SPOILERS
First published in 1978, this early work by Stephen King (published under his pen name Richard Backman) pre-dates both The Hunger Games and Squid Games although it has been compared to both.
Set in a dystopian future where people live in poverty and fear with a ‘big brother’ type of controlling government, every year 100 young men/boys (two from each US state) are picked to compete in the long walk. The boys volunteer because they are brainwashed into believing that it is exciting and patriotic, but in actuality it is gruelling, degrading and ultimately almost completely deadly. (Many reviewers see the novel as a reaction to the Vietnam War.)
The boys must walk at at least a minimum pace of four miles per hour, day and night without stopping for anything – not for eating, resting, toileting, being ill or anything. If they slow down they are given warnings, if they get three warnings they are shot dead.
The walk continues until only one boy remains alive and then he, the winner, is given whatever he wishes for (so long as it’s not against the law).
I found the book really compelling – the banter between the boys beginning with bravado and toilet humour, and becoming more deep and serious as they are picked off and the realisation of imminent death hits them is mesmerising and I was very emotionally invested by the end.
I went to see the movie adaptation which I also very much enjoyed (even thought they changed a few things from the book). My hubby who saw the film with me thought it was ‘alright’ but not great, so maybe having read the book first added to the impact?
Sarah Wray Writer 