The Shining by Stephen King: A psychological horror novel about a family's stay at a haunted hotel, where supernatural forces and the protagonist's descent into madness intertwine.
"The Shining" is indeed a psychological horror novel written by Stephen King. It was published in 1977 and has since become one of King's most famous and influential works. The story revolves around a family's experience at the isolated and haunted Overlook Hotel during the winter months. The hotel's remote location and its dark history set the stage for the unsettling events that unfold.
The Torrance family, consisting of Jack, Wendy, and their young son Danny, are hired to take care of the Overlook Hotel during the off-season. Jack, a struggling writer and recovering alcoholic, sees this opportunity as a chance to regroup and focus on his work. However, as the family becomes increasingly isolated due to the harsh weather, the supernatural presence of the hotel begins to take its toll on their sanity.
Danny, who possesses psychic abilities referred to as "the shining," is particularly sensitive to the paranormal activities within the hotel. He can communicate telepathically with others who share this ability and can also glimpse into the hotel's troubled past. The hotel's malevolent spirits, combined with Danny's psychic insights, create an atmosphere of growing tension and fear.
As the winter progresses, Jack's mental state deteriorates, exacerbated by the hotel's sinister influences. He becomes possessed by the hotel's dark forces and descends into madness. The hotel's past misdeeds and the malevolent spirits that inhabit it seem to feed off the negative emotions and vulnerabilities of the Torrance family.
Stephen King masterfully weaves together themes of isolation, addiction, family dynamics, and supernatural horror in "The Shining." The novel delves into the psychological struggles of the characters and their interactions with the malevolent forces that haunt the Overlook Hotel. King's writing style draws readers into the characters' minds, creating a sense of dread and unease that permeates the narrative.
"The Shining" has been praised for its intricate characterization, eerie atmosphere, and exploration of psychological terror. It has had a significant impact on the horror genre and has been adapted into various forms of media, including a famous film directed by Stanley Kubrick in 1980 and a later TV miniseries adaptation more closely aligned with King's original vision.