88 pages • 2 hours read
The Shining
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Book Brief
688
Novel • Fiction
Colorado • 1970s
1977
Adult
18+ years
840L
Super Short Summary
The Shining by Stephen King follows Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic, who takes a winter caretaker job at the isolated Overlook Hotel with his wife Wendy and their psychic son Danny. As the hotel's malevolent influence grows, Jack descends into madness, endangering his family, who must survive both his violence and the supernatural forces at work. The book includes references to alcohol addiction and domestic abuse.
Dark
Unnerving
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
1,591,304 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Stephen King's The Shining is widely praised for its intense atmosphere and masterful storytelling. Critics admire its character development and the eerie ambiance of the Overlook Hotel. However, some find the pacing uneven and argue the horror elements can overshadow character depth. Overall, it's a compelling read for horror enthusiasts.
Who Should Read The Shining?
An ideal reader for Stephen King's The Shining enjoys psychological horror with elements of the supernatural. Fans of suspenseful and haunting narratives like Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House or Henry James's The Turn of the Screw will find themselves captivated by the eerie atmosphere and complex character dynamics present in King's work.
1,591,304 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Danny Torrance
Danny Torrance
Jack's five-year-old son with unusual psychic abilities known as "The Shining," which allow him to experience and understand events beyond normal perception.
Wendy Torrance
Wendy Torrance
Jack's protective wife who harbors deep concerns about her husband's erratic behavior and the wellbeing of their son, Danny.
Dick Hallorann
Dick Hallorann
The head cook at the Overlook Hotel who shares Danny's psychic abilities and helps guide him in understanding and controlling them.
688
Novel • Fiction
Colorado • 1970s
1977
Adult
18+ years
840L
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