Wednesday 19 October 2011

BOOK REVIEW: 'Salem's Lot - Stephen King

A tome that plunges the reader into the all too shallow waters of childhood fears, small-town mentality and a world-feared legend, King’s ‘Salem’s Lot is an unnervingly effective and unforgettable horror opus.

The Lot’s vampires recall their true origins as plague carriers and unclean, unholy wandering wastes, to whom only will and faith holds the doors fastened.

Hastily-fashioned stakes, dusty crucifixes and cloves of garlic abound as the contemporary combats a menace medieval in its approach and cruelty.

King’s skill soaks through the pages as from a jagged wound bound in cloth, displaying his ability to plunge the reader into his created world by peeling away adult reason and forcing the imagination to once again witness the eyes that peer from the closet and to hear the rhythmic breathing from under the bed.

The Marsten House, perpetually looming and seemingly invincible, is a numbing representation of every old-wives' tale and local legend found the world over.

Simply excellent.

Originally posted to Shelfari.com, 3 May, 2010.

-polymer

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