Stephen King's If It Bleeds - Review

If It Bleeds by Stephen King

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A spine-tingling compendium of supernatural horrors.

'If It Bleeds' is a collection of four horror novellas by Stephen King, each a compelling tale featuring captivating characters, immersive plotting and richly detailed prose, exploring death and the supernatural, love and loss, good and evil.

“Mr. Harrigan's Phone”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In a poignant, creeping tale in the tradition of classic horror concepts with a modern twist, Craig befriends his eccentric and reclusive neighbour, Mr Harrigan, who, despite a successful career, wishes to spend his retirement disconnected from human advancements. Craig gifts him a mobile phone, introducing him to the wonders of modern technology...
The relationship that develops between the two characters is touching, the elderly man's death leading to some emotional moments; before the strange and uncanny begins after Craig leaves his gift in Mr. Harrigan's coffin. As anyone who has ever lost someone knows, the desire to reach out and speak to them one last time is overpowering. But when Craig calls the phone, he of course doesn't really expect it to be answered. But it is...
A moving tale, pondering the relentless power of technology juxtaposed with the ancient question of what exists beyond the grave.

“Life of Chuck”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A three-act tragedy told in reverse, of the significance of one man to the fate of the world...
A beautifully told story on the philosophy of life, beginning with an apocalyptic chapter as the world goes dark and Chuck's face appears to everyone as the end draws near. Travelling back in time, through the magic of music and dance, into Chuck's childhood, we get to know Chuck and the key events of his life from the end to the beginning, in a heart-wrenching obituary examining the true magnitude and potential of just one human life, and how significant they are in their everyday ordinary way because they love and are loved.
When someone dies, an entire world dies with them. But despite this horror, how enchanting it was that they - that we - have lived.

“If It Bleeds”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Holly Gibney returns to hunt another ancient, supernatural entity that feeds on the pain and torment of humanity...
A thrilling piece of paranormal detective fiction, a sequel to the 'Bill Hodges Trilogy' and specifically 'The Outsider', building on the mythology of the latter as Holly identifies a similarly parasitic and sadistic Outsider, who is moving from simply feeding on suffering to causing it. Holly's character has steadily developed throughout her previous four appearances and she now takes centre-stage, considering the philosophy of evil while preparing for a final battle with a predator. Gripping and suspenseful, the novella builds to a brilliantly realised conclusion, a perfect companion and sequel to the novel.
In our world of tragedy, war and suffering, this is a particularly striking story - we often witness these horrors through journalism, while none of us avoid exposure to fellow humans who appear to relish in the suffering of others. Despite its supernatural elements, this is a story of everyday human depravity and what can be glimpsed when the mask slips.

“Rat”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
A writer makes a Faustian pact in the hope he can finally finish writing his novel...
King returns to one of his trademark tropes of the tortured writer in isolation slowing losing their mind. Despite his aspirations, Drew has yet to successfully finish the manuscript for a full-length novel. Struck by an idea, he journeys to a remote cabin in the woods, determined to write his book. But the old terrors resurface, until he finds himself faced with an offer that will give him what he most desires - at a price. Toying with themes that have been with us for millennia in our fairy tales and mythology, it concludes the collection with a cautionary note to be careful what you wish for and what sacrifices you are willing to make, how nothing is a replacement for hard work and integrity, and that the cost of one's soul is too high a price to pay.

Overall, 'If It Bleeds' is a thought-provoking and philosophical collection, striking the perfect balance between timely and timeless, exposing the frailty of human life, the shadows of the human mind, the power of the human heart, and the resilience of the human soul. Masterful, sublime storytelling from the King of Horror.



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