I think when Stephen King wrote this, it was meant to be his magnum opus: the ultimate battle of Good vs. Evil, fought over 1,400 pages. What could come after that? Obviously, though, it was only his fourth novel, and there were many still to come.

The story is not too complicated and moves along at a steady pace (though the “uncut” version this review applies to really takes its time). Of course, the ending is unbelievable and for many readers ruins the book – though if you take the theme as directly as it is surely meant to be taken, it strangely fits: everyone has arrived at their destination, and everything is prepared. Why draw it out? Why not be done with the obvious symbolism and take it at face level instead?

It remains one of King's more ambitious works, and if you want to analyse his life achievement, this might very well be a pivotal piece.