January 25 - "Dolan's Cadillac"

Sundays with Uncle Stevie“Dolan’s Cadillac”
by Stephen King
Nightmares & Dreamscapes (1993)

* * * * (Great) Suspense

Dolan killed Robinson’s wife with eight sticks of dynamite wired to her car to keep her from testifying against him. In the years since her death, there has been only one voice demanding, one thought heavy on his mind: revenge. The plan – patient and perfect – forms after trailing Dolan in his Cadillac on one of his routine trips between California and Las Vegas. Robinson will take care of Dolan - Cadillac and all - once and for all, even if it kills him trying.

I enjoy stories in which characters undergo transformations. Robinson transforms himself from a lumpy, soft schoolteacher into a cold, hard angel of revenge. The meticulousness of his plot doesn’t bog down the story; the writing drives along at a quick pace. As with most of King’s characters, you understand the pain and motives that drive Robinson to the deeds done, and you sympathize with him. Brutal as revenge can be, you are right there with Robinson, willingly and eagerly carrying out the plan against the untouchable Dolan.