back—as King’s novel does—to Kennedy era America.
On November 22, 1963, three shots rang out in Dallas, President Kennedy died, and the world changed. What if you could change it back? Stephen King’s heart-stoppingly dramatic new novel is about a man who travels back in time to prevent the JFK assassination—a thousand page tour de force.
Following his massively successful novel Under the Dome, King sweeps readers back in time to another moment—a real life moment—when everything went wrong: the JFK assassination. And he introduces readers to a character who has the power to change the course of history.
Jake Epping is a thirty-five-year-old high school English teacher in Lisbon Falls, Maine, who makes extra money teaching adults in the GED program. He receives an essay from one of the students—a gruesome, harrowing first person story about the night 50 years ago when Harry Dunning’s father came home and killed his mother, his sister, and his brother with a hammer. Harry escaped with a smashed leg, as evidenced by his crooked walk.
Not much later, Jake’s friend Al, who runs the local diner, divulges a secret: his storeroom is a portal to 1958. He enlists Jake on an insane—and insanely possible—mission to try to prevent the Kennedy assassination. So begins Jake’s new life as George Amberson and his new world of Elvis and JFK, of big American cars and sock hops, of a troubled loner named Lee Harvey Oswald and a beautiful high school librarian named Sadie Dunhill, who becomes the love of Jake’s life – a life that transgresses all the normal rules of time.
A tribute to a simpler era and a devastating exercise in escalating suspense, 11/22/63 is Stephen King at his epic best.
In Stephen King's captivating novel, "11/22/63: A Novel," we embark on a gripping journey through time travel and historical intrigue. The protagonist, Jake Epping, a high school English teacher, is given the opportunity to travel back in time to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, a pivotal moment in American history. With the fate of the nation hanging in the balance, Jake must navigate the complexities of the past, confronting moral dilemmas and the ripple effects of his actions.
As Jake arrives in 1958, he finds himself immersed in a vibrant and authentic portrayal of the era. King masterfully captures the sights, sounds, and cultural nuances of the time, transporting readers to a bygone era and creating a vivid backdrop for the unfolding events. With meticulous research, King weaves historical facts and fictional elements into a cohesive narrative, bringing depth and realism to the story.
Throughout his mission, Jake encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique motivations and struggles. From Sadie Dunhill, a resourceful and enigmatic diner owner, to Bill Turcotte, a friendly but troubled local, these characters add layers of depth and emotional resonance to the story. The interactions between Jake and the people he meets along the way highlight the complexities of human relationships and the challenges he faces in balancing his personal life with his mission.
As Jake delves deeper into his mission, he uncovers a web of conspiracies, secrets, and hidden agendas. The assassination of Kennedy takes on new dimensions, and Jake finds himself entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with forces that will stop at nothing to prevent him from succeeding. The tension ratchets up as Jake races against time, grappling with the moral implications of his actions and the potential consequences of altering the course of history.
"11/22/63: A Novel" is a thought-provoking exploration of fate, free will, and the fragility of history. Through Jake's journey, King challenges readers to consider the interconnectedness of events and the ripple effects of even the smallest decisions. With its compelling narrative, rich characters, and exploration of profound themes, "11/22/63: A Novel" is a gripping and unforgettable read that will stay with you long after you finish the last page.
Rating:
