A brilliant little literary paradox in Chain Reaction!
One of the most amusing touches in the new Reacher novel involves Stephen King’s Under the Dome — and it’s a detail that deserves a moment of appreciation.
In Chain Reaction, Reacher mentions that he has read King’s novel. Nothing particularly unusual about that, you might think. Except that Under the Dome itself contains a reference to Jack Reacher.
And there lies the wonderfully circular paradox.
Jack Reacher is reading a book in which Jack Reacher is mentioned.
Think about that for a moment.
Stephen King wrote about a fictional character created by Lee Child. Andrew Child then has that same fictional character reading Stephen King’s book — a book that knows he exists!
It’s a literary hall of mirrors, and a lovely little nod to the wider world Reacher has become part of. No elaborate crossover, no big explanation, just a seemingly casual reference that becomes much more amusing when you know both books.
I love little details like this. They reward readers who pay attention, recognise the connection and appreciate the humour. And the fact that Reacher simply treats the book as an ordinary novel makes it even better.
Stephen King writes about Reacher. Reacher reads Stephen King. And Andrew Child completes the circle.
Now that’s a clever little Easter egg!
Chain Reaction is published tomorrow,Tuesday 20th
