TL;DR
The Shining is a classic horror novel by Stephen King about a family isolated in a haunted hotel, where supernatural forces drive the father into madness.
What is The Shining about
The Shining, written by Stephen King, is a seminal work in the horror genre. The novel follows Jack Torrance, who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the Overlook Hotel, a remote establishment in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Accompanied by his wife, Wendy, and his uniquely gifted five-year-old son, Danny, Jack hopes the isolation will help him reconnect with his family and work on his writing. However, the hotel has a sinister history and is inhabited by malevolent spirits that only Danny can sense. As winter sets in, the hotel’s dark forces gradually drive Jack into a violent madness, putting his family in grave danger.
The Shining 6 Key Takeaways
Jack Torrance accepts a job at the Overlook Hotel.
Jack, a struggling writer and recovering alcoholic, hopes the job will provide him with the peace and quiet he needs to write and rebuild his relationship with his family.
Danny's psychic abilities reveal the hotel's dark nature.
Danny has 'the shining,' a psychic ability that allows him to see the hotel's horrifying past and the evil entities that inhabit it.
The isolation begins to affect Jack.
As winter sets in, and the family becomes isolated, the malevolent forces in the hotel start to influence Jack, exacerbating his already fragile mental state.
Jack's descent into madness.
Manipulated by the hotel's spirits, Jack becomes increasingly unhinged, turning violent towards his family.
The climax at the Overlook Hotel.
In a desperate bid to save themselves, Wendy and Danny must confront Jack and the hotel's evil forces in a terrifying showdown.
The hotel's fiery end.
The story culminates in a dramatic and fiery conclusion, bringing the Overlook’s horrors to a temporary end.
Top The Shining Quotes
- “Monsters are real. Ghosts are too. They live inside of us, and sometimes, they win.”
- “Sometimes human places create inhuman monsters.”
- “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”
Who should read The Shining?
The Shining is perfect for readers who enjoy psychological and supernatural horror. Fans of suspenseful, character-driven narratives will also find much to appreciate. Due to its intense themes and mature content, it is best suited for adult readers or mature teens.
The Shining Best Reviews
- Time Magazine hails The Shining as one of the 100 best mystery and thriller books of all time, praising its ability to blend psychological horror with supernatural elements.
- The New York Times lauds King’s masterful storytelling and character development, describing it as a gripping tale that explores the darker aspects of human nature and familial bonds.
People also liked these summaries
The Shining FAQs
What is the book The Shining about?
The Shining is a Gothic horror novel about a family serving as caretakers of the Overlook Hotel, which has a sinister past. The hotel’s malevolent forces drive Jack Torrance into madness, threatening his family’s safety.
Is The Shining book scary?
Yes, it is considered very scary. The novel combines psychological horror and supernatural elements to create a chilling and suspenseful atmosphere.
Is The Shining book appropriate for a 12-year-old?
Due to its intense themes and mature content, The Shining is recommended for mature teens or adults. It may be too frightening and complex for a 12-year-old.