This summer, I took the time to dive into several of Stephen King‘s novels. After reading Revival, Finders Keepers, and Carrie, I finally finished Doctor Sleep, the long-awaited sequel to The Shining. While Revival left a strong impression on me, I must say that Doctor Sleep stands on the same level. Although I haven’t read The Shining yet (I’ve only seen Kubrick’s film), this sequel still managed to captivate me.
Synopsis
Doctor Sleep follows Danny Torrance, now an adult, the child with the “shine” that we first met in The Shining. Having become an alcoholic, haunted by his past, he tries to rebuild his life by working at a hospice, where he helps the dying pass peacefully into the afterlife, earning him the nickname “Doctor Sleep.” His path crosses that of Abra Stone, a young girl with a power far greater than his, and together they face a terrifying supernatural group, the “True Knot,” who hunt down children to feed on their life essence, called “steam.”
My Review of Doctor Sleep
A More Emotional Journey
Far from the visceral horror of The Shining, this novel is a bittersweet melody, filled with emotion but always tinged with a certain darkness. The book delves into deep themes: addiction, legacy, and above all, the battle against one’s own demons. Danny Torrance’s struggle to break free from alcohol mirrors his father’s plight in a poignant way. The story reminds us that life is a wheel, often bringing us back to where we started.
Character Depth and Human Struggles
What I particularly appreciated about Doctor Sleep is how King develops his characters. Danny is human, flawed, and his struggles feel raw and relatable. Abra, on the other hand, is fascinating in her growth, and the bond she forms with Danny is both powerful and unexpected. The True Knot, a group of “soul vampires,” is one of King’s most memorable creations. These characters are terrifying yet intriguing, adding a modern, chilling twist to the vampire myth.
A Master of Themes and Emotions
Once again, King’s writing is on point. Doctor Sleep is a meditation on life, death, family, and legacy. Though it lacks the claustrophobic horror that defined The Shining, Doctor Sleep takes us on a gripping race against time and human frailties. King has evolved, staying true to his style while adding depth and emotional resonance. For me, Doctor Sleep ranks alongside Revival as one of his best recent works.
If you’re a Stephen King fan or just someone who enjoys dark, thoughtful stories, this book won’t disappoint. But beware… after turning the last page, it will continue to haunt you.
The Film Adaptation
A final note on the Doctor Sleep film adaptation: I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, although the plot was significantly simplified. This was especially noticeable in the depth of the characters and certain parts of the story, which lost some complexity. It’s a shame, but understandable in the context of a film adaptation. The ending, too, differs from the novel. While it works well enough on screen, I found it a bit disappointing having read the book first.
That said, the cast is excellent. Ewan McGregor as Dan Torrance fits perfectly with how I envisioned him from the book. I had imagined Morena Baccarin as Rose the Hat, but Rebecca Ferguson portrays her flawlessly, adding both menace and charisma to the character.