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The Stand

Stephen King
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72 pages • 2 hours read

Stephen King

The Stand

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1978

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  • Before You Read Sparkles iconBeta

  • Summary

  • Character Analysis

  • Themes

  • Symbols & Motifs

  • Important Quotes

  • Essay Topics

    • Before You Read

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    Super Short Summary

    The Stand by Stephen King is a post-apocalyptic science fiction and horror fantasy novel in which a man-made plague decimates over 99% of the U.S. population, leaving survivors to form new societies. One group, led by an elderly prophet named Abagail, represents good, while the other, led by the malevolent Randall Flagg, symbolizes evil. The ensuing confrontation explores themes of morality and societal rebuilding.

    Reviews & Readership

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    Review Roundup

    Stephen King's The Stand is widely praised for its complex characters, gripping narrative, and expansive scope. Reviewers highlight the novel's exploration of good vs. evil as compelling and thought-provoking. Criticisms include its length, with some finding the pacing uneven. Overall, it stands as a monumental achievement in the post-apocalyptic genre.

    Who should read this

    Who Should Read The Stand?

    Fans of sprawling, epic tales with a mix of supernatural elements and human drama will enjoy The Stand by Stephen King. Readers captivated by the moral complexities in works like The Road by Cormac McCarthy or the character depth in World War Z by Max Brooks will find this intricate narrative appealing.

    Recommended

    Reading Age

    18+years

    Book Details

    Genre

    Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

    Themes

    Values/Ideas: Good & Evil