'Salem's Lot

'Salem's Lot

1975 • 668 pages

Ratings486

Average rating3.8

15

As an avid fan of Stephen King, diving into “Salem's Lot” felt like a natural progression in my exploration of the horror genre. Having enjoyed King's intricate character development and ability to create palpable atmospheres in his other works, I approached this novel with high expectations. However, “Salem's Lot” proved to be a rather challenging read for me, particularly due to its parallels with Bram Stoker's “Dracula,” a classic that I struggled with in the past year.

Similarities between “Salem's Lot” and “Dracula” range from the small-town setting to the gradual realization that supernatural forces are at play. The feeling of déjà vu, while undoubtedly intentional on King's part, created a sense of predictability that hindered my ability to become fully immersed in the narrative. It felt like a déjà vu not only in theme but also in the structure of the story, with characters discovering the truth about the supernatural threat through journals and investigations.

Maybe it is just a book at the wrong time, as I have been binging a lot of Stephen King and this was the last book that broke my streak. I might revisit at another time and give it a second chance.

January 27, 2024