Insomnia is the 34th book published by Stephen King; it was his 28th novel, and the 23rd written under his own name. The book was released by Viking in September 15, 1994, and is related to King's Dark Tower series. Like Rose Madder, the novel draws heavily from Greek mythology for its metaphysical elements. It is set in the town of Derry, Maine.
Summary[]
After his wife's death, Ralph Roberts begins to suffer from insomnia. After his neighbor, Ed Deepneau, almost has a fight with a truck driver, he becomes aware that something is wrong with his neighbor. After several disturbing incidents, including the beating of Ed's wife, Helen, Ralph begins questioning his sanity after he starts seeing auras around people and "little bald doctors". Meanwhile, Ed has joined forces with a pro-life group to protest a speech given in Derry by noted pro-choice activist, Susan Day.
Ralph discovers that similar events has been happening to his sweetheart, Lois Chasse. Together, they confront the little bald doctors. They name the two that they talk to as Clotho and Lachesis, while refering to the other one as Atropos. Clotho and Lachesis want to preserve the natural order of death, while Atropos brings chaos. They reveal that Atropos is serving as an agent of the Crimson King, to bring about the death of everyone who attends Susan Day's speech through the will of Ed Deepneau.
The book also introduces some fascinating insights into King's Dark Tower universe as Clotho and Lachesis elaborate about the different levels of the Tower and the concepts of Purpose and Random.
Ralph and Lois venture into Atropos's lair in order to thwart his part of the Crimson King's plan. They are partially successful, but Atropos promises revenge. Ralph uses his powers to enter Ed's plane that he intends to crash into the Derry Civic Center. Ralph intends on defusing Ed's bomb, but the Crimson King himself arrives to prevent this. Ralph stands tall in the face of the King and is able to defuse it. Lois rescues him from the plane. It's revealed that only one person in the Civic Center was of cosmic significance, Patrick Danville.
Ralph and Lois get married, before living together in Lois' house for about four years. Afterwards, Ralph gives his life to save Helen's daughter, Natalie, from Atropos.
Audiobook[]
The audiobook version of Insomnia is read by Eli Wallach. It has received criticism due to loud, jarring music. The ambient soundtrack occasionally drowns out the narration.