Book Review: "The Stand" by Stephen King

   A mysterious "superflu" has begun affecting people across the country.  People are dying, with no cure in sight.  It isn't long before only small numbers of survivors remain to try to find some meaning in this new order of things.  They begin to drift across the land towards each other, forming larger groups.  One group dreams of Mother Abagail, an elderly God-fearing woman in the Midwest, who they feel is meant to be a sort of leader to them.  The others gather towards Las Vegas, where the powerful but frightening Flagg awaits.  None truly know what may come in the future, but they do realize the two factions will ultimately have to face each other in the ultimate battle of good against evil.  Whichever one wins will determine what the new government will be like.  Democracy or dictatorship?

   Published in 1978 against the backdrop of Communist threats and governments stockpiling weapons in fear of nuclear attacks, this story took some very real issues and created a fictionalized setting where the things that frighten people most could be explored.  Losing our loved ones, being left alone, facing uncertainty, feeling out of control over our own destiny, wondering who to trust when all we know and love is taken suddenly.  It was a powerful book for its time and a bold undertaking.  But it holds just as much appeal for today's readers as well! 

   As always, Stephen King has crafted a brilliantly developed cast of characters.  There is Larry Underwood, a budding music artist whose past mistakes haunt him, even as he is placed in a position of leadership in the new Boulder, Colorado community of folks following Mother Abagail.  There is Harold Lauder, always second fiddle to his perfect big sister, who now finds himself drawn to Flagg and his minions, filled with a new, albeit evil, purpose.  And Frannie, who became pregnant just before the flu virus hit, wondering if her new baby will survive or be susceptible to the flu germs that may still be in the air when he or she arrives.

   King has used a character named Flagg before, representing a dangerous and sinister villain in the story.  For example, Flagg was the evil wizard in his little known novel "The Eyes of the Dragon".  In "The Stand", I also notice how a lot of the imagery parallels some used in the first "Dark Tower" book.  There is the obvious conflict of good and evil, as well as the dry, arid desert as a dominant environment the characters need to work through and survive in.  He also tends to focus on human nature, and this story is no exception -- not only does he touch on issues of ethics and moral fiber (or lack thereof), he also highlights the natural drive within us all to continue on in the face of hardship.

   Many fans of the author claim this is his best book.  I'm not sure about that, but it is at the top of the list at least!  Definitely worth the time to check this one out.