Brilliant! Just Brilliant!

I wasn't even born in 1975 when the book was published. However, I still managed to connect deeply with the story and the characters. Surprisingly, they didn't come across as old-fashioned or out-dated at all. Stephen King truly knows the art of captivating the reader and scaring them in his unique and typical way. It was quite apt that we had a couple of nights of thunderstorms here. Let's just say that I found myself repeatedly checking the windows to make sure they were closed properly. The power of King's writing is such that it can make you feel a sense of unease and paranoia even in the safety of your own home. It's no wonder he is regarded as one of the greatest horror writers of all time.

October 2022 -

You know a book is truly remarkable when it accidentally becomes an annual reread. I always look forward to returning to this one in October. Last month, I managed to squeeze in a reread of Carrie, and it's truly a significant leap forward for just King's second book. I guess I'll have to reread The Shining soon and continue working my way through his early books in order. This wasn't part of the original plan, but as they say, everything is eventual.

October 2021 - Spooky Season Reread.

The only emperor is the emperor of ice cream.

It's always a pleasure to revisit old school Stephen King.

Just like Ben Mears, it was wonderful to come back to the Lot and see some familiar faces, make new acquaintances, and check out the old Marsten House.

Until the second half of the book when the fun and games are over and all hell breaks loose.

My previous review is below. It still earns a solid four stars from me.

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Hey.

I'm not a big fan of vampires, okay?

I mean, I'm fine with scary books, and I do read them, but vampires...

They're just not really my cup of tea.

If I had to rank my favorite types of horror novels, and I can't imagine a situation where I would have to do that, except for now, obviously...

Vampires would be near the bottom of the list.

They would be one or two spots above werewolves.

Werewolves are just plain stupid, and so are books about them.

Come on, werewolves.

Now, I am a Stephen King enthusiast.

Not all the time, but especially his early works. This is his second book.

And in his second book, Stephen King wrote a story about vampires.

Thank goodness he didn't write a story about werewolves for his second book. If he had, he probably wouldn't even be a household name today. He might have had to give up writing and find another job, like selling insurance or driving for Lyft.

Anyway, I'm not giving this story four stars because of the vampires.

I'm awarding this book four stars because he managed to take something I'm not overly crazy about, namely vampires, and construct a truly fantastic story.

The best parts of Salem's Lot have very little to do with vampires anyway.

After writing Carrie, King added a significant number of pages to his next book, and he really takes his time with this one.

There are entire chapters titled The Lot, which are dedicated to the town and the people who live in it, and those are some of the best chapters in the book.

King creates this amazing world set within a small town, populated by characters who have depth and significance. Even the minor characters get their chance to shine and have a moment in the spotlight.

King spends pages just discussing the Lot, how it came to be, how it has changed, what kind of people live there and why...

... and of course, vampires.

The terror builds gradually. You know what's going on. You have an idea of where the story is headed. But in the end, it goes there and then远超 your expectations, and...

... oh my.

I think in every King review I write, I say something along the lines of King being a better writer than a horror writer. He's at his best when he's not trying to scare you.

I always say that, and I still stand by it.

However...

In this book, he excels at both. He takes the time to build up the horror and suspense in the first half, and the second half really delivers.

Even with vampires.

Hopefully, you've read this before. If not, read it in October. Or now. Or whenever. You don't even have to read it. You should read it, but not reading it is your choice. It's not the right choice, but it's yours to make.

However, and this is my last "however" and the last thing I'm going to write...

However... oops...

If you don't read this and instead read a book about werewolves, and I'll make an exception for Book 5 of the Dark Tower series. It has wolves in the title, so it's okay. That's the only exception.

If you do that, we can't be friends. I'm sorry. Well, we can be friends. It's fine. We probably shouldn't be, but let's be friends anyway. Choices are great, aren't they?

Good night, guys.

Salem's Lot is my absolute favorite Stephen King novel.

Admittedly, I haven't had the opportunity to read every single book that he has published. However, this particular novel holds a special place in my heart.

I first read Salem's Lot in the late 70's or early 80's. Wow, thinking about it now, that was truly a long time ago.

Over the years, I have reread it a total of 4 or 5 times. It's one of those books that I keep coming back to, a guilty pleasure of mine.

In fact, I have a feeling that another reread is just around the corner. There's something about the story, the characters, and the atmosphere that keeps drawing me in.

Whether it's the spooky town of Salem's Lot, the terrifying vampires, or the complex relationships between the characters, there's always something new to discover and enjoy.

I can't wait to immerse myself in the world of Salem's Lot once again and experience all the thrills and chills that it has to offer.

Just a picturesque little town not far down the road from Portland, Maine by way of Route 12.

There is a big house on the hill, overlooking its lot. Salem's Lot, oddly named after a pig named Jerusalem who'd escaped his pen and went wild many, many years before. The name stuck, and so did the people. Until now. Suddenly, the town is deserted. People say it's a ghost town. But this kind of thing happens from time to time. People up and leave a place without explanation.

Take Momson, Vermont, for example. During the summer of '23, 312 souls just blew away with the wind. That's a bit different from the little over 1300 of Salem's Lot, though. Some of the residents have been found living elsewhere. For instance, ol' Parkins Gillespie, the former constable, said, "I just decided to leave," and nothing more. But where are some of the other long-time standing residents? What about Father Donald Callahan? Eva Miller? Or the guy who stayed at Eva's boardinghouse that last summer, Ben Mears?

Granted, I'm not saying much about the plot here, or just how and why this little town is deserted. Ixnay on the vampiresay! (a little not so secretive pig-latin there.) You may or may not be a King fan, or a horror fan. But most everyone knows what this book is about. The old legends remain safe in this story, but it's told in a believable yarn that only Stephen King can spin. He removes some of the stale stereotypes, which is a good thing, and adds in some character significance. The writing may not match that of The Stand or IT, which came later. But the scare-vibe is there, along with the many intricacies that make reading one of his stories so enjoyable.

My second encounter with this book; the first time was likely during my teenage years, though I can't precisely recall when. This time around, I found myself liking it even more. I believe that as the years have elapsed, I have developed a more profound appreciation for the various elements that King incorporates into his works.

As a teenager, my focus was primarily on finding a thrilling and spine-chilling story. However, as an adult who has perused numerous of King's books and tales over the years, I now perceive connections and his efforts to allow characters to evolve in a manner that I didn't fully comprehend before.

In 'Salem's Lot, the protagonist returns to the location of his childhood, which holds not only pleasant memories but also the most harrowing and traumatic experience of his life. He entertains the notion that by revisiting the site of his trauma and confronting it, he can somehow expel it from his life forever.

Regrettably, things don't unfold in such a straightforward manner.

What transpires is a vampire story that is on par with the best of them. Vampire narratives experience fluctuations in popularity, but they never entirely fade from the cultural consciousness. King reminds us of the horror inherent in vampires, the violence and death, in contrast to the sleek sensuality that we frequently encounter. The story conveys despair, with only scant glimmers of hope, entirely reliant on the strength of will of a few characters.

Overall, 'Salem's Lot endures as a classic that is well worth a read, or a reread if it has been several years or decades since your last encounter.

I absolutely love that they use the traditional vampires.
The characters are great, and Stephen King doesn't hesitate to get rid of some of the ones you grow attached to. There are scenes that I adored like you have no idea, unique and brutal scenes that you won't find anywhere else. I really liked the story and its entire development. However, I noticed a lot of similarity with Dracula: good against evil, and a pursuit; which I've seen in several books already. But here, Stephen King uses it well and steps out of that path a little. He uses the town of Salem's Lot as an additional character. I repeat: IT HAS INCREDIBLE SCENES! Totally recommended!

Salem's Lot is truly one of the remarkable books that could potentially justify having a sequel.

Personally, I have a deep affection for the way it concluded. It was nothing short of perfect, and I'm truly glad that King resisted the temptation to revisit and expand upon his vampire classic. However, there is a tiny part of me that can't help but yearn to know more about this modern-day Van Helsing and his loyal sidekick.

Some of you might be eager to mention "One for the Road," but let's be clear, I'm referring to a proper sequel, and you all know it.

What makes Salem's Lot so engaging is that King modernized the Dracula story. If you haven't read it, you might not find the original Dracula all that interesting by today's horror standards. I'm not suggesting it's not good; rather, I'm stating that most people, especially those who don't read much, wouldn't be overly impressed with the "real" story. Stephen King might very well be the first to oppose my view, as he claims the book transformed his world. But I firmly adhere to my opinion that the classic tale wouldn't meet the expectations of the vast majority of today's audience.

While many of you have likely read some updated version of Dracula, I believe King was among the first to do it exceptionally well. This is mainly because his story works as an outstanding vampire tale even if you haven't read Stoker's original. King's concept was to explore what would occur if Dracula and Renfield had access to modern conveniences like electric lights and cars. How swiftly could a group of vampires take over a town if they began preying on their friends and neighbors in the present day?

And perhaps even more significantly, who would be the one to stop them? In a world that has forgotten to fear the things that lurk in the darkness, who will be astute enough to connect the dots and recognize an ancient evil that has been dismissed as a mere myth believed by superstitious peasants?

For me, Salem's Lot remains an excellent vampire story, regardless of whether you're a die-hard Stephen King fan or not. Highly recommended.

Stephen King's "Salem's Lot" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that delves into the dark recesses of human nature and the power of evil. Set in the small town of Salem's Lot, the story unfolds with a sense of foreboding and mystery.

The novel begins with a man and a young boy traveling away from the United States, trying to escape as much as possible. However, when the man reads about the disappearance of most of the inhabitants of Salem's Lot and the strange rumors surrounding the town, they are forced to return. As the story progresses, we are introduced to a cast of characters, each with their own fears and desires.

One of the most interesting aspects of the novel is King's exploration of the concept of evil. He challenges the traditional view of evil as a simple, one-dimensional force and presents it as a complex and multifaceted entity. The vampires in the story are not just bloodthirsty monsters, but rather a symbol of the darker aspects of human nature.

Another notable feature of the novel is King's use of vivid and descriptive language. He brings the town of Salem's Lot to life, painting a detailed picture of its streets, buildings, and inhabitants. The reader can almost feel the presence of the evil that lurks within the town.

In addition to its engaging storyline and rich characters, "Salem's Lot" also contains some profound philosophical insights. King explores themes such as the nature of faith, the power of the imagination, and the importance of facing one's fears. These themes add depth and complexity to the novel, making it more than just a simple horror story.

Overall, "Salem's Lot" is a masterful work of fiction that will appeal to fans of horror, mystery, and literature in general. It is a novel that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it, making you question the nature of evil and the power of the human spirit.

Well, this is truly annoying times two.

I had just painstakingly written a review, only to lose it completely. And then, there's this *other* issue that keeps bugging me.

What could that other issue be?

Oh, it's about my 14-year-old self with all that supposed wisdom and experience. I remember that I thought a certain tale set in a small town, which should have been a thrilling vampire story, was rather boring and lacking in truly epic blood and guts. If that 14-year-old had his way, a whopping 80% of the novel would have been chopped off. Why? Because it was too character-driven, too focused on hundreds of characters who seemed to be just set up to meet a gruesome death (or undeath), and it was also too detail-driven and had a poor pace for what I thought a thriller should be.

Damn it, I realize now that I was such a dipshit back then. Mind you, I'm not saying I'm not a dipshit anymore, but that kid was really an idiot. I mean, I had only been reading for less than a year, and 8 months of that was spent learning *how* to read. Of course, I was more influenced by all those slasher movies than by the proper construction of a novel. I even watched what I considered a crappy made-for-TV movie based on this book, and I think I might have been a *little* too harsh on it.

Now, fast forward to the present. I've completely changed my tune. I've bumped up the rating from a scathing 3 stars to a full-blown 5. As an adult reading this adult novel of suspense, I'm emotionally invested in the characters, there's subtle humor, and there are more high-brow words than I remember Stephen King usually using in his novels. The beautifully crafted passages of hometown life falling into what might as well be a modern retelling of a medieval town under the spell of the Black Plague, with all its horror, sadness, and superstition, are truly captivating.

This novel is gripping and intense to my adult sensibilities. Do I feel like a fool for my old memories? Absolutely yes. Am I embarrassed? Yes, indeed. But am I also absolutely impressed and amazed that the very first "trash" novelist I got into as a kid actually turned out to be a consummate master of the writing craft? A resounding yes!

All the things I hated as a kid are now the things I love the most in this novel. The characters are absolutely wonderful. I became completely immersed in them, and later, I fell in love with the whole town. The fact that it has a cancer eating away at it from the inside, slowly, only adds to the tension. This may be a vampire novel, but it's really a tragedy through and through. We expect to love and lose our loved ones, and that's the true horror. It's not just about the eyes like stars or the breath that smells of pure putrescence or the image of a supernatural horror that no longer needs keys because the dead can squeeze between door jams.

Of course, Part 3 is all action all the time, with the stakes as high as they can be. It's all about pure survival. But Part 1 (the get-to-know-you part) and Part 2 (where something isn't right) are some of the best readings of Stephen King, like, ever. :) Believe me, he has his own personal formula when it comes to writing, but I know of no one who can pull off exactly what he does. He makes everyone so damn real to me. :)

Fun fact! There's a dead John Snow who knows nothing in this novel! Isn't that kind of fun?

So, I've eaten crow and admitted that I'm sorry for being such a childhood idiot. But what I really mean is that There Are No Sparkles. This is a novel of horrible anticipation and deep sadness, of exciting vampire hunting with truly intelligent foes. There are no levelled-up vamps or long antihero arcs or Master Vampire Hunters. And best of all, there are no werewolves.

There is, however, a sense of reality, loss, and fear. And if you're missing a huge dose of that in your life, if only to hold up as a mirror to your own life and say that things aren't so bad for you, then you really ought to go out and pick up a copy. I can't believe this is only SK's second novel! Wow!

I am filled with a sense of nostalgia as I look back to a bygone era when certain fantasy creatures were truly fearsome monsters, not the twinkling, soft, and emo snobs they have become.

Somehow, the Lovecraftian, subtle, and rising horror that King was so adept at in the early days of his career has diminished over the years. In the newer books I've read, there is not as much of that special meta-cosmic existential horror vibe. While the characterization, descriptions, action scenes, and suspense are all great as usual in his new works, the unique feeling of the first few and the drug-fueled King years is missing. His first short story collections are epic, gothic horror masterpieces, but his new ones deal more with human-related meta topics, dipped in mystery and horror ghost magic. I love all of his works and will always be a fanboy, but this old school style was more unique, especially since it's no longer being produced in the same way nowadays. Shame on the mainstream for ruining everything.

There are some soft spoilers ahead, but nothing too specific. It's just meta.

If it's your first time reading, enjoy all the red herrings, McGuffins, and Chekhov's guns that King throws around, mixed with symbolism and innuendos. Watch how the pathetic, weak humans stumble towards perdition, laugh when evil scores another bloody goal, and be a happy witness as the legend of the greatest horror writer of all time unfolds, using the ancient trope of rabies symptoms in folk tales.

By the way, Google the symptoms of rabies. It's really cool. The time until someone infected with rabies dies, how they behave around smell and light, what happens to their brains and libido - nature is amazing. It must have been terrifying to be locked up during long, cold mountain winters, knowing that some of the citizens and families might turn into real vampires. "Mommy is eating daddy, I fear she'll come for us when she is hungry again." Thanks to stupid rabies vaccination and general scientific, social, and medical progress, these amazing real-life zombie vampire role-playing games are now just a memory of the past. But at least literature can let us experience it again.

I'm not sure if I've read Dracula, but the pop culture reference potential of both the original and this darker retelling is immense. And how King lets it escalate seems to be much more entertaining than what I know about the original. Sorry, classic literature, King just owns you. The idea of evil coming to town, or always being in town and waking up again, becoming more and more extreme in its manifestations, is one of the core elements of both King's work and humankind itself. It could also be seen as an allegory about a snowball effect, starting small and ending in a huge massacre. Or, more appropriately and contemporarily, as a virus.

It makes me angry when I think about how true, hard topics have been mainstream flanderized until nothing of the cool, original content is left to appeal to the teeny target audience. Shame on you, americanization and disneyfication. You murdered evil, torturing monsters and turned them into sensible, romantic love interests that understand women. What's wrong with you? That's so sick and disgusting. I might even unsubscribe from my Disney+ account in a beer-fueled act of defiance. Just kidding, they have Marvel and Star Wars too. Wait, my long-term memory is telling me that I don't watch TV anymore. Damn.

Tropes show how literature is conceptualized and created, and which mixture of elements makes works and genres unique.

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Literature/SalemsLot

At three in the morning, the blood courses through our veins slowly and thickly, and slumber weighs heavily upon us. The soul either succumbs to a blessed ignorance of such an hour, or it gazes around itself in utter despair. There is no middle ground.

Once again, I find myself completely speechless in the face of King's genius. I am truly without words. I believe that when a certain period of time elapses during which you haven't delved deeply into the classic works of King, you tend to forget the true extent of his capabilities. Rereading The Shining and ‘Salem’s Lot over the past two months has truly reaffirmed for me why King is the absolute Master.

No one can bring a small town to life like King. The meticulous way in which he crafts and constructs a town and all of its residents is simply incredible, and ‘Salem’s Lot stands as one of his finest achievements. To become acquainted with and a part of this small town, only to witness its gradual disintegration and its fall victim to a powerful and dominant evil force, is one of the most addictively captivating reading experiences! It's a slow-burning tale, but it absolutely must be in order for King to artfully and gradually increase the sense of dread and terror.

October is the perfect time to read ‘Salem’s Lot, as it means you'll essentially be reading it in real time. The descriptions of autumn are among my all-time favorite passages in King's writing. He simply nails it. In my opinion, he truly nails this entire book.

Prior to this reread, I often held a somewhat negative view of Ben and Susan, thinking along the lines of “oh Salem’s Lot is amazing, too bad about some of the characters..” However, this time around, I have come to appreciate them more. Susan may be a bit one-dimensional, but I really admired the way she stood up to her mother on occasion. As for Ben, he may not be the most exciting character either, but when the horrors begin to unfold, he doesn't shy away. He's actually quite badass.

And Mark Petrie!! He remains one of my all-time favorite King child characters. He endures so much, and some of his sections really tug at my heartstrings. And a shout-out also goes to Father Callahan, as well as Jimmy, Matt, and the whole crew basically!

I had also forgotten just how chilling this book can be. Matt hearing someone upstairs, that childish giggle, the visitor at the window, the knives... I loved the way I felt spooked at times!

Truly, this is one of my all-time favorite King novels. It earns a solid 5 stars.

Reread in October 2023. It is just as brilliant as ever.

Salem's Lot is an incredibly captivating and spine-chilling read. It's my first encounter with a Stephen King book, and now I understand why he's one of the most renowned and bestselling authors. The story had me on the edge of my seat, unable to put it down.

King's ability to create a sense of genuine fear is truly remarkable. He doesn't just rely on cheap scares but weaves a web of terror that builds throughout the book. The way he develops his characters is also outstanding. Not only does he focus on the core group, but he also manages to bring an entire town to life, each character with their own distinct personality.

The prose is accessible and engaging, making it easy for readers of all levels to immerse themselves in the story. The natural progression of the plot adds to the tension and fear, keeping the reader hooked until the very end.

While the ending was good, I felt it could have been stronger to match the rest of the story. However, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise brilliant piece of work.

I highly recommend Salem's Lot to anyone who enjoys a good horror story. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's definitely worth the read. I can't wait to explore more of King's works, starting with Different Seasons.

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