52 pages • 1 hour read
The Body
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Book Brief
192
Novella • Fiction
Maine • 1960s
1982
YA
16+ years
Super Short Summary
In "The Body" by Stephen King, four boys in the summer of 1960 set out on a 20-mile journey from their hometown, Castle Rock, to find the body of a dead boy, Ray Brower, by a river. Narrated by Gordon Lachance from an undetermined point in the future, it explores their traumatic backgrounds, confrontations with mortality, and how this adventure shapes his perspective on life and storytelling. This novella includes graphic depictions of violence and death of a child.
Mysterious
Nostalgic
Gritty
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
44,015 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Stephen King's The Body impresses with its rich storytelling and well-drawn characters, capturing the essence of youth and friendship. While some readers find the narrative occasionally slow and the language coarse, the masterful blend of nostalgia and poignant themes overwhelmingly captivates. Overall, it’s a compelling and memorable read.
Who Should Read The Body?
Fans of coming-of-age tales and gripping character studies will relish Stephen King’s The Body. This novella, akin to S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders and J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, suits readers who appreciate rich storytelling that delves deeply into friendship, adventure, and personal growth against the backdrop of small-town America.
44,015 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Chris Chambers
Chris Chambers
Chris is the group's peacemaker, coming from an abusive family with a negative outlook. Despite this, he encourages Gordie to succeed as a writer. Chris aims to avoid his family's cycle of violence and supports Gordie in his storytelling endeavors.
Teddy Duchamp
Teddy Duchamp
Teddy is a daredevil with a troubled past. His father abused him, leaving physical and emotional scars. Teddy struggles with impulse control and hopes to join the military. He enjoys Gordie's war stories and is known for his reckless behavior.
Vern Tessio
Vern Tessio
Vern is a loyal and brave yet absentminded member of the group. Often providing comic relief, he is subject to ridicule at school due to his weight. Vern struggles academically and tends to forget things, like the location of a jar of pennies he buried.
Ace Merrill
Ace Merrill
Ace is the primary antagonist, known as a violent and erratic hoodlum feared by others in Castle Rock. He disrupts the younger boys' plans and schemes to take credit for discovering a body. Ace is characterized by his cruel behavior and thirst for revenge.
192
Novella • Fiction
Maine • 1960s
1982
YA
16+ years
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