In Stephen King's latest novel, Holly, the master of horror takes a departure from the supernatural and plunges readers into the real-life horrors of bigotry, hatred, and societal division. Set against the backdrop of the Covid pandemic, King skillfully weaves a narrative that digs deep into the heart of human darkness as he explores the ugliness of prejudice, hatred, and the consequences of societal othering.
The horror in Holly emerges not from supernatural entities but from the enmity that resides in people who harbor hatred towards those who look and love differently than they do. King delves into the depths of prejudice, discrimination, and the consequences of unchecked animosity. The narrative is chillingly relevant, holding up a mirror to American society's struggles with diversity and acceptance.
At the center of the story is Holly Gibney, a character who stands as a testament to King's ability to craft fully fleshed-out, authentic individuals. She has appeared in four novels, Mr. Mercedes, Finders Keepers, End of Watch, and The Outsider. Holly, has the title implies, is her novel and her character leaps off the page. As someone on the autism scale with obsessive-compulsive disorder, Holly is not just a vehicle for the plot but a person with a distinct personality, quirks, and struggles. Her journey through the novel is both compelling and heart-wrenching, as she confronts not only external threats but also personal losses and betrayals. King's portrayal of Holly is a masterclass in character development, creating someone readers can empathize with, fear for, and ultimately root for.
King's antagonists, the Professors Harris, are also well-developed and realistic, even with their macabre beliefs and behaviors. Professor Emily Harris, an English professor, resonated with me on a deeply personal level as I was viscerally reminded of some of my former colleagues, albeit without the horror. King's razor-sharp critique of academia is well-founded, as I knew and worked with professors who were deeply prejudiced and bigoted, yet hid it behind a veneer of tolerance and liberalism.
The use of the pandemic as a backdrop adds an extra layer of intensity to the narrative. King skillfully captures the fear, uncertainty, and division that characterized the real-world events of recent years. The indiscriminate killing of black Americans by those sworn to "serve and protect," the Black Lives Matter movements, Trump, vaccines, masks, and the Big Lie, all move through the novel allowing us to clearly see the fissures that still exist and threaten to destroy American society. The societal rifts caused by the pandemic become a breeding ground for the darker aspects of human nature, allowing bigotry and prejudice to fester and flourish.
Holly is not merely a horror novel; it's a social commentary that forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world around them. The horror in this novel is not the stuff of nightmares, but a reflection of the very really nightmares that many individuals face daily. King's exploration of the human capacity for hatred is both timely and timeless, serving as a stark reminder that the real monsters are not lurking in the shadows but within the hearts of those who refuse to accept diversity and embrace intolerance.
Holly is a haunting and thought-provoking addition to Stephen King's extensive body of work. It showcases his ability to evolve as a writer, tackling contemporary issues with the same skill and intensity that has made him a literary icon. As the horrors unfold, readers will find themselves not only captivated by the suspense but also compelled to reflect on the society we live in and the choices we make in the face of adversity. The novel is a stark reminder that sometimes, the scariest monsters are the ones we create ourselves.
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