Storm of the Century (review)
by Stephen King
Plot
Little Tall Island, 1989. It’s an island in Maine with just over two hundred inhabitants, seemingly ordinary but harboring dark secrets deep within their souls that they are determined to keep forever.
The residents are facing difficult times, especially with the news of the impending "storm of the century," the most powerful and disastrous natural calamity in the last fifty years. Offering them comfort is Mike Anderson, the island’s sheriff and owner of the local supermarket where residents buy supplies to weather the storm.
The day before the storm hits, André Linoge mysteriously appears on the island, an eerie figure who spreads panic by killing Martha Clarendon, an elderly invalid. After the young Davey Hopewell reports the incident, Mike, Robbie Beals (the mayor), and Alton Hatcher (Mike’s best friend) rush to the crime scene. Linoge, without resisting, allows himself to be arrested, almost as if he wants to be caught. It is here that Mike realizes Linoge is not entirely human; his teeth transform into long fangs, and his eyes turn completely black, as dark as night.
The storm begins, causing severe damage to the island, including the collapse of many trees and even the lighthouse.
Linoge is imprisoned but, using his magical cane, continues to claim many victims.
In the places where the murders occur, the phrase “Give me what I want, and I’ll go away” appears on walls, mirrors, and vehicles.
In the midst of the storm, Linoge escapes from prison and reveals his true form: from a young man in his thirties, he transforms into an old, sick, and dying man. He then “abducts” the remaining eight young children on the island and threatens to kill all the inhabitants if his demands are not met.
One evening, after the storm has passed, Linoge gathers all the residents at the Town Hall. There, he reveals that he is ancient (thousands of years old) and near death. He needs someone to raise and pass on all his knowledge and immense powers. What he wants is... a child.
Characters
The novel includes many characters, but the main ones are:
- Mike Anderson: the sheriff. A man in his thirties, athletic, and persistent. He is strong, determined, unafraid of the storm, and the only one with the courage to confront Linoge.
- André Linoge: mysterious, with an unknown origin, whose true desires are only revealed at the end of the novel. He is not considered human, both because he often appears as a true monster and because he commits horrific murders without remorse. He has a dual nature: a thirty-year-old killer and an ancient, dying man.
- Alton Hatcher: Mike’s right-hand man. Stubborn in his decisions and fearful of Linoge’s actions. He is fully aware of everything that happens and could take on roles much higher than that of a simple store clerk.
- Robbie Beals: the mayor, though he does not deserve the honor. He is stubborn, arrogant, and the most terrified of Linoge.
Review
What I read is a thriller novel, full of intricate murders accompanied by the reactions of Little Tall Island’s residents.
I really enjoyed it, not only because I am a fan of thrillers, but also because it is a Stephen King book (one of the best in this genre), and each event evokes various emotions in me, such as astonishment at the lighthouse's collapse or the desire to find out how the story will end.
The novel The Storm of the Century is based on the film of the same name. It predominantly consists of direct dialogue, with each action preceded by a short note indicating the scene number, location, and time of occurrence.
Significant Pages
- Pages 1-3: a brief description of Little Tall Island;
- Pages 8-9: a detailed description of Martha Clarendon’s house, the first victim;
- Pages 43-114-169-280: descriptions of the storm’s power;
- Pages 88-124-131-143-238: repetition of Linoge’s phrase “Give me what I want, and I’ll go away.”
