trin 's review for:

The Shining by Stephen King

4.25

dark sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Probably King's masterpiece: I can't think of anywhere else he combines iconic horror imagery with such deep characterization and themes. Jack Torrance's dissolution is such a well-written tragedy -- unlike in the meaningless Kubrick movie, you really like him in this book, and you feel how much he loves his son. But the yoke of his addiction is stronger in the end (and that's much scarier than rotting ghost women with -- gasp! -- saggy tits). 

I want you all to know, I showed very great restraint here, not turning this review into a long rant about the Kubrick film. Please clap.