The Shining Book Review: King’s Classic Horror

I write this from a hotel in Wyoming while a winter storm rages outside my window. There couldn’t be a more fitting setting to review The Shining by Stephen King, one of the most influential horror novels ever written. For those new to the story, this review will remain spoiler-free.

A Family’s Descent Into Horror

The story follows Jack Torrance, a recovering alcoholic and writer who accepts a job at the Overlook Hotel in Colorado as the winter caretaker. Accompanied by his wife Wendy and their young son Danny, the Torrance family views this as an opportunity for a fresh start. After losing his teaching job due to a violent incident, Jack sees this position as his last chance to hold his family together.

What sets this novel apart is Danny Torrance’s unique abilities. The young boy possesses what Dick Hallorann, the hotel’s chef, calls a “special gift” – the shining. This psychic ability allows Danny to see things others can’t, including his invisible friend Tony who warns him about the hotel’s sinister nature. When Dick Hallorann recognizes this gift in Danny, he provides crucial warnings about the Overlook’s dark history.

Addiction, Isolation, and The Supernatural

The Shining is universally praised for its haunting depiction of addiction through Jack Torrance’s character. His struggle with alcoholism has strained his relationship with wife Wendy and son Danny, leading to his sobriety before becoming the winter caretaker. What follows is a masterful portrayal of a man battling both supernatural forces and his own personal demons.

While there are certainly malevolent forces at play within the Overlook Hotel in Colorado, King excels at showing how humans can be the scariest monsters of all. The relationship between Jack and Wendy deteriorates as isolation takes its toll, and watching Danny and Wendy navigate this increasingly dangerous situation creates genuine psychological horror.

The Overlook Hotel: More Than Just a Setting

The Overlook itself becomes a character in the story, though some readers (myself included) might argue it doesn’t quite reach the iconic status of other King settings like Derry or Jerusalem’s Lot. The hotel’s dark history slowly unfolds as we follow the Torrance family through their winter isolation. The infamous scene with the roque mallet, which many know from Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation, takes on an even more sinister tone in the novel’s context.

Speaking of the Kubrick film, while it’s a masterpiece in its own right, the book offers a deeper exploration of the characters and their motivations. If you’ve only seen the movie, you owe it to yourself to read the book and discover the richness of King’s original vision.

READ Our Book Review of ‘Salem’s Lot HERE

Does The Horror Hold Up?

As someone relatively new to the horror genre, I often consider whether classic novels maintain their impact on modern readers. The Shining approaches horror differently than many contemporary works. While it may not rely on jump scares or extreme gore, its psychological horror and exploration of family dynamics under supernatural pressure create a deeply disturbing atmosphere that lingers long after you’ve finished reading.

The true horror lies in watching Jack’s descent, seeing how isolation and the hotel’s influence affect his sobriety and sanity. The way King portrays this through the eyes of wife Wendy and young Danny makes it all the more heartbreaking. Dick Hallorann’s role in the story provides some hope, but the overwhelming sense of dread never fully dissipates.

Final Thoughts

While The Shining might not align perfectly with my personal preference for cosmic horror, its impact on the genre is undeniable. King’s ability to weave supernatural elements with very human struggles creates a uniquely disturbing experience. The way he portrays the deterioration of the Torrance family – particularly through his complex characterization of Jack, Wendy, and Danny – sets this novel apart from standard haunted house stories.

For those deciding whether to read the book, especially if you’re only familiar with the Kubrick film, I strongly recommend experiencing King’s original work. The novel provides deeper insight into Jack’s teaching job background, Wendy’s complex character, and Danny’s special gift, elements that the movie couldn’t fully explore.

I’m giving The Shining an 8/10. While it wasn’t necessarily my favorite King novel, its masterful portrayal of addiction, isolation, and family dynamics under supernatural pressure makes it a must-read for any horror fan.

Have you experienced both the novel and Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation? Share your thoughts on how they compare in the comments below.