The Stand

I do wonder if reading the uncut version may have hampered my enjoyment here. Many people seem to site the Stand as being one of King's best works. Undoubtedly, parts of this book are brilliant. The first part, Captain Trips, is a gorgeous study of a plague of apocalyptic proportions. This first third of the book was definitely the highlight and was a joy to read. The sense of loss and end of the world was amazingly captured, and with recent events worldwide felt very on the nose. The denialism of figures in power was remarkably prescient.

The book begins to lose its way after that unfortunately. The next large chunk is largely based on the politics of trying to build a new society. It works well enough but doesn't have the power or emotional impact of the first part. It also drags a bit - it is a long section of not a huge amount happening. When the book is as long as this one, that does feel a bit indulgent.

The final part dealing with a supernatural evil seems unnecessary and pointless. The big bad here is ultimately very underwhelming and the quasi religious nature of everything related to him was all a bit meh for me. Unfortunately this mean the book doesn't stick the landing with the ending.

It is a mighty tome and at places an interesting study in human response to disaster. The first third is brilliant, the second third is pretty good, the last third is a mess. A lot of promise, but the pay off is not quite good enough for its length.