54 pages • 1 hour read
Stephen KingThe Long Walk
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1979A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Stephen King's The Long Walk, 100 teen boys compete in a grueling national competition where they must maintain a speed of four miles per hour or face being shot. As they traverse Maine, friendships and rivalries form, with Ray Garraty befriending McVries and Baker while fearing enemies like Barkovitch. They endure intense physical and emotional challenges, questioning their motivations and struggling with loss and exhaustion. The novel depicts graphic violence frequently and occasionally describes anti-gay bias and internalized conflict concerning sexual orientation and misogyny.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Stephen King's The Long Walk is lauded for its gripping pace and emotional depth, capturing the harrowing journey of its characters. Reviewers commend the psychological intensity and well-developed young protagonists. However, some criticize the repetitive nature of the narrative and its bleak outlook. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and chilling read.
Who Should Read The Long Walk?
Fans of dystopian thrillers like The Hunger Games and 1984 would enjoy Stephen King's The Long Walk. This reader appreciates intense psychological drama, dark themes, and character-driven narratives exploring human endurance and societal critique. Ideal for those intrigued by competitive survival stories with a critical eye on authority and control.