The Long Walk
Published: July 1979
Author: Stephen King
Genre: American, Classic, Dystopian, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Psychological, Science Fiction, Suspense, Thriller
Check the summary of this book here:
The Long Walk Summary
The Review
Stephen King's The Long Walk is a dystopian horror novel written under the pen name Richard Bachman. The narrative centers around the competitors of a rigorous yearly walking tournament in a future dystopian America ruled by a dictatorial and military ruler. The American Library Association named The Long Walk one of the 100 finest novels for adolescent readers produced between 1966 and 2000 (in 2000). While The Long Walk was not the first of Stephen King's books to be published, it was the first novel he wrote, beginning in 1966–67 during his freshman year at the University of Maine, some eight years before his first published work Carrie was released in 1974.
This is really an open review because the title of the book tells you exactly what it's about, thus part of what I'm sharing about the plot is inevitable and I don't think it can be labeled as spoiler, which is why I'm not offering any warning. But don't worry; I'm not going to go into any major story aspects or the finale.
This seemed like an extended version of Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," and a precursor to The Hunger Games.
You get to meet some intriguing folks, but you don't get to see the background in which they were all walking.
There are a few hints that this is not in our reality, such as February 31, which would have been intriguing to pursue.
One of Stephen King's early and shorter works it was a quick read for me, but after about a third of the way through, I was hooked. Great idea, but I'm wondering if it wouldn't have been better as a short narrative owing to the lack of variation and growth, as well as the sluggish tempo.
It may be ideal for quick readers like me, but that doesn't mean it's not worthy of Stephen King's name; it just means it's not for everyone, and not all readers will enjoy it. But one thing is certain. It's like the Hunger Games, except with less renovation and cosmetics.
It is, in my opinion, a masterpiece. This is not like Stephen King's other works, in which protagonists escape from clowns, vampires, and other supernatural creatures. The terror you'll experience while reading this story will feel all too real since the author makes it much too easy to identify with and actually understand the characters.
The Long Walk was the most distinctive of Stephen King's books and short pieces that I've read. It retains the gruesome aspects of the author that we all know and love, but it is not a horror story. It's similar to the modern-day smash sensation The Hunger Games as i have mentioned before and may do it again in coming paragraphs.
The Long Walk is an event in which 200 males, 100 participants, and 100 back-ups, are chosen at random to participate and walk for days on end. Maintain a speed of at least 4 miles per hour, since if you don't after three warnings, you'll be shot and executed.
Ray Garrity is the main character, and throughout the book, he interacts with some of the 100 people he's traveling with and develops relationships with a few of them, one of whom is a youngster named Pete McVries.
As the days and nights pass slowly, hundreds of miles are traveled, and lads are slaughtered one by one, a process referred to in the book as "buying their ticket," the battle for life versus death becomes more palpable.
Each character in the novel has their own perspective on life and death, as well as their own way of dealing with The Walk and their life before The Walk.
As the characters continue to walk and some even go insane, you can see from Garrity's perspective what it takes to stay alive and how important mind over body is.
Let us now discuss the points that may cause some readers to dislike this book. For one thing, the ending was predictable to me, and it left me wanting far more than what was provided. It's because I prefer longer books and this one felt too short for me.
In addition, there were numerous details throughout the book that I thought were unnecessary, and some pages could be skipped entirely.
But, in the end, I thought this book was a very good read that didn't leave you bored. It was definitely something I completed quickly, and completing it was my top priority.
Okay lets go back to the good stuff, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone over the age of 18, owing to the speech, some sexual inappropriateness, and graphic violence and I will definitely read it again.
Stephen King has written a genuinely fantastic novel. Because of the title of the book, the narrative is essentially open.
It's sufficient to remark that this was a terrific read. That's not to suggest it's a short book or an easy read because some readers may find the subject difficult to swallow, yet this is a book that you will likely recall at odd moments for years after finishing it.
This book and its plot are most likely to come to mind while I'm at the gym, walking great distances, or becoming lost in an area where a foolish person is unwilling to reveal the location, or even when running on a treadmill.
Basically, whenever I'm struggling to live or take another step forward, this book comes to mind and motivates me.
Final Thoughts
My colleagues and fellow readers were arguing that because the book is about walking, it is a knockoff or a letdown. My reply to all of them is, first and foremost, the title "The Long Walk" should have tipped you off.
Second, The Walk itself functions as a plot element. It may have been something else, such as a game show or a physical competition. I'd like to think the author chose The Walk because it is so ubiquitous; the book could then focus on its main themes rather than explaining a more sophisticated set of rules to go with some game show.
Consider the Hunger Games or its far superior forerunner, Battle Royale, both of which required extensive explanations of their settings and the game itself.
After reading this, a reader would see that Stephen King, even as a young writer, possessed an exceptional talent for character development.
In this story, I felt for even the nameless characters. Not to mention that the Major is as terrifying as Randall Flagg or the Crimson King.
I know some readers may be thinking that I give higher marks and suggest books that aren't as excellent as they thought; nevertheless, the reason I like some novels more than other readers is that I read the books and attempt to comprehend and give thorough consideration to what's going on.
The authors are not stupid; they conduct a study and, on occasion, leave clues of brilliance for us to discover. And I am one of those readers who discovers those hidden nuggets that many so-called passionate readers and reviewers overlook since they simply copy synopsis and call it a review.
I read this book in two sittings and recommend it whether you are a frequent reader or not.
Synopsis
“In this #1 national bestseller, “master storyteller” (Houston Chronicle) Stephen King, writing as Richard Bachman, tells the tale of the contestants of a grueling walking competition where there can only be one winner—the one that survives.
“I give my congratulations to the winner among your number, and my acknowledgments of valor to the losers.”
Against the wishes of his mother, sixteen-year-old Ray Garraty is about to compete in the annual grueling match of stamina and wits known as The Long Walk. One hundred boys must keep a steady pace of four miles per hour without ever stopping...with the winner being awarded “The Prize”—anything he wants for the rest of his life. But, as part of this national tournament that sweeps through a dystopian America year after year, there are some harsh rules that Garraty and ninety-nine others must adhere to in order to beat out the rest. There is no finish line—the winner is the last man standing. Contestants cannot receive any outside aid whatsoever. Slow down under the speed limit and you’re given a warning. Three warnings and you’re out of the game—permanently....”
Useful Search Related Words & Keywords
Hunger Games, Bachman Books, Character Development, Ever Read, Miles Per, Per Hour, Ray Garraty, Running Man, Teenage Boys, Years Ago, Young Men
Rating: 85/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.
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