Book Review: The Boogeyman by Stephen King

By georgelthomas on 28 Jun 2024 • ( 0 )

Hi everyone! How are you all? Today is Friday, and it’s time for another review. This time, I am reviewing the short story The Boogeyman by Stephen King.

The Boogeyman was initially published in the March edition of the magazine Cavalier in 1973. It was then published in the short story collection Night Shift in 1978.

The Plot
The Boogeyman follows the protagonist, Lester Billings, as he recounts his terrifying experiences with an entity that targets his children.

Characters
Lester Billings
Lester Billings is the protagonist of The Boogeyman. He is a man seeking the help of a psychiatrist after losing all three of his children to the titular Boogeyman. He is consumed by guilt and grief over their deaths, believing himself to be responsible for their tragic fates. Lester’s character arc throughout the story showcases a descent into madness and paranoia, making him a compelling and somewhat sympathetic figure.

Dr Harper
Dr Harper is Lester’s psychiatrist. He tries to help him cope with his grief and trauma, acting as a sounding board and letting Lester try to work through his emotions.

The Boogeyman
The story’s antagonist is the mysterious entity known as The Boogeyman. This malicious force preys on children and feeds off their fear, haunting them in their bedrooms at night.

Writing Style
King’s writing style in The Boogeyman is completely gripping and evocative. His descriptions are incredible and bring the story to life; from creaking floorboards to flickering shadows, every detail contributes to the overarching sense of unease that permeates the tale. His knack for creating atmosphere and suspense elevates the story from a simple, spooky tale to a haunting masterpiece that will have you noticing every shadow in your room.

Additionally, King’s portrayal of grief and guilt is striking. Delving deep into his main character’s psyche, King offers a raw and unflinching look at human suffering, with the emotional depth adding layers to the story, making it more than just a simple horror tale.

And keeping with emotions, King’s ability to tap into universal fears and anxieties is second to none; the idea of a dark force lurking in the shadows resonates with many on a primal level, evoking feelings of unease and dread.

Final Thoughts
The Boogeyman is a classic example of how King can take something as simple as a child’s fear of a monster hiding in their closet and transform it into a terrifying yarn that will keep you up at night.

Whether you’re a horror fan or just enjoy a good scare, this short will leave you haunted long after reading it. So find a copy today and prepare yourself for a night of barricading closets and sleeping with the lights on.

I am giving this short an 8/10.

Have you read The Boogeyman or watched the recent film adaptation?

I have to admit, after reading the story, I watched the film, and though I enjoyed it, I found the original to be superior.

Thank you, as ever, for stopping by to read my review. It means a lot.

Until next time,

George