Pet Sematary (by Stephen King)

allfictionhorror
Written By Natalie

February’s Constant Reader book club selection is Stephen King’s Pet Sematary. It’s a reread for me, having first read it in 2019. The book is excellent, and I didn’t mind rereading it for book club. I’ve seen the movie countless times and find it a wonderful adaptation of the book.

The story follows Dr. Louis Creed, who relocates with his wife Rachel, young daughter Ellie, toddler son Gage, and their cat Church to a rural home in Ludlow, Maine. Near the house lies a hidden “Pet Sematary” (intentionally misspelled by local children), where generations of kids have buried pets killed by speeding trucks on the busy road out front. Deeper in the woods lurks an ancient Micmac Indian burial ground with unnatural, malevolent powers.

When tragedy strikes the family pet, Louis learns from his elderly neighbor Jud Crandall about the site’s ability to resurrect the dead—though what returns is twisted, wrong, and far from the loved one lost. As grief and desperation take hold, the Creeds confront the horrifying consequences of defying death, exploring themes of loss, parental fear, and the terrifying notion that sometimes dead is better.

I agree with the many people who describe Pet Sematary as one of King’s darkest and most disturbing works. It’s surprising to me that King had young children at the time this book was written and published in 1983. It’s astonishing that he went so utterly dark as a parent. However, this is the exact type of horror writing that King is known for, and I shouldn’t be shocked or expect anything less.

The first time I read Pet Sematary, I gave it a perfect five-star rating. I absolutely adored the book and was thoroughly impressed. Naturally, it surpasses the movie, even though the movie is excellent and closely follows the book. I thoroughly enjoyed rereading this classic King novel, but honestly, it didn’t quite compare to my initial reading experience. I attribute this to my prior knowledge of the plot and not feeling as surprised by the events as I did the first time. I don’t want to diminish the book’s exceptional quality, so I’ll maintain my five-star rating, as I believe it’s well-deserved.

I eagerly await our book club’s discussion at the end of the month.

For your viewing pleasure, I’ve included the movie trailer for Pet Sematary below.

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

Buy on Amazon
 

As a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, I earn from qualifying purchases linked back to Amazon. Every penny earned allows me to blog about books and keeps this site running.

Natalie
Next

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek (by Kim Michele Richardson)