Blaze
Ratings41
Average rating3.6
Once upon a time, a fellow named Richard Bachman wrote Blaze on an Olivetti typewriter, then turned the machine over to Stephen King, who used it to write Carrie. Bachman died in 1985 (“cancer of the pseudonym”), but this last gripping Bachman novel resurfaced after being hidden away for decades—an unforgettable crime story tinged with sadness and suspense.
Clayton Blaisdell, Jr., was always a small-time delinquent. None too bright either, thanks to the beatings he got as a kid. Then Blaze met George Rackley, a seasoned pro with a hundred cons and one big idea. The kidnapping should go off without a hitch, with George as the brains behind their dangerous scheme. But there's only one problem: by the time the deal goes down, Blaze's partner in crime is dead. Or is he?
--back cover
Reviews
Popular Reviews
Reviews with the most likes.
Tragic story of Blaze who has such bad luck. There's a bit of a supernatural element and a tribute to Of Mice and Men.
The events of Blaze's life are so dark: brain-damaged by his father, hated by the head of the orphanage, placed with an abusive foster family, tricked out of a good home by cruel fate. How much could one man take? People taking advantage of his size and slowness right and left. You can't blame him for falling into a life of crime or anything he does because he's a true gentle giant.
“Bachman” really got to me with this one. Blaze's story is frustrating, tragic, compelling, and inevitable.
One seemingly small thing that stood out for me was the irony of the child Blaze fathered (but never knew about.) The son is similar in size and temperament. He's adopted by a presumably good couple, plays high school football, and goes onto college. The implication that Blaze could have had a similar life, but for all bad that happened, really hurts.
