Published on April 1, 2026
Good morning! (or afternoon, or even evening, depending on when you are reading this)
Today, I want to talk to you about the last book I read. It is ‘Gwendy’s Button Box,’ co-written and Richard Chizmar in 2017.
At this point, the name Stephen King hardly requires an introduction, whereas I knew little about Richard Chizmar before reading this novel. It seems that co-authoring this story was a way to launch and introduce Chizmar, as he had published little prior to this work, and much has followed since. Gwendy fulfilled its role as a launchpad in 2017.
Born in Maryland, USA, on December 21, 1965, Chizmar is a writer, editor, and screenwriter, and the owner of Cemetery Dance Publications. He has won two World Fantasy Awards and four International Horror Guild Awards and has been recognized Writers Association.
Returning to the story, it is a short novel that doesn’t reach 200 pages. As I mentioned, I am familiar with King’s style, but not that of Chizmar. It is evident that King’s influence is present, especially in how he handles the protagonist. More than a horror writer, I would classify King as an artist skilled in narrating personal dramas imbued with strange, paranormal, fantastical, and occasionally sinister occurrences, often subtly woven into the narrative. This is one of those cases.
Gwendy, a plump 12-year-old girl living in Castle Rock (many of you may already know this small town), has few friends and is not well treated . One day, she receives the strange charge from a mysterious stranger to take care of a peculiar box with buttons and levers. Gwendy doesn’t know what it is for or how it works, nor is she sure she wants to find out.
The story is simple, engaging, easy to read, and enjoyable, addressing themes of responsibility, temptation, acceptance, and remorse.
There is already a sequel to this story, co-authored , which has not yet been translated into Spanish. It is titled ‘Gwendy’s Magic Feather.’
What caught my attention about this edition from Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial is its square design, unusual for novels. It features a striking cover and several illustrations on the inside.
In summary, I found the book delightful in its simplicity, and it turned out to be quite interesting. I am looking forward to its sequel being translated. I read on Chizmar’s website that there is the intention to create a trilogy, and I am eager to learn more about how Gwendy’s life continues.
That’s all for today. A brief review for a brief novel. I hope I managed to pique your interest in this read, and I did not bore you too much with my musings.
Until next time!
“And what if you had a button, a special magic button, and when you pressed it, you could kill someone, or perhaps make them disappear, or fly anywhere your imagination takes you? Who would you make disappear or where would you fly?”
Gwendy’s Button Box and Richard Chizmar
Related News
- Mérida Receives the Original FIFA World Cup 2026 Trophy
- How the Hormuz closure could affect food, medicines and smartphones
- Potential Houthi threat to Red Sea shipping could further damage global economy
- Moving memoir
- Japan FY 2025 auto sales fall 0.9% on weak Nissan, Honda, 1st drop in 4yrs
- Tokyo stocks surge, Nikkei index up 5%, on hopes for end to Iran war