Carrie

by Stephen King
Carrie cover
Good Books rating 3.17
Horror
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99 Hardback • £20.00
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 7698
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780671039738
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2000-09-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Carrie is a chilling exploration of teenage angst and the horrors of high school life. The story follows Carrie White, a shy and bullied girl who discovers she possesses terrifying telekinetic powers. As her powers grow, so does her desire for revenge against those who have tormented her. The novel is a gripping tale of isolation, bullying, and the consequences of unchecked power. It's a must-read for fans of horror and psychological thrillers, offering a timeless exploration of the darker side of human nature. /n/n Stephen King's debut novel, Carrie, is a seminal work in the horror genre. It's known for its intense and suspenseful narrative, as well as its exploration of themes like teenage rebellion and the struggle for power. The novel's impact on popular culture is undeniable, with its iconic scenes and characters leaving a lasting impression on readers and viewers alike. It's a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, questioning the true extent of human potential and the dangers of unchecked power.

Reviews
The Lit Bitch · 2020-10-31
positive 4.00

The novel is praised for its suspenseful narrative and the exploration of teenage outcast experiences. The reviewer appreciates the character development and the terrifying power dynamics at play.

The Lit Bitch's review of Carrie highlights its suspenseful narrative and the exploration of teenage outcast experiences. The reviewer appreciates the character development, particularly Carrie's journey from an innocent girl to a terrifying force. They also note the novel's ability to capture the horrors of being a teenage outcast, making it a timeless and relatable read. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling exploration of power dynamics and the consequences of bullying, making it a must-read for fans of horror and psychological thrillers.

Quick quotes

    Carrie knew she should not use the terrifying power she possessed... But one night at her senior prom, Carrie was scorned and humiliated just one time too many.

    This is a Stephen King classic about an outcast girl seeking revenge on her classmates.

    King being the king of horror, I was ready to be completely terrified.

Reddit - Horror Lit · 2015-02-26
mixed 3.00

The story and characters are praised, but the writing style is criticized as lacking. The reviewer finds it to be one of King's weaker works.

Reddit's review of Carrie praises the story and characters but criticizes the writing style as lacking. The reviewer finds the novel to be one of King's weaker works, noting that the style leaves much to be desired. Despite this, they acknowledge the compelling nature of the story and the characters, making it a worthwhile read for fans of horror. The reviewer suggests that while it may not be King's best, it still has its merits and is a significant part of his bibliography.

Quick quotes

    The story and the characters are great but the style in which its written leaves a lot to be desired.

    I would list it as the last of King's works.

    It's not about the supernatural; it's about the horrors of high school and the power of revenge.

The Guardian · 2012-05-24
mixed 2.50

The novel is seen as a raw and somewhat uneven work, reflecting King's early writing style. It captures the essence of teenage angst and horror but lacks the polish of his later works.

The Guardian's review of Carrie highlights its rawness and unevenness, noting that it feels like a first attempt by a budding author. The reviewer acknowledges the novel's ability to capture the horrors of teenage life and the supernatural elements that make it a classic. However, they also point out that it lacks the depth and sophistication of King's later works. The novel is described as a cookie baked by a first grader—tasty but lumpy and burned in places. Despite its flaws, it remains a compelling read that sets the stage for King's future masterpieces.

Quick quotes

    King himself has described the novel as being 'a cookie baked by a first grader – tasty enough, but kind of lumpy and burned on the bottom.'

    It captures the essence of teenage angst and horror but lacks the polish of his later works.

    The novel is seen as a raw and somewhat uneven work, reflecting King's early writing style.

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