Stephen King's The Long Walk is lauded for its gripping pace and emotional depth, capturing the harrowing journey of its characters. Reviewers commend the psychological intensity and well-developed young protagonists. However, some criticize the repetitive nature of the narrative and its bleak outlook. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and chilling read.

Fans of dystopian thrillers like The Hunger Games and 1984 would enjoy Stephen King's The Long Walk. This reader appreciates intense psychological drama, dark themes, and character-driven narratives exploring human endurance and societal critique. Ideal for those intrigued by competitive survival stories with a critical eye on authority and control.

In Stephen King's The Long Walk, 100 teen boys compete in a grueling national competition where they must maintain a speed of four miles per hour or face being shot. As they traverse Maine, friendships and rivalries form, with Ray Garraty befriending McVries and Baker while fearing enemies like Barkovitch. They endure intense physical and emotional challenges, questioning their motivations and struggling with loss and exhaustion. The novel depicts graphic violence frequently and occasionally describes anti-gay bias and internalized conflict concerning sexual orientation and misogyny.

Dark / Gritty / Suspenseful / Unnerving / Challenging

Stephen King

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Long Walk reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Long Walk | SuperSummary

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Overview

The Long Walk by Stephen King tells of a brutal contest where boys march to survive, delving into the dark sides of endurance and ambition. Summary here.

The Long Walk Summary and Study Guide | SuperSummary

Background

Get ready to explore The Long Walk and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Long Walk Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Starting Out”

Part 1 The Long Walk Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Going Down the Road”

Part 2, Chapters 3-6

The Long Walk Part 2, Chapters 3-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 7-9

The Long Walk Part 2, Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 10-12

The Long Walk Part 2, Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 13-16

The Long Walk Part 2, Chapters 13-16 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Rabbit”

Part 3 The Long Walk Part 3 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Long Walk Character Analysis

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Themes

The Long Walk Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Long Walk Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

The Long Walk Literary Devices

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Important Quotes

The Long Walk Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Long Walk Essay Topics

The Long Walk

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Long Walk?

Reading Age

Book Details