Christine (by Stephen King)

allfictionhorror
Written By Natalie

‘Christine’ by Stephen King is the November selection for my in-person Constant Reader book club. I’ve seen the movie countless times and first read the book in 2018. During the recent Halloween season, I occasionally caught parts of the movie on TV. It certainly holds up—it’s a fantastic movie. I remember enjoying the book the first time I read it, and I thoroughly enjoyed this reread.

‘Christine’ is a chilling horror novel that seamlessly blends supernatural terror with coming-of-age drama. Set in 1978, it follows nerdy high school senior Arnie Cunningham, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he purchases a dilapidated 1958 Plymouth Fury named Christine. As Arnie embarks on the journey of restoring the car, he undergoes a transformation from an outcast to a confident yet increasingly obsessive individual, oblivious to the fact that Christine is no ordinary vehicle—she’s a malevolent, sentient force with a deadly jealous streak. Narrated by Arnie’s friend Dennis, the story delves into themes of possession, toxic love, and the dark side of adolescence, all woven together with King’s captivating prose and a rock ’n’ roll-infused atmosphere.

While I thoroughly enjoy watching the movie, I find that the book offers a more profound exploration of Christine’s former owner, Roland D. LeBay’s, life and family. The horror scenes in the book are far more intense, and the ending is much more suspenseful. Additionally, I appreciate how the book gives more significance to the roles of Arnie, Dennis, and Leigh’s parents. It’s intriguing to observe how each set of parents responds to the young adults and the unsettling nature of Christine differently. Rereading ‘Christine’ has been a refreshing experience, and I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the story.

I can’t fault the movie, but I must say that the book surpasses it in quality. For your viewing pleasure, here’s a trailer of the movie.

Feel free to explore my reviews of other Stephen King books below.

 

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Natalie
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