54 pages 1 hour read

Stephen King

The Long Walk

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1979

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Stephen King's The Long Walk, 100 teen boys compete in a grueling national competition where they must maintain a speed of four miles per hour or face being shot. As they traverse Maine, friendships and rivalries form, with Ray Garraty befriending McVries and Baker while fearing enemies like Barkovitch. They endure intense physical and emotional challenges, questioning their motivations and struggling with loss and exhaustion. The novel depicts graphic violence frequently and occasionally describes anti-gay bias and internalized conflict concerning sexual orientation and misogyny.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Stephen King's The Long Walk is lauded for its gripping pace and emotional depth, capturing the harrowing journey of its characters. Reviewers commend the psychological intensity and well-developed young protagonists. However, some criticize the repetitive nature of the narrative and its bleak outlook. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and chilling read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Long Walk?

Fans of dystopian thrillers like The Hunger Games and 1984 would enjoy Stephen King's The Long Walk. This reader appreciates intense psychological drama, dark themes, and character-driven narratives exploring human endurance and societal critique. Ideal for those intrigued by competitive survival stories with a critical eye on authority and control.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Fantasy

Themes

Relationships: Friendship

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Society: Politics & Government

Topics

Social Justice

Politics / Government

Class