The Shining

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Campbell Scott

Length: 15 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

Before Doctor Sleep, there was The Shining, a classic of modern American horror from the undisputed master, Stephen King.

Jack Torrance's new job at the Overlook Hotel is the perfect chance for a fresh start. As the off-season caretaker at the atmospheric old hotel, he'll have plenty of time to spend reconnecting with his family and working on his writing. But as the harsh winter weather sets in, the idyllic location feels ever more remote...and more sinister. And the only one to notice the strange and terrible forces gathering around the Overlook is Danny Torrance, a uniquely gifted five-year-old.

©1977 Stephen King (P)2005 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"A master storyteller." ( Los Angeles Times)

"He's the author who can always make the improbable so scary you'll feel compelled to check the locks on the front door." ( The Boston Globe)

"Scary!... Serves up horrors at a brisk, unflagging pace." ( The New York Times)

really good

liked it a lot. way way different from the movie. but great. a lot more sad. but in a good way. warm.

Super story and narrator.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Shining to be better than the print version?

No I think they are both the same. Sometimes I listened and lots of times I read.

Have you listened to any of Campbell Scott’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Any additional comments?

The speaker was very good.

Fantastic!

Campbell Scott was perfect!! By far my favorite Steven King book, and it was definitely done its due justice. Thank you!

So much better than the movie!

Brilliantly written by Stephen King and read by Campbell Scott. Having seen the movie when it came out, I hesitated reading the book. What a mistake! I wonder what SK must be thinking when the screenplay deviates so much from the actual written word. Reading (or in my case, listening) to a book is the ultimate 'virtual reality' and it doesn't get any better than this.

Great novel, poor narration

Loved the story. I read the novel many years ago, but this is the first I listened to the audible version. The story is strong. So so much different than the movie. Even though I also loved the movie, I can understand why King was so angry with Kubrick and upset with the adaptation. The two are pretty completely different stories.

The negative.... This narration was horrible. While I like Campbell Scott as an actor, he shouldn't be doing audible narrations. He has such a monotone delivery and that is NOT a good attribute to have if this is your job.

Now on to Doctor Sleep with one of the greatest narrators of all time... Mr. Will Patton.

Well I finally read it...

There are just a few books in this old world that has to be read atleast once and this was definitely one of them, for me I actually feel that way about allot of King novels. My Daddy was a huge King fan but I wasn't, after losing him, reading some works by this author makes me feel closer to Dad and that's why there are certain works by him that are just "must reads" for me. Over the last few years I've read a few of his novels but kept putting off the ones that I thought were going to be scary (I'm not into horror at all) well this was one I kept putting off, after finishing IT a few days ago, I said hell with it and started listening. Glad I did too, it's a good book and yes it's scary, had me leaving a light on and looking over by shoulder alittle bit, but it's not as scary as I thought it would be, not near honestly and although a part of me was glad, that other part was extremely disappointed because it's supposed to be the scariest book ever written, but I just didn't get that. Regardless it's great and a must read, but the scariest part for me was the anticipation of what I thought would happen next because after watching the movie I expected certain things that never happened.

Even better than the movie

I was first introduced to The Shining through Stanley Kubrick's artistic and stunning movie portrayal, and was instantly a fan, growing up relishing Kubrick's movies. Finally, as an adult, I realized how critical Stephen King had been of the movie and was curious enough to give The Shining a read - or rather a listen.

I am left utterly impressed by King's talent in the story development, the character development, and the scenic descriptions. His writing is thorough and intuitive. I now understand why he didn't care for Kubrick's version. King's characters have such a depth that I felt I knew each one personally. Furthermore, I sensed a great amount of symbolism in several of the book's themes - especially surrounding alcoholism.

Additionally, I found that the narration by Campbell Scott was above and beyond anything I could have expected. Very colorful and full of talent. Each character had its own voice, and each sound effect was properly chilling. Well done!

Extremely well developed characters!

What made the experience of listening to The Shining the most enjoyable?

Yes it was. While it starts off a little on the slow side, the reader soon realizes that they will be taken on a journey of the various character's internal thoughts and emotions regarding the other characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Shining?

The hedge animals. That's all I'm going to say. Oh and Mr. Halloran was a very sympathetic character.

Have you listened to any of Campbell Scott’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I haven't this is my first listening experience with him as a narrator.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Suspense is the best word for it. The fact that I was listening to this book during a Nor'easter here in NY did add to the ambience. The way King writes and the way Mr. Scott narrates the internal dialogue of the character, I felt I was truly inside the characters' heads.

Any additional comments?

While the book did feel slow moving, I encourage prospective listeners to hang in there because King is building a psychological/emotional foundation for the three members of the Torrance family .. .then when they move into the hotel, you start to feel it unravel.

Exciting

If you could sum up The Shining in three words, what would they be?

Captivating, Amazing, Hunting

What other book might you compare The Shining to and why?

Dr. Sleep, reading this before made we want to read the book. I had been a fan of Stanley Kurbicks Shining but after reading the book I can see only a few collations and wish I would of read the book along time ago.

King is the king of storytelling

King does it again with The Shining. An amazing story with wonderful characters who you connect with. Scary and captivating, it is a deep look into human frailty, alcoholism, and the things that go bump in the night. Wonderfully performed. Highly recommended.