The Shining
by Stephen King
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Book Summary Information
Author: Stephen KingReader: Campbell Scott
Edition: Music CD
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Format: Audiobook, Unabridged
Published: 2005-08-02
ISBN: 0743537009
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Book Reviews of The Shining
Book Review: A great audio book
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm not really a big Stephen King fan and had never been exposed to his work until I listened to this story. I'm not sure why I decided to check out this book. I think it was because I'd seen bits of the movie and wondered what kind of source material could've produced Jack Nicolson's performance. While it sort of scared me, I found it funny and dumb at the same time. The movie was obviously a showcase for Nicolson. I'd heard people say that the book was so much better and boy are they right. The novel gives the necessary back story and character depth that the movie lacks, legitimizing Jack Torrance's descent into madness while commenting on alcoholism, broken marriages, the silent competition between parents for their child's affections, and a host of other subjects. While the story is still somewhat improbable, it is not funny at all. King makes you believe this really could happen while you're reading or listening to the story, and the story will leave quite an impression on you once you've finished it.
If you've only seen the movie and rush into the book looking for some kind of immediate payoff, know that there is none; however the pacing of this story is excellent. King starts it off slowly, setting everything up, then just when you think something big is going to happen, nothing does. It almost begins to feel as if you're right there in the Overlook with Wendy, Jack, and Danny, feeling a growing sense of isolation, discontent and anger. You get strung along with just enough foreshadowing to keep things interesting and before you know it the story comes to life with a sudden intensity that doesn't let up. When you've finished it you'll appreciate the plotting of the book all the more.
Campbell Scott does a spectacular job with his narration and really adds something to the story without getting in the way. He isn't over dramatic, giving each character a unique voice, but he lets King's words scare you, his voice just compliments them. He does an especially good job of switching between the insane and rational Jack Torrance, so well that you never can tell when he's going to snap again. Definitely one of the best narrations of an audio book I've ever heard. You'll want to listen to this more than once. Buy it.
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