A review by Softcore Catholic
This is my first Stephen King read. I hear comparisons of it to Robert McCammon's SWAN SONG. While of the same genre, it is a different take on the post apocalyptic purging of mankind... or maybe just that of the Americas.
I have the expanded edition, the one released in 1991, it runs a 1138 pages, but it probably has the most properly drawn characters that I've ever read in a novel.
There's the self-debasing, but ultimately self-redeeming Larry Underwood who journeys from a worldly career to selfless willingness to sacrifice himself. The adroit deaf mute Nick Andros. The misunderstood and ultimately tragic Harold Lauder. Frannie Goldsmith, who goes from losing her beloved father to strength, independence and persistence in what she desires. And of course the noble Stuart Redman.
I have been a reader of Dean Koontz, who puts useful characters of dogs in his novels. It seems that this book, (first published in 1978) precedes Koontz's WATCHERS in putting in a precocious canine by the name of Kojak.
All of the characters are pitted into disaster and their abilities are put at stake and into play. The adventurous judge. The masculine and fearless Dayna Jurgens. And the mildly retarded but golden hearted Tom Cullen, who eventually works with Stu Redman towards the end of the book.
King also contrasts the spiritually fanatical, but nonetheless divine 108 year old Mother Abegail, who close she is to the Creator, and King allows the reader to root for the Greater Good when the Dark Man loses himself. The most defiant scenes are when three of our heroes merely laugh and ridicule the worst of Satan's demons.
They have been men of carnal knowledge of inclinations, but ultimately King elevates them to the highest degree of spiritual fulfillment and fearlessness. From self debasement, to self assurance in the Lord.
The book ends with Stuart and Frannie asking themselves a question. It does not end in an emotionally euphoric note like most books of Koontz and Robert McCammon. It even ends with the cycle of the dark man in another time.
But the circle opens. And then it closes. Fully. The reader satisfied.
I rate THE STAND a 10/10
My first read from King. And now I have an amazing first impression.
