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A review by melsage1823
The Shining by Stephen King
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Since Doctor Sleep is one of my favourite horror movies I thought it would be fun to check out the shinning duology starting with the shinning and I can honestly say I'm pretty impressed.
Before I get to what I liked it pains me to talk about my dislikes. If you are Black, Lgtbq+ or Disabled do not read this book as a mixed Raced Lgtbq+ Disabled person I couldn't be more ashamed with Mr King. There were so many unnecessary times where the N word was used, ableism was used to show how hot headed Jack is and there was the F slur in a couple of times. This is suppose to be a horror novel not a alienate your margalized. I get he wrote it at a time where it was acceptable to write those things but he should have at least released it for modern times. Swearing fine but any time a slur was spat out it took me out of the story which I'm afraid is why I have to knock a star off.
Other than that it's a brilliant novel and wasn't what I expected at all. The build up to Jack losing his mind is absolutely fantastic, you completely end up feeling sympathy for Wendy and Danny and Jack himself. It suburts the humanising an abuser trope and makes Jack a complex character with lots of depth. The pov chapter format was absolutely amazing as through having every chapter be from one characters perspective it allowed for great character development and build up which made the powerful ending even more emotional than it already was. Without going into depth spoilers this novel levels you uneasy, horrified, relived and hopefully all at the same time. The way King writes his horror allows for a clear description and picture of what's going on. I thought the lady in the Bath tub was creepy on film but reading this book proved me wrong. After reading this incredible novel I absolutely want to read Doctor Sleep. Definitely recommend if you want to read something spooky during October.
Before I get to what I liked it pains me to talk about my dislikes. If you are Black, Lgtbq+ or Disabled do not read this book as a mixed Raced Lgtbq+ Disabled person I couldn't be more ashamed with Mr King. There were so many unnecessary times where the N word was used, ableism was used to show how hot headed Jack is and there was the F slur in a couple of times. This is suppose to be a horror novel not a alienate your margalized. I get he wrote it at a time where it was acceptable to write those things but he should have at least released it for modern times. Swearing fine but any time a slur was spat out it took me out of the story which I'm afraid is why I have to knock a star off.
Other than that it's a brilliant novel and wasn't what I expected at all. The build up to Jack losing his mind is absolutely fantastic, you completely end up feeling sympathy for Wendy and Danny and Jack himself. It suburts the humanising an abuser trope and makes Jack a complex character with lots of depth. The pov chapter format was absolutely amazing as through having every chapter be from one characters perspective it allowed for great character development and build up which made the powerful ending even more emotional than it already was. Without going into depth spoilers this novel levels you uneasy, horrified, relived and hopefully all at the same time. The way King writes his horror allows for a clear description and picture of what's going on. I thought the lady in the Bath tub was creepy on film but reading this book proved me wrong. After reading this incredible novel I absolutely want to read Doctor Sleep. Definitely recommend if you want to read something spooky during October.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Homophobia, Domestic abuse, Racial slurs, Gaslighting, Ableism, Child abuse, and Addiction