When you hear the name Stephen King, horror and suspense are probably the first things that come to mind. But with his novella, Elevation, King shows a slightly different side. This heartwarming tale is not your typical Stephen King horror novel, but it still has all the charm and wit that we’ve come to love from this New York Times bestselling author.
Scott Carey is an average guy living in Castle Rock who suddenly starts losing weight without actually looking any different. He confides in his doctor friend about his strange condition and turns to him for help. Meanwhile, Scott finds himself in an escalating battle with his lesbian neighbors over their dog’s business on his lawn. As he gets to know them better, he realizes the prejudice they face and tries to help them save their failing restaurant.
Elevation may not be a horror story like most of King’s other books (even thought it’s classified as horror), but it still has elements of mystery and intrigue that keep readers engaged until the very end. The characters are well-defined, and the setting of Castle Rock adds another layer of familiarity for fans of King’s previous works. Especially us from Maine.
One thing I particularly enjoyed about Elevation was its pacing. It’s a quick read at just over 146 pages, but it doesn’t feel rushed or incomplete. King takes his time developing the characters and their relationships with one another so that readers become invested in their stories.
Another aspect of this novella that stood out to me was its message of acceptance and understanding. Through Scott’s journey with his neighbors, readers are reminded of the importance of empathy and kindness towards others, even when we may not agree with their choices or lifestyles.
Elevation is a heartwarming tale that showcases Stephen King’s versatility as an author. While it may not be his typical horror fare, it still has all the charm and wit that King is known for. It’s a quick and enjoyable read that leaves readers feeling uplifted and reminded of the importance of acceptance and understanding.
Elevation is available at bookstores everywhere. Check out the audiobook on Libro.fm, narrated by the author himself!
