So I am revisiting the Kingverse in The Stand, and it came to me over the weekend that one of the many, many many reasons I keep returning to his “long tale of dark Christianity” are certain scenes. The unraveling of American society is one, of course, and then I realized how much I enjoy the “fellowship” scenes, to use Mother Abigail’s phrase. Nick and his all-too-short time with the Bakers, enjoying some homecooked food. Mother Abigail’s own feast she prepares for her visitors. Even Larry and Rita’s steak dinner in the dying Big Apple has a certain charm that anyone who’s ever enjoyed a good meal in good company can “ken”.
Nor is it restricted to The Stand, of course. One of my favorite scenes from the entire “Dark Tower” saga is the hearty welcome given to Roland’s ka-tet in River Crossing. And in tale after tale we see this theme too…a brief time of peace and comfort, to act as a counterpoint to the horror that hangs over the tale. And it’s perfect. It’s my favorite type of scene, and sai King writes them very well. Which I hope means that he is writing from pleasant experience.
How about all of you? What’s a type of scene in a King book that will bring you back again and again? He can certainly bring the horror and the wonder, but he can bring lots of other things too. What’s your favorite?
Nor is it restricted to The Stand, of course. One of my favorite scenes from the entire “Dark Tower” saga is the hearty welcome given to Roland’s ka-tet in River Crossing. And in tale after tale we see this theme too…a brief time of peace and comfort, to act as a counterpoint to the horror that hangs over the tale. And it’s perfect. It’s my favorite type of scene, and sai King writes them very well. Which I hope means that he is writing from pleasant experience.
How about all of you? What’s a type of scene in a King book that will bring you back again and again? He can certainly bring the horror and the wonder, but he can bring lots of other things too. What’s your favorite?