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My Summary/Review of "Holly"

novel by Stephen King

By Bella VasquezPublished 9 months ago 3 min read
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"Holly" begins in a captivating manner: Holly Gibney, a character well-known to King's Constant Readers from earlier works including "Mr. Mercedes," "Finders Keepers," and "End of Watch," gets a letter from Mary, her sister who went many years earlier. A mysterious phrase in this letter alludes to a terrible secret from their shared past, a secret Holly has worked hard to keep hidden for years. Holly can't resist the temptation to find out more, so she sets off on a journey that will lead her deep inside of her own anxieties and into a place where the line between the living and the dead is hazy.

Holly Gibney, the protagonist of the novella, is a complex and incredibly relatable figure. She is a woman who has battled mental health problems all of her life, which makes her a unique but sympathetic character. As she faces the riddles of her past and the horrors that await her, her tenacity and bravery stand out.

Mary Gibney: Mary, Holly's deceased sister, is important to the plot. Her mysterious letter initiates the story, and she remains present throughout the story even though she is just there in spirit. Holly learns the shocking truth about her sister's life and death as she digs more into the mystery.

Roger Fogle: Holly and Mary's childhood buddy, Roger, plays a crucial role in Holly's research. Due to the connections between his terrible past and the sisters', as well as his reluctance to get involved in the unfolding events, there is an increased sense of suspense.

Without giving too much away, it's safe to say that King introduces us to a variety of scary, ghostly characters in "Holly." These beings are the stuff of nightmares, thus it is quite amazing how King is able to make them come to life on the page.

Several topics that recur frequently in Stephen King's body of work are explored in "Holly":

Guilt and salvation: The novella's central theme examines the burden of guilt and the prospect of salvation. In addition to looking for solutions, Holly is also looking for forgiveness—from the past as well as from herself.

Mental health: Stephen King frequently includes themes relating to mental health in his works, and "Holly" is no different. Holly is made an accessible and intriguing character because to the sensitive and realistic portrayal of her mental health challenges.

The Supernatural: This novella shows King's preoccupation with the paranormal. Readers are kept on the edge of their seats as he deftly weaves a feeling of dread and otherworldly terror throughout the story.

The masterful narrative skills of Stephen King are on full show in "Holly." The novella is a masterwork in creating suspense and tension. The reader becomes more engrossed in the story as Holly solves the secrets of her history and finds it difficult to put the book down.

Each revelation and turn in the story is well timed to keep the reader interested in what happens next. King is an expert at instilling a sense of dread, and "Holly" is a shining illustration of this ability. The tension he builds is palpable, and the characters are constantly plagued by a sense of impending disaster.

Character development is another strength of the novella. Holly's development during the course of the narrative is both believable and endearing. As she battles the otherworldly and faces her anxieties

Stephen King's novella "Holly" is engrossing and incredibly fulfilling, in my opinion, having read it. King is unmatched in his ability to combine terror with powerful human emotions, and "Holly" is a prime illustration of his skill.

In this novella, King delves deeply into the concepts of guilt, atonement, and mental health. Holly is a character who I will remember for a very long time, demonstrating King's talent for developing interesting and likeable protagonists.

The paranormal aspects of "Holly" are both terrifying and captivating. King's imagination knows no limitations, and it is truly amazing how well he can conjure up supernatural beings that make you shudder.

Finally, "Holly" is a suggested read for both Stephen King devotees and beginners. It's a novella that will hold your attention from the opening page all the way through to the shocking finish. "Holly" has lots to offer whether you enjoy horror, psychological suspense, or just excellent narrative. It's a trip into the depths of the human soul and a demonstration of Stephen King's storytelling's enduring power. Don't pass up this fantastic reading opportunity.

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About the Creator

Bella Vasquez

I am a bookworm through and through, so I decided to use my passion for reading and bring book reviews and summaries to the public, in my own personal opinions of course. I only write reviews and summaries of books I have read completely.

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