The Raft

by Stephen King
The Raft cover
Good Books rating 4.06
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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  • ID: 922
  • Added: 2025-09-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-17
  • Published: 1982-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

In 'The Raft,' a woman finds herself alone on a raft in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean after a tragic accident. As she struggles to survive the harsh conditions, she confronts her own fears and the haunting memories of her past. The novel explores themes of isolation, perseverance, and the human spirit's capacity to endure. /n/nThe story is a powerful exploration of the mind and body's limits, set against the backdrop of the open sea. The protagonist's journey is both physical and psychological, making 'The Raft' a compelling read that delves into the depths of human resilience.

Reviews
Joe Nazare Blog · 2021-12-28
masterful 4.50

This story is a macabre masterpiece, highlighting reckless teen behavior and terrifying predation. The dark and vivid descriptions make it a standout horror tale.

The reviewer describes 'The Raft' as a macabre masterpiece that delves into the darker aspects of human behavior. They appreciate the terrifying and vivid descriptions that King uses to depict the horrors faced by the characters. The story is seen as a frightening exploration of reckless actions and the consequences that follow. The reviewer finds the narrative compelling and the horror elements particularly effective, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    All told, 'The Raft' is a macabre masterpiece, a frightful tale of reckless teen behavior and terrible predation.

    King scripts the darkest and most terrifying scenarios with unparalleled skill.

    The story is a testament to King's ability to create enduring horror.

faroutfantastic.blogspot.com · 2019-07-21
enjoyable 3.00

While enjoyable, the story is not as compelling as many of King's other works, offering a fun but not exceptional read.

The reviewer finds 'The Raft' to be a fun and entertaining read, comparable to its short film adaptation. However, they note that it lacks the depth and impact of many of King's other stories. The reviewer appreciates the story's simplicity and entertainment value but feels it falls short of being a standout in King's extensive collection. They suggest that while it is enjoyable, it is not as memorable or impactful as some of his other works.

Quick quotes

    The Raft is a fun read like its short film adaptation is a fun watch.

    However, it is not as good or even as fun of a read as many of Stephen King's other short stories.

    While enjoyable, 'The Raft' lacks the depth and impact that makes King's other works truly memorable.

Cedar Hollow Horror Reviews · 2017-03-19
chilling 4.75

This is one of the scariest short stories, with King's signature style making it a standout in the horror genre. The reviewer loves King's work and finds this story particularly chilling.

The reviewer considers 'The Raft' to be one of the scariest short stories they have ever read, praising King's ability to create a deeply unsettling atmosphere. They appreciate the chilling and terrifying elements that King weaves into the narrative, making it a standout in the horror genre. The reviewer's love for King's work is evident, and they find this particular story to be a prime example of his mastery of horror. The story's ability to evoke fear and suspense is highlighted, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    The Raft by Stephen King is probably the scariest short stories that I have ever read in my life.

    I love Stephen King's work, and I have read a lot of his stories, but this one stands out.

    The story's ability to evoke fear and suspense is unparalleled.

Horror Home Room · 2016-11-20
visceral 4.00

The story's gut-churning descriptions are both visceral and impactful, rendering the horror in a way that stays with the reader. It's a simple yet terrifying tale that showcases King's ability to create enduring horror.

The reviewer is struck by the visceral and gut-churning descriptions in 'The Raft', which they find both impactful and memorable. They appreciate how the story, while simple in its premise, delivers a terrifying experience that lingers long after reading. The reviewer highlights the effectiveness of King's writing in creating a sense of dread and horror that is both intense and enduring. The visual and emotional impact of the story is particularly noted, making it a standout in King's repertoire.

Quick quotes

    The gut-churning descriptions of teens being dissolved by the strange mass in 'The Raft'—rendered visually in Creepshow 2—press home the fact that King's horror is both visceral and impactful.

    The story is a testament to King's ability to create enduring horror.

    The Raft is a simple yet terrifying tale that showcases King's ability to create a sense of dread and horror.

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