Stephen King’s Carrie, is the story of a shy, outcast, teased by her classmates and abused by her overly religious mother.
Carrie Overview
The story begins with how Carrie, at the age of 16, gets her first period, while showering in the gym locker room at school. Because her mother neglected to tell her her about menstruation, Carrie starts to freak out, believing she is dying.Her classmates are shocked and horrified at her naivety as she runs around, bleeding hands outstretched and pleading for help.
The story continues with Carrie attempting to fit in with her classmates and appear 'normal', despite her mother's fears and objections. After one too many pranks are played on her, Carrie finally gets her revenge.
Carrie Review
Possibly one of King’s shortest books, the story gets straight into the action and the reader has little time to get bored. It progresses through her days of torment with a very explanatory back-story, explaining why Carrie is so ‘weird’.
It’s difficult not to feel sorry for Carrie, raised by her religious mother who believes everything is a sin. The fact that Carrie got her period was God’s way of punishing her for sinning, and Carrie is sent to the cupboard to pray.
Carrie’s Telekinesis is inherited from her grandmother, and when Carrie was born, and again when she was three, she displayed evidence of telekinesis and her mother wanted to kill her at those times.
As Carrie discovers her power of telekinesis, she practices her craft, getting stronger and stronger, and things begin to look up for her. King’s books don’t generally end with happily ever after and the ending of this book is no different as Carrie reeks havoc on the town.
The only negative factor is perhaps how the narrative switches between reports (The Extensive Look at the TK Gene and My Name is Susan Snell) and the story itself. While it was interesting, some of the reports were a little longer then they needed to be, but it would have been an even shorter book, had they not have been included. They did add to the story however.
Overall, a really enjoyable book, with a fascinating story. An oldie, but a goodie.
Interesting Facts About Carrie:
- Stephen King was paid $400,000 for this book in 1974!
- The character of Carrie was the composite of two girls King new at high school.
Carrie was published in 1794, and again in 1975, 1978 and 1979 by New English Library (ISBN 450-04234-0), and has been made into a movie. King has written a number of best selling novels including 'Salem's Lot, Pet Cemetery and The Stand. Many of his books, novellas and short stories have been made into movies.
For more information on King, visit Stephen King's official website.
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