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A review by cepbreed
The Long Walk by Stephen King, Richard Bachman
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I was disappointed by this book from the get-go. Stephen King didn't even give me a chance to form a positive first impression before Garraty notices that his mom's “breasts were almost nonexistent: token nubs.” There is absolutely no reason that had to be included. What did that add to the plot 💀 I kept reading because I was intrigued by the premise. It kept me hooked but I also kept waiting for more world-building and by the end I was sorely disappointed. This is a dystopia so I would've loved more details of how The Long Walk came to be. I do get why King didn't describe more of past winners even though I kind of wanted that information.
The plot became redundant to an exhaustive degree. How many times can you describe the exact same thing? Garraty's feet hurt, he struggles for a moment, gets a couple of warnings, and then comes to his senses (with the help of McVries). I feel like the message would. have been just as successful if this was a short story instead. I also didn't get the point of the quotes that began each chapter. They were just so random.
The plot became redundant to an exhaustive degree. How many times can you describe the exact same thing? Garraty's feet hurt, he struggles for a moment, gets a couple of warnings, and then comes to his senses (with the help of McVries). I feel like the message would. have been just as successful if this was a short story instead. I also didn't get the point of the quotes that began each chapter. They were just so random.
I loved McVries (and Garraty wanted him sooooo bad)
Graphic: Death, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, and Vomit
Minor: Sexual content