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lovelyliterary 's review for:
Rage
by Stephen King, Richard Bachman
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I debated not writing a review for Rage, as it is Stephen King's most controversial publication, and perhaps his most polarizing one, too. Ultimately, though, I decided to share my thoughts because I feel that this is such an important story and still holds relevance today.
Over the course of one morning, we follow Charlie Decker, a troubled student who embarks on a rampage throughout his school. He shoots and kills two members of school staff, and holds a classroom of fellow students captive while chaos ensues outside. The topic of mass shootings, especially ones that take place in an educational environment, is a delicate subject matter due to an increase in gun violence. That being said, Rage was first released in 1977 when societal discussions surrounding these acts of violence were much different from what they are today, and I think it's important to keep this in mind when reading the novel. I don't think King was trying to do anything other than create a story that explores the complexity of human nature and the consequences of unchecked anger and despair.
In terms of his writing, King's prose is as captivating as ever. His storytelling is particularly notable, as he seamlessly weaves together suspense, psychological introspection, and moments of stark realism throughout the narrative. He forces readers to confront uncomfortable questions about society, parental responsibility, and the human state. In this respect, Rage is just as relevant today as it was four decades ago.
Any King fan knows that Rage was taken out of publication per King's request, after several teenagers committed, or tried to commit, acts of violence in their school; these young adults were said to have owned copies of Rage, and so the book eventually went out of print. I think that there is an element of Stockholm Syndrome in Rage that, to some, could idealize or romanticize perpetrating a school shooting. For me, the presence of Stockholm Syndrome adds a layer of complexity to the story and psychology of its characters. Whichever camp you fall into, I think that Rage is one of King's most terrifying stories and is worth the read, if you can get your hands on a copy.
Over the course of one morning, we follow Charlie Decker, a troubled student who embarks on a rampage throughout his school. He shoots and kills two members of school staff, and holds a classroom of fellow students captive while chaos ensues outside. The topic of mass shootings, especially ones that take place in an educational environment, is a delicate subject matter due to an increase in gun violence. That being said, Rage was first released in 1977 when societal discussions surrounding these acts of violence were much different from what they are today, and I think it's important to keep this in mind when reading the novel. I don't think King was trying to do anything other than create a story that explores the complexity of human nature and the consequences of unchecked anger and despair.
In terms of his writing, King's prose is as captivating as ever. His storytelling is particularly notable, as he seamlessly weaves together suspense, psychological introspection, and moments of stark realism throughout the narrative. He forces readers to confront uncomfortable questions about society, parental responsibility, and the human state. In this respect, Rage is just as relevant today as it was four decades ago.
Any King fan knows that Rage was taken out of publication per King's request, after several teenagers committed, or tried to commit, acts of violence in their school; these young adults were said to have owned copies of Rage, and so the book eventually went out of print. I think that there is an element of Stockholm Syndrome in Rage that, to some, could idealize or romanticize perpetrating a school shooting. For me, the presence of Stockholm Syndrome adds a layer of complexity to the story and psychology of its characters. Whichever camp you fall into, I think that Rage is one of King's most terrifying stories and is worth the read, if you can get your hands on a copy.