Even within this story he does a great job of mystifying what to us is familiar or mundane. “The Wind Through the Keyhole” itself reads and is structured like a fable, with hints of King’s referential style. Since this story begins smack-dab in the middle of a nearly pivotal moment in “The Skin-Man,” however, I was briefly disappointed by the sudden change in focus. The characters and circumstances were all enjoyable, so there wasn’t any displeasure reading through, but it quickly became clear that Tim’s story was the focal point of the novel - as the title would suggest already. The novel takes its time getting to this story, which was the biggest shortcoming for me when navigating these narrative frames. This story is the primary focus of the novel, about a young boy named Tim Ross who long ago lived with his parents in a small forest village. While sheltered together Roland tells a story from his youth, during which he recounts the story “The Wind Through the Keyhole”, a tale his mother used to read to him when he was young. They are still heavily featured, but the novel has a couple layers of narrative framing happening during the bulk of it. While labeled “ Dark Tower 4.5” by King himself, the novel isn’t quite as involved with Roland and company as that would suggest. The novel, apparently meant to fill in a noticeable gape between the two entries, explores some more of Roland’s personal history before embarking upon his quest, as well as expanding upon the lore of Mid-World. Written after the series’ completion, this novel takes place between The Dark Tower IV: Wizard & Glass and The Dark Tower V: Wolves of the Calla. Published in 2012, The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King is part of his popular and acclaimed Dark Tower series. As they shelter from the howling gale, Roland tells his friends not just one strange story but two…and in so doing, casts new light on his own troubled past.

Roland Deschain and his ka-tet-Jake, Susannah, Eddie, and Oy, the billy-bumbler-encounter a ferocious storm just after crossing the River Whye on their way to the Outer Baronies.

The wind through the keyhole review