New Novella Review - Elevation by Stephen King

Novella - Elevation
Writer - Stephen King
Published By - Scribner / Hodder & Stoughton

I would like to start the review with clearing one thing first, this is not horror by any stretch of the imagination. This is Stephen King trying out new genres, trying to create a humane little story focusing on the goodness in people and social issues. This is also him doing what he does best, writing prose, which is very hard to put down. While not everyone will like this one, specially those hoping to read a horror story for the season, but none can deny the strength King has over his readers, enthralling them for the journey no matter how brief in actually is.

This is the story of Scott Carey, who despite not looking any different, has been steadily losing weight. He weighs the same in his clothes and out of them and also while holding anything anime or not, no matter how heavy they are. Scott doesn’t want to be institutionalized or become a subject of research. He mostly just wants someone else to know, and he trusts Doctor Bob Ellis. Scott also attempts to help his neighbors knowing their problem, despite not being able to cope with his own. One of the women is friendly; the other, cold as ice. Both are trying to launch a new restaurant, but the people of Castle Rock want no part of a gay married couple, and the place is in trouble.

This story is set on Castle Rock, which is the base of many more of Stephen King's earlier works. But rather than focusing on horror or fantastic element totally King attempts to write about a lone guys struggle both with his own unusual condition and with how he tries to help his new out-of-town neighbors. The story is written in signature King style, with engaging prose and thoughtful dialogue and totally believable characters. While there is little to no world building, that is to be expected, as this one is more focused on the cast.

I like Scott a lot, and felt sad for his conundrum, but would have loved if the author told us a bit more about his past. Deidre was another likable character who also never got really explored mostly due to the length of the book.

And therein lies my one complaint. I would have loved if King would have explored more with these characters. This book is much too short to convey everything and tie all the loose ends to give the reader full closure. And King never even attempts to explain the cause of the strange occurrence in any way. 

But, it really is a refreshing thing that such a famous author like Stephen King would venture out of his comfort zone and write something focus on the current political and social issues facing America. And in these dark times, everyone should appreciate a story focusing on kind gestures and the goodness in humanity. 

I can't ignore how I literally flew through the pages.
4 out of 5 stars from me.