#26 – ‘Salem’s Lot

Plot

Ben Mears has returned to Jerusalem’s Lot in hopes that exploring the history of the Marsten House, an old mansion long the subject of rumor and speculation, will help him cast out his personal devils and provide inspiration for his new book. But when two young boys venture into the woods, and only one returns alive, Mears begins to realize that something sinister is at work—in fact, his hometown is under siege from forces of darkness far beyond his imagination. And only he, with a small group of allies, can hope to contain the evil that is growing within the borders of this small New England town.

Review

Previously I’ve mentioned how King’s writing has gotten crisper, cleaner and more concise over the years.  However, his villains – especially those of the paranormal sort – have often acted as nothing more as backdrops to larger human-related issues as King has gotten older.  Make no mistake – in ‘Salem’s Lot, King pens an absolute monster in the vampire named Kurt Barlow.

King has often called ‘Salem’s Lot his favorite book, and it would be hard to argue with the esteemed author.  This novel – while lite on character development – is pure horror.  The plot is one you’ve heard before; a vampire moves into a small town and terrorizes the residents.  However, the way King can accurately capture that fear and tension is riveting.  

Despite lacking fully developed protagonists in certain areas, ‘Salem’s Lot does feature Father Callahan, who is one of my favorite King personas, for his simplistic – but completely authentic and human – characterization.  Father Callahan may be well-meaning, but he’s not perfect, and King is able to demonstrate that effortlessly.

‘Salem’s Lot also features one of my favorite epilogues.  In fact, after I read it, I thought it would set up a potential sequel, but King has confirmed there will be none.  King has mentioned that he felt the storyline complete when he brought back Father Callahan to The Dark Tower series, but I would have loved to read about the possibilities from that final epilogue scene.   

Details

Pages: 653

Dates Read: February – March 2019

Quote: “But when fall comes, kicking summer out on its treacherous ass as it always does one day sometime after the midpoint of September, it stays awhile like an old friend that you have missed. It settles in the way an old friend will settle into your favorite chair and take out his pipe and light it and then fill the afternoon with stories of places he has been and things he has done since last he saw you.”

Best Part: Barlow challenging Father Callahan’s faith.

Hint for #25: Combine Thomas Edison’s enthusiasm for lightning with The Righteous Gemstones.

 

Until next time, peace be the journey.