“Sometimes human places, create inhuman monsters.”
Revisiting “The Shining” was like reconnecting with an old friend—albeit a terrifying and deeply unsettling one. Stephen King’s ability to craft tension, atmosphere, and deeply flawed, yet compelling, characters remain unparalleled. While the story is a slow burn, by the end, I was thoroughly captivated by its eerie brilliance.
“Monsters are real. Ghosts are too. They live inside of us, and sometimes, they win.”
Plot Summary
The story revolves around the Torrance family: Jack, Wendy, and their young son Danny. Jack, a writer struggling with his career and ongoing recovery from alcoholism, takes on a role as the winter caretaker at the secluded Overlook Hotel in Colorado. He moves his family into the hotel, hoping the solitude will allow him to focus on his writing and repair their strained relationships.
However, the Overlook is no ordinary hotel. It harbours malevolent forces that prey on Jack’s weaknesses and begin to unravel his fragile mind. Meanwhile, Danny’s “shining” abilities—his psychic gift—alert him to the sinister presence in the hotel. As the family descends into psychological and supernatural chaos, the Overlook manipulates Jack, turning him into its pawn and endangering the people he loves most.
“The world’s a hard place, Danny. It don’t care. It don’t hate you and me, but it don’t love us, either. Terrible things happen in the world, and they’re things no one can explain. Good people die in bad, painful ways and leave the folks that love them all alone. Sometimes it seems like it’s only the bad people who stay healthy and prosper. The world don’t love you, but your momma does and so do I.”
Themes
Madness and Addiction: At its core, this is a story about Jack’s internal struggle with his demons—addiction, anger, and insecurity—and how external forces magnify those weaknesses.
Family and Dysfunction: The Torrance family’s fragile dynamics create much of the tension, as they wrestle with past trauma and the strain of isolation.
Isolation: The Overlook itself becomes a character, amplifying the horror through its remoteness and claustrophobic atmosphere.
Human vs. Supernatural: King blends psychological horror with supernatural elements, leaving readers questioning whether the true terror lies within Jack or the hotel.
“She had never dreamed there could be so much pain in a life when there was nothing physically wrong. She hurt all the time.”
What Worked Well
“What Jack didn’t understand was that no matter where he went, the same asshole got off the plane.”
Complex Characters: King’s characters are multi-layered and deeply human. Jack’s descent into madness is both horrifying and heartbreakingly inevitable, while Danny’s innocence and resilience make him easy to root for.
Atmosphere and Setting: The Overlook Hotel is one of the most memorable settings in horror fiction—haunting, oppressive, and alive with sinister intent.
Unsettling Tone: The book’s slow build-up allows tension to simmer, making the moments of horror all the more impactful. King masterfully creates an atmosphere of dread that lingers.
Rich Detail and Lore: From the cryptic Room 217 to the hedge animals, the novel is filled with vivid, nightmarish imagery that stays with you.
Who Will Enjoy This Book?
Fans of psychological and supernatural horror will adore this classic. If you enjoy slow-burn narratives with rich character development, “The Shining” is a must-read. It’s perfect for readers who appreciate unsettling atmospheres, deeply flawed protagonists, and moral ambiguity. Even if you’ve seen the movie, the book offers a deeper exploration of the characters and themes.
“A lot of folks, they got a little bit of shine to them. They don’t even know it. But they always seem to show up with flowers when their wives are feelin blue with the monthlies, they do good on school tests they don’t even study for, they got a good idea how people are feelin as soon as they walk into a room.”
Conclusion
“The Shining” is more than just a ghost story—it’s a haunting exploration of human fragility and the darkness that resides within us all. While the pacing may feel slow in parts, the payoff is worth it. King delivers a chilling portrait of madness, family, and the destructive power of both internal and external forces.
For me, this book remains a masterclass in tension and storytelling. Though I found Jack insufferable at times (perhaps intentionally so), I couldn’t help but be drawn into his tragic unraveling. Danny’s journey and the Overlook’s malevolent presence sealed this as one of the most memorable horror novels I’ve read. If you’re seeking a tale that will get under your skin and stay with you, “The Shining” is a classic you can’t miss.
“But it was a dreadful kind of curiosity, the kind that makes you peek through your fingers during the scariest parts of a scary movie.”
