Salem’s Lot – Stephen King (1975)
A Review by F. Azim (Bangladesh).
I still remember that day of Summer in our Country in 1980. We did not have many things to dwell on like, FB, Instagram, Youtube or even online gaming. We did not even have a proper Cinema in the Halls to spend and gaggle about. I was visiting a Book store just to pass my time with honest window shopping, then I saw the Book Cover and the name of the Writer STEPHEN KING. I thought what an impressive name for a Horror Story writer. To be honest, I did not have proper money in my pocket to buy the book instantly, So I had to borrow some money from my cousin later on and get the book in my hand.
Later I came to know this book was the 2nd Novel written by the Author. His first book was "CARRIE" which I have seen in movies. It took me 03 long days to finish the book, the story was well-paced and presented in a non-linear timeline. I liked the rapid transformation of the main characters as the plot gets darker and darker in the town of Jerusalem’s Lot.
The Protagonist Benjamin Mears comes to his Hometown Salem’s Lot after more or less 20 years. His wish was to write down his new novel staying in this town with a nostalgic notion. Over time, he met with Susan Norton, Matthew Burke, and Doctor Jimmy Cody, Local boy Mark, he befriended them, and continued his planning, to him it is like feeling after a long time he belongs in this community finding peace and happiness.
20 years ago Ben encountered strange circumstances in this same town’s Marsten House on the Hill. That occurrence he encountered is still not clear to his sane mind; sometimes he revisits the situation in nightmares. But the Marsten House has a strong pull-like death grip on Ben all his living years, and perhaps Ben did come to Salem’s Lot to check the house again to get a clear explanation of whether what he had seen in his childhood time, was true or not.
As time passes in Salem’s Lot, a nocturnal evil keeps on spreading its wings the whole time from Ben's arrival. And ultimately the ancient dark evil lord "Burllow" unleashed a total mayhem on the whole city.
At that time (1980) I found King's storytelling compelling and gripping tight. Even when the Story ends the Prologue brings the readers in a bittersweet emotion. Yes, after 2020 this story may not strike the young readers as a well spectacular book, but the chills and the thrills were so polite and savage who read this book 40 years ago?
It is well known that Stephen King his popularity of thriller writing premises through his very first few Novels where Salem's Lot is one of the Names.
In conclusion, the writer was more realistic than another writer, to set free your love, you have lose your loved one is being the ultimate failure of the protagonist, will keep your mind into wonders I believe.
I would unquestionably recommend Salem’s Lot to anyone who is looking for a worthy vampire story.