Revival
Published: 11, November 2014
Author: Stephen King
Genre: American, Classic, Fiction, Horror, Literary, Literature, Mystery, Psychic, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller
Check the summary of this book here:
The Review
Revival is a novel by Stephen King. In an interview with Rolling Stone, King indicated that Revival was inspired by Arthur Machen's The Great God Pan and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, and that, like several of King's other works, he had the concept for this novel since boyhood. Yes, while reading this novel, you will notice a tribute to another classic of the horror genre, H. P. Lovecraft's cosmic horror.
To be honest, I've always been a fan of Lovecraft. This novel evokes images from Lovecraft and Arthur Machen's Great God Pan, a short story worth reading in its own right.
King had already experimented with these themes, but instead of brief stories and clues of what is beyond the veil, this takes us by the hand and then pushes us through the veil to witness with horror what truly lies beyond.
The best aspect is that it absolutely delivered for me. Often, horror stories have a conclusion that isn't as excellent as the shocks that came before it, but I found that each part led us to a wonderful and horrifying crescendo that had me tingling long after I completed the story.
The unease of it all lingered with me, which is a sign of a good novel. I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy it, but it's now one of my favorite King books.
The human characters bloom, which is typical of King's work and one of the reasons I enjoy it.
Like Jamie develops from a nice young child to a hardened young adolescent, and then to a weary man who can't seem to get off the path he's on, despite knowing there's nothing good at the end.
Charlie Jacobs begins as an idealistic young pastor but gradually turns his skills to his own heinous objectives.
Jamie is fully aware that Jacobs will not approve of what he sees - no one will - but he is unable to stop Jacobs, even when he is old and withered.
When Jacobs assists, it appears to be a miracle, but those individuals suffer far more than they will ever comprehend.
There is no victor, no virtue that triumphs against evil. There is just a desire to look beneath the cover and the consequences of doing so.
I think the ending was suitable for the narrative, but make no mistake: this is not a feel-good novel.
I believe I understand why many people loathe Stephen King and leave nasty comments and reviews about him.
These individuals are divided into two groups: those who link Stephen King's name with horror stories and loathe it when the narrative is not terrifying, and others who despise him for political reasons, have never read his works, or simply dislike him.
I belong to the third category, which differs from the first two. My group is made up of folks that admire Stephen King as a writer in general, not only as a horror writer.
We appreciate reading his work, which goes from fast to slow, lengthy to short, strange, paranormal, monsters, human psychology demons, and whatever he writes is good for us. He is an all-around writer, and we appreciate whatever he writes.
King has a unique storytelling style. And there are tales inside tales. As a result, it doesn't upset me if Billy Summers isn't what I expected.
Or consider The Dark Tower's finale. The storyline must be resolved, but by the conclusion of 11/22/63, it was merely furniture in one room of a home that had been a great story.
The very inventive and vivid depiction of something awful that doesn't exist anywhere beyond the author's head is great, but it's not near as cool as the narrative itself.
I had a similar reaction to Revival. This was a fantastic story. The household. The little town. The new pastor. The adolescent crush the Rock 'n' roll and the Cars. The disaster and its aftermath. The way stories drive into the future, yet I don't feel like I've skipped a beat.
The way minor characters become individuals I care about and identify with almost immediately.
If you're only reading for the reveal at the end, I can see how you'd be unhappy with the buildup and resolution, especially if it doesn't match the depth and significance of what you built in your head.
Or it lacks the terror or tension of a previous King work. I am certain that, like Stephen King, I am already in the habit of rambling and not knowing when to stop, but I am proud of it.
Starting on the first page and working my way through. A single name is mentioned twice. This title should give you a sense of what to expect from this essay. Howard Phillips Lovecraft if you are clueless about Lovecraft's writings, you are tripping blindly through this, dare I say, a gem of cosmic terror.
King's work has always had a strong resemblance to Lovecraft's realm. From "It" through "The Dark Tower" and other works such as "The Stand,"
King's world may be regarded as an extension of the Lovecraftian Mythos. King has always expressed his respect and inspiration for Lovecraft's work.
The traditional horror story. This is unmistakably King's tribute to some of those great authors as I already mentioned earlier.
If you are unfamiliar with Lovecraft and the cosmic horror genre, you may be shocked by the book's later parts. However, as soon as you read the words and your mind processes what you have read, the questions presented will undoubtedly shiver you to the bone.
I love it when a book or a movie makes me shiver, and this novel had a few moments that had my hair standing on end because of one explanation this book presents about ourselves and our thinking.
I'll never forget the authors that gave me the shivers, and the top two are Stephen King and the late great Anne Rice.
Another author who gave me goosebumps was Dean Koontz in the book From the Corner of His Eye; it's a huge book but well worth the read; just note the chills when a young kid accomplishes something weird and fantastic and you'll understand what I mean.
To summarize, this book is outstanding. Every page was fantastic. It is a legitimate and proper heir to Lovecraft's cosmic horror genre, and it does it more honor than any shoddy fan fiction of Lovecraft's work that came before it.
Yes, everything about Cthulhu published by someone other than Lovecraft is nothing more than glorified fanfiction.
Final Thoughts
The book was fascinating, and several of the passages reminded me of events in my own life.
Stephen King has created another incredible novel that will send chills down your spine while also making you question a lot of things in real life.
A fantastic story and a fantastic read. It was exciting. I recommend that you read Revival if you haven't already. The novel is ultimately a coming-of-age story, and it is stunning.
You won't be able to put this book down since the plot will stay in your memory, leaving you wanting to know what happens next.
Do you think Stephen King has lost his touch when it comes to horror novels? Read this to find out how incorrect you are.
Synopsis
“Stephen King presents “a fresh adrenaline rush of terror” (People) in this electrifying #1 New York Times bestseller!
The new minister came to Harlow, Maine, when Jamie Morton was a boy doing battle with his toy army men on the front lawn. The young Reverend Charles Jacobs and his beautiful wife brought new life to the local church and captivated their congregation. But with Jamie, he shares a secret obsession—a draw so powerful, it would have profound consequences five decades after the shattering tragedy that turned the preacher against God, and long after his final, scathing sermon. Now Jamie, a nomadic rock guitarist hooked on heroin, meets Charles Jacobs again. And when their bond becomes a pact beyond even the Devil’s devising, Jamie discovers that the word revival has many meanings….”
Useful Search Related Words & Keywords
Character Development, Charles Jacobs, Dark Tower, Great Read, Highly Recommend, Jamie Morton, King Novel, Long Time, Page Turner, Salems Lot, Secret Electricity, Well Written
Rating: 85/100
Recommended: 90/100 Yes.
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