Title: Double Feature
Author: Owen King
First published March 19, 2013
432 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781451676891 (ISBN10: 1451676891)
Rating: 3.4
Overview
Double Feature by Owen King is a captivating novel about a young filmmaker, Sam Dolan, who struggles to come to terms with his relationship with his father, Booth Dolan, a B-movie actor who is both a cult hero and a pathetic figure. Sam’s mother, Allie, passed away leaving him to deal with the difficult aftermath of her eternal affection for Booth.
In the midst of the chaos, a cast of unforgettable characters, including a precocious half-sister, a conspiracy-theorist second wife, an Internet-famous roommate, and a slouching indie film legend, make their way into Sam’s life. With a captivating energy and a fondness for people that is rare, Double Feature is a beautifully written novel that delivers both walloping pleasures and heartfelt moments to its readers.
About the Author
Hi! I’m Owen King, and I’m an author. I’ve written a few books, including Double Feature, We’re All In This Together: A Novella and Stories, Who Can Save Us Now (which I co-edited with John McNally), and Intro to Alien Invasion (which I co-authored with Mark Poirier).
I even had the privilege of co-writing a novel with Stephen King called Sleeping Beauties. My work has appeared in various publications, such as Prairie Schooner, Subtropics, Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet, Ploughshares, and One Story.
Exciting news! My next novel will be available in bookstores across the United States on March 7, 2023.
Speaking of talented writers, my wife Kelly Braffet is an amazing author. She’s written four fantastic books, and her latest one is a must-read.
If you’re curious to hear what some of my favorite authors have said about Double Feature, here are a couple of quotes:
“Double Feature made me laugh so loudly on a plane that I had to describe the plot of Sam’s Spruce Moose of a debut film (it stars a satyr) to my seatmate by way of explanation. Booth and Sam are an unforgettable Oedipal duo.
A book that delivers walloping pleasures to its lucky readers.” – Karen Russell, author of Swamplandia!
“Sharp, hilarious, and irreverent, Double Feature is not only a love-letter to cinema, but also a moving exploration of what it means to be an artist. This novel is brilliant, and Owen King is a magician.” – Lauren Groff, author of Fates and Furies.
Editoral Review
Double Feature by Owen King explores the relationship between fathers and sons in a light-hearted and entertaining way. The book is the second novel by King, the son of acclaimed horror writer Stephen King, who has made a name for himself in the literary world with his unique voice and compelling characters.
The novel is a coming-of-age story about the son of a once-famous B-movie actor who is trying to follow in his father’s footsteps. The protagonist, Sam Dolan, struggles to make a name for himself in Hollywood, facing rejection and disappointment at every turn.
The novel is structured in two parts, each focusing on a different period of Sam’s life. The first part takes place in the 1990s, as Sam is trying to make it as a screenwriter in New York City.
King does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the city, with its vibrant energy and diverse population. The second part is set in the early 2000s, as Sam is working on a low-budget horror movie in rural New England.
The contrast between the two settings highlights the different stages of Sam’s life and provides an excellent backdrop to his coming-of-age story. King’s writing is engaging and witty, with a sharp eye for detail and a talent for dialogue.
The characters are well-drawn and relatable, with strengths and flaws that make them feel like real people. The father-son relationship at the heart of the novel is beautifully handled, with a deep sense of emotion and understanding that will tug at readers’ heartstrings.
One of the novel’s strengths is its exploration of the movie industry, offering readers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of Hollywood. King’s depiction of the struggles of young filmmakers and the cutthroat competition of the industry is both realistic and insightful.
The novel also presents an interesting commentary on the nature of fame and celebrity, highlighting the pressures and pitfalls of living in the public eye. However, the novel’s main weakness is its pacing.
At times, the narrative feels slow and meandering, with little sense of urgency or momentum. The book also suffers from some weak plotting, especially in the second part, where a mystery subplot feels tacked on and underdeveloped.
Overall, Double Feature is a well-crafted and enjoyable novel that will entertain readers with its engaging characters and witty dialogue. While it has some flaws, it is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in coming-of-age stories, Hollywood, or the complexities of the father-son relationship.
Rating: 3.5/5
