Elevation by Stephen King

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


An entertaining novella set in Castle Rock, with a strange mystery at its centre.

Scott Carey confides in his friend and doctor that he is experiencing increasingly bizarre medical symptoms – he is measuring weight loss at a consistent and alarming rate, yet is experiencing no physical signs. In fact, he is feeling healthier than ever.

His new neighbours, Deirdre and Missy, have only recently moved to Castle Rock, and Scott is becoming ever more frustrated with their dogs defecating on his front lawn. Scott’s attempts to resolve the issue amicably are met with disbelief. However, when he presents evidence, it only serves to sour their relationship further.

Scott bears no ill will towards his neighbours and strives to forge a friendship with them, particularly when he witnesses the discrimination the couple are facing in the village, which also threatens the success of their new business. As he embarks on this mission, Scott continues to ruminate on one question – what will happen when his weight hits zero?

Stephen King has not only mastered several genres, but also multiple forms of narrative – his novels (including sheer epics), novellas and short stories all equally skilful and successful, packed with well-developed characters, vivid imagery and intriguing plotting. The fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine, has featured and been alluded to in multiple Stephen King stories, beginning with the novel ‘The Dead Zone’ in 1979; it has even earnt its own TV series of the same name. Visiting there once again makes you feel immediately at home.

The novella also explores the impact of everyday, largely passive but no less harmful, prejudice and discrimination that remains woven into many a community – at the story’s heart is a message that to care for and help our fellow human beings with love and compassion is surely the true purpose of our lives.

‘Elevation’ is a heart-warming tale that ends with a poignant, emotional finale.



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