Memory (Stephen King)
Encyclopedia
"Memory" is a short story
by Stephen King
that was originally published in the "summer reading" issue of Tin House
magazine (#28) in July 2006. It is now confirmed to be similar to the first chapter of Duma Key
. It was republished as an annex to Richard Bachman
's latest novel Blaze
.
, Edgar decides to commit suicide, and receives some odd advice from his therapist, Dr. Kamen. In the end, Edgar plays witness to another accident that leaves a victim too close to death, and helps to end the suffering of another.
on February 26, 2006, where he became a guest speaker by filling in for Richard Russo
when he was unable to attend. King explained that the story was partially inspired by his accident, and how much of the event he could and couldn't remember after he was hit by Bryan Smith's van.
Short story
A short story is a work of fiction that is usually written in prose, often in narrative format. This format tends to be more pointed than longer works of fiction, such as novellas and novels. Short story definitions based on length differ somewhat, even among professional writers, in part because...
by Stephen King
Stephen King
Stephen Edwin King is an American author of contemporary horror, suspense, science fiction and fantasy fiction. His books have sold more than 350 million copies and have been adapted into a number of feature films, television movies and comic books...
that was originally published in the "summer reading" issue of Tin House
Tin House
Tin House is an American literary magazine and book publisher based in Portland, Oregon and New York City. The Tin House magazine was conceived in the summer of 1998 by Portland publisher Win McCormack. He envisioned a journal that would be graphically appealing and free of the stale substance...
magazine (#28) in July 2006. It is now confirmed to be similar to the first chapter of Duma Key
Duma Key
Duma Key is a horror novel by American novelist Stephen King published in 2008. The book reached #1 on the New York Times Bestseller List. It is King's first novel to be set in Florida or Minnesota.-Plot:...
. It was republished as an annex to Richard Bachman
Richard Bachman
Richard Bachman is a pseudonym used by horror fiction author Stephen King.-Origin:At the beginning of Stephen King's career, the general view among publishers was such that an author was limited to a book every year, since publishing more would not be acceptable to the public...
's latest novel Blaze
Blaze (novel)
Blaze is a crime novel by Stephen King, published under the pseudonym of Richard Bachman. King announced on his website that he "found it" in an attic. In fact it was written before Carrie and King offered the original draft of the novel to his Doubleday publishers at the same time as Salem's Lot...
.
Plot summary
Edgar Freemantle recounts the horrific accident that cost him his marriage, half of his body, and some of his mind. Stricken with aphasiaAphasia
Aphasia is an impairment of language ability. This class of language disorder ranges from having difficulty remembering words to being completely unable to speak, read, or write....
, Edgar decides to commit suicide, and receives some odd advice from his therapist, Dr. Kamen. In the end, Edgar plays witness to another accident that leaves a victim too close to death, and helps to end the suffering of another.
Reading
The story was read by Stephen King during "Seven Days of Opening Nights" at Florida State UniversityFlorida State University
The Florida State University is a space-grant and sea-grant public university located in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. It is a comprehensive doctoral research university with medical programs and significant research activity as determined by the Carnegie Foundation...
on February 26, 2006, where he became a guest speaker by filling in for Richard Russo
Richard Russo
Richard Russo is an American novelist, short story writer, screenwriter, and teacher.-Early life and education:Russo was born in Johnstown, New York, and raised in nearby Gloversville...
when he was unable to attend. King explained that the story was partially inspired by his accident, and how much of the event he could and couldn't remember after he was hit by Bryan Smith's van.