Summary
'Salem's Lot, the second published novel by Stephen King, captures the mounting terror of a vampire invasion in small-town Maine. Released in 1975, this chilling tale cemented the author's reputation as the “King of Horror.” Drawing inspiration from Bram Stoker's Dracula, the novel explores the evil lurking in everyday people and places. While firmly rooted in horror, 'Salem's Lot also serves as a poignant commentary on American society. As King has stated, the book reflects his disillusionment with the government during the Watergate era. The novel endures for its blend of supernatural threats and social commentary.
Plot
Seeking inspiration for his next novel, writer Ben Mears returns to the small town in Maine where he spent his early childhood years, Jerusalem's Lot—known to locals as 'Salem's Lot. Ben is haunted by memories of the ominous Marsten House, which has recently been purchased by Kurt Barlow, an imposing Austrian immigrant, accompanied by his business partner, Richard Straker. As Ben will learn, it’s all a ruse—Barlow is an ancient vampire and Straker is his human familiar.
The arrival of Barlow and Straker coincides with mysterious events in the town, including the disappearance of a young boy and the death of his brother, who becomes the first vampire turned by Barlow. As more townspeople fall victim to the vampire curse, Ben sets out to combat the growing threat by forming an alliance. Members include his new friend Matt Burke, a high school teacher; his neighbor and romantic interest, Susan Norton; the local doctor, Jimmy Cody; a Catholic priest, Father Callahan; and the young Mark Petrie.
The group's efforts to stop the vampires are met with tragedy after tragedy. Ultimately, there are only two survivors left fighting—Ben and Mark. While managing to destroy Barlow, they are forced to flee the town, which has been overrun by the remaining vampires.
In the epilogue, Ben and Mark spend time recovering in a seaside town in Mexico. A year later, they return to 'Salem's Lot, determined to continue their battle against the vampires. Recognizing the difficulty of hunting down all the hiding places, Ben decides to start a brush fire to destroy the entire town, hoping to eliminate the vampire infestation once and for all.
Themes
Good versus evil
The corruption of small-town America
Faith and its power against evil
The loss of innocence
The strength of community bonds
The fear of the unknown
The struggle between modernity and tradition
Setting
'Salem's Lot takes place in the mid-1970s, reflecting the era in which Stephen King wrote the novel. The story unfolds in Jerusalem's Lot, often referred to simply as 'Salem's Lot, a fictional yet typical small town in Maine. This setting exemplifies King's penchant for exploring the dark underbelly of seemingly idyllic New England communities.
The town's focal point is the ominous Marsten House, a long-abandoned mansion with a sinister history. This imposing structure looms over the town, serving as both a physical and metaphorical representation of evil. Other key locations include the high school where Matt Burke teaches, the family home of Susan Norton, and the local Catholic church, each playing a significant role in the unfolding vampire infestation.
Beyond the town limits, King paints a vivid picture of rural Maine, with its dense forests and isolated roads. This broader setting contributes to the sense of isolation and vulnerability that permeates the story. The novel's epilogue shifts to a seaside town in Mexico, providing a stark contrast to the New England backdrop and emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of the events in 'Salem's Lot.
Characters
Ben Mears: The protagonist, a writer who returns to Jerusalem's Lot after 25 years. He is haunted by a traumatic childhood experience at the Marsten House. Ben becomes the de facto leader of the group fighting against the vampire infestation. Determined and brave, Ben ultimately survives the ordeal—though not without significant losses.
Kurt Barlow: The primary antagonist, an ancient, powerful vampire. Barlow arrives in Jerusalem's Lot under the guise of an Austrian immigrant opening an antique store. He is cunning, ruthless, and responsible for turning many of the town's residents into vampires. Barlow serves as the central threat that Ben and his allies must overcome.
Susan Norton: A young college graduate who becomes romantically involved with Ben. Intelligent and ambitious, Susan hopes to leave the small town. She plays a crucial role in the vampire-hunting group but tragically becomes one of Barlow's victims.
Matt Burke: A high school English teacher and one of Ben's first friends in town. Matt is wise, well-read, and one of the first to realize the vampire threat. He provides valuable knowledge and support to the group but ultimately succumbs to a heart attack during the crisis.
Mark Petrie: A young boy who becomes an essential ally in the fight against the vampires. Mark is brave and resourceful, successfully resisting Danny Glick's attempt to turn him. He survives the ordeal alongside Ben and joins him in their eventual return to destroy the town.
Father Callahan: The local Catholic priest who joins the group fighting the vampires. His faith is tested in a confrontation with Barlow, leading to his defeat and exile from the town. Callahan's story continues in King's Dark Tower series.
Richard Straker: Barlow's human familiar and business partner. Straker prepares the town for Barlow's arrival and acts as his daytime protector. He is cold, efficient, and deeply loyal to his master.
Jimmy Cody: A local doctor who joins Ben's group in fighting the vampires. He provides medical expertise and support but is killed by a trap set by the vampires.
Danny Glick: A young boy who becomes one of the first vampires in town. He attempts to turn his friend Mark Petrie and is responsible for spreading the vampire curse to others.
Ralphie Glick: Danny's younger brother who is the first to disappear, presumably taken by Barlow.
Quick facts
Stephen King was inspired to write a vampire horror story after teaching Dracula in a fantasy and science fiction course.
King wrote the first draft of 'Salem's Lot in just three months.
The novel was originally titled Second Coming, but King changed it on his wife's advice that it sounded too much like “a bad sex story."
The fictional town of Jerusalem's Lot is based on Durham, Maine, where King lived and taught high school in the early 1970s.
King has stated that 'Salem's Lot is his favorite of all his novels.
The character of Father Callahan later appears in King's Dark Tower series.
The book's paperback rights sold for $550,000 in 1975, a record sum at the time.
King incorporated a nightmare he had as a child into the novel's plot.
The Marsten House in the story was inspired by a real abandoned house in King’s hometown of Durham.
In 2005, a limited illustrated edition of 'Salem's Lot was released, featuring photographs by Jerry Uelsmann and more than 50 pages of deleted material.
About the Author
Stephen King, widely known as the “King of Horror,” is one of the most prolific and popular authors in modern American literature. His works have sold more than 350 copies worldwide. His career took off in 1974 with the publication of Carrie. Over the next five decades, he went on to write more than 60 novels, including iconic titles such as Salem’s Lot, The Shining, Pet Sematary, The Stand, and It, along with hundreds of short stories. His ability to blend the ordinary with the supernatural has earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters and the 2014 National Medal of Arts.
King was born in 1947, and his upbringing in Durham, Maine, largely by a single mother, played a significant role in shaping his literary voice. An avid reader and writer from a young age, he attended the University of Maine, where he wrote for the student newspaper and participated in anti-war activities. After receiving his BA in English, he struggled to find work as a teacher, turning to writing to supplement his income. In 1967, he secured a teaching position at Hampden Academy and sold his first short story, “The Glass Floor.”
Many of King's works have become cultural touchstones and been adapted into successful films and television series. His novels like The Shining, It, Misery, and The Green Mile have captivated readers with their vivid characters, supernatural elements, and explorations of small-town American life. Beyond the horror genre, King has written acclaimed works like the novella collection Different Seasons, which spawned the movies The Shawshank Redemption and Stand By Me, and mystery novels such as Mr. Mercedes, which won the Edgar Award. ing's 2000 memoir On Writing is widely regarded as one of the best books about the craft of writing. He has been praised for his keen ear for dialogue, memorable characterizations, and ability to create a sense of dread and suspense.
While primarily known for his fiction, King has also been an outspoken activist on issues like gun control and climate change. He continues to be a prolific writer well into his 70s, regularly publishing new novels and short story collections.
