A review by cepbreed
The Long Walk by Stephen King, Richard Bachman

dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I was disappointed by this book from the get-go. Stephen King didn't even give me a chance to form a positive first impression before Garraty notices that his mom's “breasts were almost nonexistent: token nubs.” There is absolutely no reason that had to be included. What did that add to the plot 💀 I kept reading because I was intrigued by the premise. It kept me hooked but I also kept waiting for more world-building and by the end I was sorely disappointed.  This is a dystopia so I would've loved more details of how The Long Walk came to be. I do get why King didn't describe more of past winners even though I kind of wanted that information. 

The plot became redundant to an exhaustive degree. How many times can you describe the exact same thing? Garraty's feet hurt, he struggles for a moment, gets a couple of warnings, and then comes to his senses (with the help of McVries). I feel like the message would. have been just as successful if this was a short story instead. I also didn't get the point of the quotes that began each chapter. They were just so random. 

I loved McVries (and Garraty wanted him sooooo bad) 
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