A review by dannilmp
The Shining by Stephen King

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

What I have always come to think of as a Stephen King classic, The Shining does not disappoint as a gripping, terrifying novel. Here we join the Torrence family as they move to an isolated hotel during the winter season while Jack works as the caretaker. In typical King fashion, things start to go wrong and Jack begins to change while Danny is left to deal with his own developing psychic capabilities.

While I didn't like Jack Torrence's character, I must commend King on being able to write a character that I hate but love at the same time? Jack's character is very well written and watching his descent into madness while caring for the hotel made shivers crawl down my spine. Certain scenes made me put the book down to process, including both the bathtub scene and
the scene where Jack still drags himself around despite his stab wound
I haven't read many King books yet but I feel like the ending to The Shining was actually sort of pleasant compared to other books that I have read. 

I don't think Wendy got enough character development, or at least she seemed like the least important member of the family during their stay. I still think she was well written regardless, but I would have liked to have seen some of the supernatural in her as well as the boys. 
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