The Shining

Review by Elleanore G. Vance



Many of us first met the Torrence family in  Stanley Kubrick's iconic film, I know I did. That film splits the book's fanbase, some with Steve hating it, others not. The novel seems to be a creature of similar genus, but not the same species. I personally understand many of Kubrick's directorial decisions, but we're not here to talk about the film. 

Jack Torrence is an alcoholic. He's neither a drowsy drunk, nor a jovial drunk. And he is definitely NOT an "I love you, man" drunk. He is what I would term a volatile drunk. Not dangerous if alone, but can combust with great violence when mixed with other elements. Results unpredictable. Some of these results include breaking the arm if his young (3-5 years old) son for spilling some school papers, and a possible hit and run of a cyclist while driving drunk. I wish I could tell you that all of this scared Jack straight into the arms of AA. Instead, an incident involving a student at the fancy prep school where Jack teaches causes him to lose said employment and sends the Torrence family away from New England in search of a fresh start.

Wendy is brilliant, smart and well educated. She's a good mom. But there is something about her... something that says she's been abused and she just can't admit it to herself, let alone to anyone else. 

And then there is Little Danny of the broken arm. Danny has an "imaginary friend" called Tony. And there's something very special about Danny. He shines. 

The Overlook should have been the Torrence Family's salvation, (maybe in a sick way it was) instead that winter is their own personal version of Hell. King says he has done his best to write Jack as a guy who only does bad stuff when he drinks. I just can't see him that way. Jack's story isn't the one I sympathize with, its Wendy and Danny. 

I dare y'all to start this book the next time it looks like snow. Pace yourself, though. This is a 1977 King classic, and he greatly distrusted editors at this time. That said, he has a tendency to meander

⭐⭐⭐3/5

Previously published at
https://consortiumofsevenyearthree.blogspot.com/2022/03/doctor-sleep-and-shining-two-book.html

March 3 of 2022

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