Carrie

Stephen King

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telekinetic outcast

bullying and social dynamics

revenge at prom

isolation and cruelty

fanatically religious mother

epistolary approach

well developed characters

maine small town setting

consequences of mistreatment

quick pacing

horror and psychological thriller

multiple narrative perspectives

creepy read

interspersed documents

'Carrie' by Stephen King tells the story of Carrie White, a telekinetic outcast who faces relentless bullying at school and lives under the control of her fanatically religious mother. As Carrie discovers her powers and seeks revenge after a cruel trick at the school prom, the narrative delves into themes of isolation, cruelty, and the consequences of mistreatment. Stephen King's writing style in 'Carrie' is praised for its ability to create believable and sympathetic characters, with a quick pacing that includes snippets from texts and transcripts related to the main story, making it an altogether great and creepy read.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, particularly Carrie, who embodies the struggles of a bullied teenager, and her mother, whose extreme beliefs contribute to the tragedy.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by its unique format that combines an epistolary approach with various narrative techniques, providing multiple perspectives on the events.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Carrie, a bullied girl with telekinetic powers, who ultimately seeks revenge against her tormentors during a climactic prom night.

Setting:

The setting is a small town in Maine, highlighting a high school environment where bullying and social dynamics play crucial roles.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast, though the inclusion of interspersed documents may slow down the narrative at times.

It was reliably reported by several persons that a rain of stones fell from a clear blue sky on Carlin Street in the town of Chamberlain on August 17th. The stones fell principally on the home of Mrs....

Notes:

Carrie was Stephen King's first published novel that launched his career.

The story's main character, Carrie White, has telekinetic powers.

Carrie faces bullying from her peers and abuse from her religiously fanatical mother.

The book was originally thrown in the trash by King, but his wife, Tabitha, encouraged him to finish it.

King employs an epistolary format, using excerpts from books, interviews, and newspaper articles to tell the story.

The novel explores deep themes of bullying, revenge, and the horrors of growing up as an outsider.

It addresses the psychological effects of abuse and social rejection.

The book was published in 1974 and has influenced both literature and film significantly.

The climax of the story occurs during a high school prom that ends in destruction and tragedy.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include bullying, religious abuse, violence, and intense emotional trauma.

From The Publisher:

Stephen King's legendary debut, the bestselling smash hit that put him on the map as one of America's favorite writers

"Gory and horrifying. . . . You can't put it down." -Chicago Tribune

Unpopular at school and subjected to her mother's religious fanaticism at home, Carrie White does not have it easy. But while she may be picked on by her classmates, she has a gift she's kept secret since she was a little girl: she can move things with her mind. Doors lock. Candles fall. Her ability has been both a power and a problem. And when she finds herself the recipient of a sudden act of kindness, Carrie feels like she's finally been given a chance to be normal. She hopes that the nightmare of her classmates' vicious taunts is over . . . but an unexpected and cruel prank turns her gift into a weapon of horror so destructive that the town may never recover.

Ratings (259)

Incredible (29)
Loved It (93)
Liked It (91)
It Was OK (40)
Did Not Like (3)
Hated It (3)

Reader Stats (404):

Read It (276)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (65)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (61)

1 comment(s)

StephB

Loved It

4 months

Now I remember why I've always had more guy-friends than girl-friends. LOL NTS: don't piss off any girls with telekinetic powers!

Carrie's mom always said her powers were evil. But, can blame a girl for fighting back?

True to form Stephen King!

What can you read after
Carrie?

See the list (100 books)

About the Author:

Stephen King is the author of more than fifty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. Among his most recent are Doctor Sleep; Joyland; 11/22/63; Full Dark, No Stars; Under the Dome; Just After Sunset; End of Watch; and the latest novel in the Dark Tower saga: The Wind Through…

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