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A review by maithewriter
The Shining by Stephen King
dark
reflective
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
5.0
I dove into this book knowing that I'll get scared out of my wits, but I never thought it will also leave me sad and introspective. What a tragic family story. I felt so much for the main character (antagonist more than a protagonist, really), Jack Torrance, who's a loving dad-slash-violent alcoholic trying his damndest to be better (but failing to do so), so ultimately he gets "eaten up" in the end.
Sure, there were scary parts (like room 217 and the hedge animals and the elevator), but what really struck me the most was the internal struggle of Jack as he descended into madness and lost his humanity bit by bit. Stephen King is a master of character-driven storytelling and it shows here. All the characters are compelling -- Jack as a troubled provider, Wendy as a mom who'd put Danny's welfare above all, and Danny as the gifted "shining" kid. Even side character Dick Hallorann had a bit of backstory in him. And of course, the hotel, used not just as a setting but a sinister character.
I also loved the recurring themes and images and references (wasp's nest, EAP's mask of red death), plus there isn't a shortage of literary devices (foreshadowing of the boiler and redrum, lots of repetition, for instance), so you just know this book was written with a lot of thought and carefully placed symbolisms.
I'd love to reread this book in the future, maybe once I get ahold of its sequel (Doctor Sleep). But so far this is my favorite King novel (not that I've read a lot, probably just 2 before this lol), and would probably be up there as one of my all-time faves for a long time.
Sure, there were scary parts (like room 217 and the hedge animals and the elevator), but what really struck me the most was the internal struggle of Jack as he descended into madness and lost his humanity bit by bit. Stephen King is a master of character-driven storytelling and it shows here. All the characters are compelling -- Jack as a troubled provider, Wendy as a mom who'd put Danny's welfare above all, and Danny as the gifted "shining" kid. Even side character Dick Hallorann had a bit of backstory in him. And of course, the hotel, used not just as a setting but a sinister character.
I also loved the recurring themes and images and references (wasp's nest, EAP's mask of red death), plus there isn't a shortage of literary devices (foreshadowing of the boiler and redrum, lots of repetition, for instance), so you just know this book was written with a lot of thought and carefully placed symbolisms.
I'd love to reread this book in the future, maybe once I get ahold of its sequel (Doctor Sleep). But so far this is my favorite King novel (not that I've read a lot, probably just 2 before this lol), and would probably be up there as one of my all-time faves for a long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Murder