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katiepope86 's review for:
Holly
by Stephen King
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I always enjoy reading an author’s comments after finishing a book. Stephen King mentions that while some might find Holly “preachy”, he intended to write a character with strong political views - just as would for a character with opposing ones. It just so happens that, in this case, the character’s views aligned with his. I appreciated that context.
That said, as I read Holly, I felt suffocated by the politics and the repetition of certain themes. It often felt like a pompous agenda, regardless of whether I agreed with the political stance. As an ICU nurse who worked through the pandemic, I understand how difficult and confusing that time was - and I agree it shouldn’t be erased from history. One reviewer put it well, though, by stating "If Holly wasn't talking about Covid, she was talking about Trump and cigarettes." It was excessive. Even a murder plot set in 2021 doesn’t need to include COVID on every few pages. Holly lighting up a cigarette in nearly every chapter became tedious too. It certainly showed her addiction, but I couldn’t stop rolling my eyes. At times, I found myself thinking, Please, can we move on?
The story itself was interesting, eerie, and dark - qualities I typically love. But some of the side stories (such as Holly’s mother and Barabara, for example) felt overly drawn out with little payoff Yes, Barabara's experiences with Olivia ultimately led her to find Holly at the Harris home, but I kept wondering how these threads were going to tie back into the main plot. Much of the book felt like it drifted too far outside the central story, and I kept waiting for things to come together.
I also didn't connect with Holly herself, a character who is clearly beloved by many readers.
I keep thinking that I love Stephen King's storytelling because of how creative and compelling his films are. Unfortunately, this is the third book in a row I’ve rated three stars or lower. I might need a break from his novels for a while.
That said, as I read Holly, I felt suffocated by the politics and the repetition of certain themes. It often felt like a pompous agenda, regardless of whether I agreed with the political stance. As an ICU nurse who worked through the pandemic, I understand how difficult and confusing that time was - and I agree it shouldn’t be erased from history. One reviewer put it well, though, by stating "If Holly wasn't talking about Covid, she was talking about Trump and cigarettes." It was excessive. Even a murder plot set in 2021 doesn’t need to include COVID on every few pages. Holly lighting up a cigarette in nearly every chapter became tedious too. It certainly showed her addiction, but I couldn’t stop rolling my eyes. At times, I found myself thinking, Please, can we move on?
The story itself was interesting, eerie, and dark - qualities I typically love. But some of the side stories (such as Holly’s mother and Barabara, for example) felt overly drawn out with little payoff Yes,
I also didn't connect with Holly herself, a character who is clearly beloved by many readers.
I keep thinking that I love Stephen King's storytelling because of how creative and compelling his films are. Unfortunately, this is the third book in a row I’ve rated three stars or lower. I might need a break from his novels for a while.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Gore, Torture, Violence, Dementia, Kidnapping, Cannibalism, Murder
Moderate: Gun violence, Racism