Reviews with content warning for Sexual violence - The Dead Zone

The Dead Zone follows John Smith who wakes from a coma with psychic abilities. Usually, he just finds lost things, or predicts something happening in the near future, but when he touches Greg Stillson, he sees a much bleaker future for the world.

This is very much a story of extraordinary events happening to ordinary people. John isn’t special, other than his ability. The supporting characters are also very well realised. Stillson doesn’t ever fall into a parody - tho I’m sure when the book came out in 1979, people never thought that someone who acted like an idiot and riled crowds up could get elected to anything...

There’s a lot of similarities between The Dead Zone and another of my favourite King’s - 11.23.63. Both pose the question: what would you do if you have the chance to change history?

There’s also a few references to the King universe (whether intentional or not!). It’s set in the Maine area, just like a lot of King novels, there’s a lot of 19 references and one blue chambray work shirt! We also have manically religious mother’s (two!) and a reference to the movie Carrie.

Content Warnings

afittingdistraction's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional slow-paced

Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

I seem to make a subconscious habit of reading the right Stephen King books at the right time. I'm struggling with my health right now and I wont lie the themes of medical related grief were so well done in this that I had to actually put it down sometimes due to finding it overwhelming. Being chronically ill + disabled myself the idea/realisation that you've missed out on whole experiences and chunks of life is a constant companion. Not to mention the continuous cycle of grief and frustration at wondering how you're supposed to grieve something you never even had in the first place.

And King does this brilliantly! Just like in Pet Sematary (which still remains my favourite King so far) the grief plays such a strong role, stronger even at times than the supernatural element. And like Pet Sem, if it was a book only about ghosts or ancient burial grounds, or in this case awakening with pre cognition after an accident, it would fall flat because those things have been written before. Its King's brilliant character writing that makes it so good.

You really feel for Johnny & he's one of the few truly good, kind guys. Which is what makes it such an emotional read since you really connect with him. Just a guy who's rolled double zero in life & luck and now has to deal with consequences. Halfway through I honestly couldn't imagine where it was going to go or how it was going to end but by the time I did finish it I couldn't imagine it ending any other way.

Content Warnings

More...