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“Stephen King, Carrie - Synopsis: ”

written by Dreadlocksmile on 10/09/2004

Good Points
Well-written, haunting suspense and finger-biting tension. A great first offering from King.

Bad Points
Can't think of any bad points. It's a great novel!

General Comments
Stephen King, Carrie - Synopsis:

"The story of misfit high-school girl, Carrie White, who gradually discovers that she has telekinetic powers. Repressed by a domineering, ultra-religious mother and tormented by her peers at school, her efforts to fit in lead to a dramatic confrontation during the senior prom".



Carrie was first published back in 1974 and introduced the world to the now legendary Stephen King. Carrie involved a different writing technique to King's usual style and indeed that of most writers. The construction of the unfolding story is done in a way where the bare storyline is written in the standard third person narration and then there are other various sources contributing to the plot, such as scraps of newspapers, snippets of psychological essays and law reports. These are sprinkled throughout the novel, shifting the reader's perspective from past to present (or present to future, depending on how you want to see it). This technique cleverly builds on the suspension of the novel, with a constant reminder and glimpse into the carnage and disaster that awaits you at the end.



King's characterization is superb as he creates the personalities of all the characters involved with such care, creating a real feel for each individual. From the very beginning you feel sympathy for Carrie and anger at her tormentors. But with the shift in power, you are placed in an uncomfortable position of how to judge her actions. This creates a thought-provoking and challenging aspect to the novel that will keep you thinking about it long after you've read it.



The novel runs for 222 pages in total, a short offering from our Stephen King. All in all, the novel is a haunting masterpiece of horrific suspense. The tension throughout the novel is so sharp and disturbing, it will stay with you for a long time afterwards.



Oh, and the 1976 film of the novel by Brian De Palma is excellent, but the ending is nowhere near as dramatic as in the book. I'd recommened reading the novel first if possible.