BOOK REVIEW | BOOK RECOMMENDATION
The Long Walk by Stephen King, Writing as Richard Bachman
This is actually Stephen King’s first book written as Richard Bachman. There is nothing otherworldly about this book.
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Introduction
Stephen King’s “The Long Walk,” written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, plunges readers into a dystopian world where youth participate in a deadly competition for the ultimate prize: survival.
Summary
In “The Long Walk,” set in a dystopian, totalitarian America, one hundred teenage boys embark on a harrowing journey known as the Long Walk. Led by the enigmatic Major, they must maintain a steady pace of four miles per hour or face elimination — death. As the miles stretch endlessly before them, the Walk tests their physical and mental limits, revealing the true nature of humanity under extreme pressure. King’s evocative prose and relentless pacing draw readers into a chilling tale of sacrifice and survival.
You would think that there wouldn’t be enough action on a long walk like this to keep it interesting — you’d be wrong.
“Against the wishes of his mother, sixteen-year-old Ray Garraty is about to compete in the annual grueling match of stamina and wits known as the Long Walk. One hundred boys must keep a steady pace of four miles per hour without ever stopping…with the winner being awarded “The Prize” — anything he wants for the rest of his life.” — Amazon blurb.
“I don’t want to see it anymore. It’s lousy. And it’s a cheat. You build it all around something… set yourself on something… and then you don’t want it. Isn’t it too bad the great truths are all such lies?” — Stephen King, The Long Walk.
Narration
The story is narrated primarily from the first-person perspective of Ray Garraty as he navigates the grueling journey of the Long Walk.
Setting
Set in near-future America, “The Long Walk” takes place against the backdrop of a society governed by authoritarian rule. The bleak and desolate landscape serves as a metaphor for the oppressive regime that controls the lives of its citizens.
“They walked through the rainy dark like gaunt ghosts, and Garraty didn’t like to look at them. They were the walking dead.” — Stephen King, The Long Walk.
Theme
“The Long Walk” explores the themes of perseverance, sacrifice, and the corrupting influence of power. It explores the depths of human resilience and examines man’s moral dilemmas when confronting overwhelming odds. Through this gripping narrative, King explores the themes of endurance, morality, and the human spirit.
“Love is a fake! Olson was blaring. There are three great truths in the world, and they are a good meal, a good screw, and a good shit, and that’s all! If there is an after, I hope it’s not dark.” — Stephen King, The Long Walk.
Genre
“The Long Walk” belongs to the dystopian fiction genre, inviting comparisons to works like William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” and Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games” trilogy.
“He watched his feet, the only things that were keeping him from finding out if there really was a Kingdom of Heaven or not.” — Stephen King, The Long Walk.
About the Author
Stephen King, one of our time's most prolific and influential authors, has penned numerous bestsellers across various genres. While it stands out as a Richard Bachman book, it shares thematic elements with his other novels, including “The Running Man” (another Bachman book) and “The Stand.”
Plot
In “The Long Walk,” readers follow protagonist Ray Garraty as he joins the annual Long Walk — a televised event where participants endure grueling conditions in a fight for survival.
As the Walk progresses, friendships are forged, alliances are tested, and Garraty confronts the harsh realities of the world he inhabits. With each step, the line between victory and defeat blurs, leading to a riveting climax that challenges notions of heroism and sacrifice.
“It’s like practicing pole vaulting your entire life, and then getting to the Olympics and saying, ‘what the hell did I want to jump over this stupid bar for?’” ― Stephen King, The Long Walk.
My Recommendation
I recommend it to those who enjoy gripping dystopian fiction and psychological thrillers.
There are incidents of gripping violence and some sexual overtones. While its themes may resonate more strongly with mature audiences, its compelling narrative and thought-provoking insights make it a captivating read for anyone interested in exploring the darker aspects of human nature.
“In this #1 national bestseller, master storyteller Stephen King, writing as Richard Bachman, tells the tale of the contestants of a grueling walking competition where there can only be one winner — the one that survives.” — Amazon blurb.
Of the 11,255 verified Amazon buyers who rated the book, 82% gave it four or five stars, with an overall rating of 4.3. What’s more, the 182,786 ratings on Goodreads gave it a 4.1 out of 5 stars.
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Steve Dalton is a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. I am a Friend of Medium who reads a lot, and I tell my friends about what I’ve read. Also, a Top Writer in Bitcoin, Business, Investing, Nutrition, Travel, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, and Short Story.