Gerald’s Game by Stephen King

“Gerald’s Game” is a psychological horror novel written by Stephen King. The book was first published in 1992. Here’s a brief overview of the story:

The novel revolves around Jessie Burlingame, who, along with her husband Gerald, retreats to a remote lake house in Maine to rekindle their marriage. Gerald has a particular sexual fantasy in mind that involves handcuffing Jessie to the bed. However, Jessie is uncomfortable with the idea, and a tense argument ensues. In the midst of the argument, Gerald suddenly suffers a heart attack and dies, leaving Jessie handcuffed to the bed with no one around to help.

The majority of the novel takes place in the immediate aftermath of Gerald’s death, with Jessie desperately trying to free herself from the handcuffs. As she struggles with her physical predicament, she also grapples with her own past traumas and fears. The narrative delves into Jessie’s psyche, exploring her memories, fears, and the psychological toll of her predicament.

As with many of Stephen King’s works, “Gerald’s Game” is not just a straightforward horror story but also delves into the psychological and emotional aspects of its characters. The novel is known for its intense and claustrophobic atmosphere, as well as its exploration of themes such as survival, trauma, and the resilience of the human spirit.