Stephen King has dominated the horror genre for over five decades and the signs were there from the start. Carrie, first released in 1974, wasn’t just an outstanding debut, it was a clear signal of King’s enormous talent. He comes out strong and hits hard with not only a great horror tale but in a unique and well written way.
Unpopular at school and subjected to her mother’s religious fanaticism at home, Carrie White does not have it easy. But while she may be picked on by her classmates, she has a gift she’s kept secret since she was a little girl: she can move things with her mind. Doors lock. Candles fall.
Her ability has been both a power and a problem. And when she finds herself the recipient of a sudden act of kindness, Carrie feels like she’s finally been given a chance to be normal. She hopes that the nightmare of her classmates’ vicious taunts is over…but an unexpected and cruel prank turns her gift into a weapon of horror so destructive that the town may never recover.
What actually takes place during this novel isn’t much, but the story hits hard emotionally and has real depth. Using interviews, news segments, books, and other sources to tell part of the story dispersed through allows for a deeper story. This unique approach made the tale feel a bit richer and keeps the pacing tight and super engaging.
While I find it difficult at times for a male author to write a story that is so rooted in the female experience, the theme of bullying in Carrie is universally relatable. The main details surround Carrie and what she experiences, but the overall theme resonates with a wider audience. King does a fantastic job blending her mother’s religious fanaticism, the pressures of school life, and the supernatural horror that ensues.
Carrie is a fantastic novel. It may not be King’s absolute best, but it ranks near the top. The story has an emotional core along with some wonderful supernatural horror. King allows us to relate to our protagonist even when the things that are happening are not relatable. Its a true skill, no wonder King went on to have the career he has had.
Carrie is available at bookstores everywhere from Doubleday Publishing. The audiobook, narrated by Sissy Spacek & Margaret Atwood, is available via Libro.fm!
