A review by howlinglibraries
The Shining by Stephen King

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 

“Sometimes human places, create inhuman monsters.”

I couldn't possibly tell you how I, as a horror lover since childhood, have managed to live to the age of 31 years old without being seeing The Shining or being spoiled for more than the barest bones of this story's plot, but I'm pretty sure it was thanks to some sort of universal intervention on my behalf because the cosmos knew I would adore this, or something. 😅

Seriously though, I absolutely loved this book! It's easily my new favorite Stephen King title, which is saying a lot, because it's been years since I read Misery and nothing beat that out until this novel. I was fully hooked from the first chapter and couldn't get enough of the claustrophobic setting, the lovable characters of Danny and Hallorann, and most of all, the immense feeling of dread that built in me with every turning event.

I won't spoil anything in case you're somehow like me and haven't experienced this one yet, but I will say that I didn't expect the ending we got, and I was really pleased with it. From start to finish, this was a gorgeously told story that I'm going to think about for a long time to come.

(And yes, I'll watch the movie next, but I don't have high hopes. After all, the book is always better, right?)

✨ Representation: one Black side character