88 pages • 2 hours read
Stephen KingThe Shining
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1977A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Shining by Stephen King follows Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic, who takes a winter caretaker job at the isolated Overlook Hotel with his wife Wendy and their psychic son Danny. As the hotel's malevolent influence grows, Jack descends into madness, endangering his family, who must survive both his violence and the supernatural forces at work. The book includes references to alcohol addiction and domestic abuse.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Stephen King's The Shining is widely praised for its intense atmosphere and masterful storytelling. Critics admire its character development and the eerie ambiance of the Overlook Hotel. However, some find the pacing uneven and argue the horror elements can overshadow character depth. Overall, it's a compelling read for horror enthusiasts.
Who Should Read The Shining?
An ideal reader for Stephen King's The Shining enjoys psychological horror with elements of the supernatural. Fans of suspenseful and haunting narratives like Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House or Henry James's The Turn of the Screw will find themselves captivated by the eerie atmosphere and complex character dynamics present in King's work.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
840L