The Shining” by Stephen King — Summary

Iamlycasmith
3 min readDec 12, 2023

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The Shining” is a psychological horror novel that delves into the disturbing experiences of the Torrance family at the isolated Overlook Hotel. Jack Torrance, a struggling writer and recovering alcoholic, accepts a position as the off-season caretaker of the hotel. He moves in with his wife Wendy and their young son Danny, who possesses psychic abilities referred to as “the shining.”

The Shining” by Stephen King — GET THE FREE AUDIO BOOK CLICK HERE

As winter settles in, the hotel becomes cut off from the outside world due to heavy snowfall. The eerie atmosphere and the hotel’s haunted history begin to take a toll on Jack’s mental stability. Meanwhile, Danny’s psychic abilities allow him to perceive the supernatural entities that inhabit the hotel, including the ghostly apparitions of previous caretakers who succumbed to the hotel’s malevolent influence.

Jack’s mental unraveling is exacerbated by the malevolent forces within the Overlook, which exploit his weaknesses and inner demons. The hotel’s sinister presence awakens latent aggression and violence in Jack, leading to a descent into madness. The Overlook seems to feed off his negative energy, manipulating him to carry out its dark desires.

The Shining” by Stephen King — GET THE FREE AUDIO BOOK CLICK HERE

Wendy, Jack’s wife, becomes increasingly alarmed by Jack’s erratic behavior and the strange occurrences within the hotel. As Jack becomes more unhinged, Wendy struggles to protect herself and Danny from the growing danger. The tension builds as the family confronts not only the physical threats within the hotel but also the supernatural entities that seek to consume them.

The story is punctuated by unsettling visions and psychic communications experienced by Danny. His unique abilities allow him to communicate with the hotel’s cook, Dick Hallorann, who shares the same psychic gift. Hallorann becomes aware of the danger the Torrance family faces and rushes to their aid.

The climax unfolds as Jack, fully consumed by the malevolent forces of the hotel, becomes a threat to his own family. The Overlook’s dark history and the psychic resonance of its haunted past culminate in a harrowing showdown between the Torrance family and the supernatural entities that haunt the hotel.

The Shining” by Stephen King — GET THE FREE AUDIO BOOK CLICK HERE

Stephen King masterfully weaves psychological horror with supernatural elements, exploring themes of isolation, addiction, and the impact of a haunted past on the present. The Overlook Hotel becomes a character in itself, a malevolent force that preys on the vulnerabilities of those within its walls.

“The Shining” is a gripping tale that transcends traditional horror tropes, delving into the psyche of its characters and the psychological horror of isolation. King’s skillful storytelling and deep exploration of the human psyche create a chilling narrative that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

I hope this gives you a solid overview of “The Shining” without any unnecessary fluff. Let me know if you need anything else!

The Shining” by Stephen King — GET THE FREE AUDIO BOOK CLICK HERE

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Iamlycasmith
Iamlycasmith

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