So we all love Stephen King. He's basically the man who got me into books and writing. Everyone knows his classics; "Carrie," "The Stand," The Shining"...all of which will get their own reviews one day. The Long Walk was actually the first story he ever wrote; while in college. but it wasn't released until 1979 under the famous pseudo-name, Richard Bachman.
Take this, you get a hundred boys together into this competition. They have to walk from Maine to Florida without stopping, if a boy falters or stops after three warnings, they are shot on the spot. Who ever is the last boy still walking, wins what ever they wish for the rest of their life....talk about power, huh? That's what happens to Ray Garraty when he volunteers for the Long Walk. He meets other boys; McVries, Barkovitch, Olson, Stebbins and Baker. They all have their own personal reasons for joining the Long Walk and they all have to feel the dread of constant walking. As the Walk progresses, boys begin to die off creating tension between the competing boys. I cant really go deep into the plot in risk of spoilers.
The book plays as a character driven story. Depending on the characters to advance the plot, rather than the plot itself. King does a great job writing the personalities of the boys, from the seemingly reclusive Stebbins, to the bully, Barkovitch. Also you really get a good look into Garraty's psyche as he tries not to loose his mind. He has a mother back home who didn't want him to volunteer, he also has a girlfriend who he questions his own love for. He grows close to some of the boys, and when they get killed, it really takes a toll on him.
If there is one problem I had with the book, it was the dystopian world they supposedly live in. I don't think King explored it deeply as he could've. The government running the country is definitely Nazi like, and the term "squaded" obviously means death for anyone who talks sh** about the government. But this flaw is forgivable. Also we don't really know what Garraty's life was like before the Long Walk, other than his father got squaded for talking trash about the government. Another problem is he doesn't think much about his situation. Yes, he gets tired and misses home, but he never seemed to come to the conclusion that maybe his choice to join the Long Walk was a stupid idea,
One of the biggest elements of this story was the feeling of dread I got reading. They were constantly walking, stopping for certain things or on accident. Everytime you turn the page, you feel every emotion these boys are going through because no matter what they are talking about or thinking, there is a constant reminder of the situation they are in. Even when something good happens, you are constantly pulled back into that situation, they cant stop to catch their breath.I think its safe to say, this book effects the reader emotionally, forcing us into the situation as its constantly progressing.
The book was face-paced, faster than most King books, and had very interesting characrters. The Long Walk is a page turner, well worth the read!
These are my opinions....have you the read book? Comment below and give me your thoughts. If not, go out, buy the book and check it out for yourself.
