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A review by alexander594
Carrie by Stephen King
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This has been my second King novel, moving on from ‘Misery’ of which I read some years ago, and loved. I’m pleased to say that I had a fantastic time with Carrie too, although not as much as with Misery
Considering this was King’s first published novel, the talent on display here is pretty miraculous. So many wonderful sequences of lyrical, senseless, and powerful writing throughout. Those last fifty pages especially. The way in which King is able to portray the absolute crumble of Chamberlain under the throng of Carrie rampage, ends up fulfilling the book in such a fascinating and well thought-out way. I was starting to get sick of the insistence of future tense in the novel, but as you reach this point, it becomes very thoughtful and considered.
The whole thing has a real great sense of atmosphere and weight to it, and the high-school narrative and cheese of the thing is a delight to revel in. Carrie is a poor soul, brutalised and tormented by seemingly everyone she comes across, she is horribly beaten down, and the text makes all insistence on showing this. The characters themselves are all quite surface level, but it works.
It’s an excellent showcase of thrilling horror escapism, and King knows it wholeheartedly.
Considering this was King’s first published novel, the talent on display here is pretty miraculous. So many wonderful sequences of lyrical, senseless, and powerful writing throughout. Those last fifty pages especially. The way in which King is able to portray the absolute crumble of Chamberlain under the throng of Carrie rampage, ends up fulfilling the book in such a fascinating and well thought-out way. I was starting to get sick of the insistence of future tense in the novel, but as you reach this point, it becomes very thoughtful and considered.
The whole thing has a real great sense of atmosphere and weight to it, and the high-school narrative and cheese of the thing is a delight to revel in. Carrie is a poor soul, brutalised and tormented by seemingly everyone she comes across, she is horribly beaten down, and the text makes all insistence on showing this. The characters themselves are all quite surface level, but it works.
It’s an excellent showcase of thrilling horror escapism, and King knows it wholeheartedly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Domestic abuse, Blood