Memphis Reads Archive

Darletha reviews ‘SALEM'S LOT by Stephen King (Doubleday, 1975)

A recent article described vampires as " The New Prince Charmings." It is true that in many of today’s novels and television shows, vampires are depicted as day walkers, loyal boyfriends, or attractive high school students. How refreshing to read about evil vampires again, thanks to 'Salem's Lot.

This story takes place in the mid-1970s in Jerusalem’s Lot, Maine, also known as ‘Salem’s Lot. Writer Ben Mears returns to his hometown to pen a novel about Marsten House, a vacant mansion with a violent history. Marsten House is the location of a troubling experience for Mears, who hopes to face his demons by completing the book. The house has two new occupants—antique dealers named Barlow and Straker. As the men set up shop in ‘Salem’s Lot, people disappear and bodies are found drained of blood. Ben, his girlfriend, and a few locals agree that vampires are behind the deaths and they devise a plan to stop the spreading evil before it consumes the town.

‘Salem’s Lot is a finalist for the Vampire Novel of the Century Award. Although this novel was written in 1975, the suspenseful storytelling is timeless and the imagery haunting. After reading my share of novels with human-friendly vampires, I enjoyed reading a story with traditional vampires as blood-thirsty predators who loathe sunlight and crucifixes.

Darletha Matthews, South Branch Library

Labels: Fiction, Horror, Reviews by Darletha Matthews

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