Stephen King has written many iconic horror books throughout his career, but some of the author's best work actually spans several other genres. He is equally well-versed in dramas, thrillers, and even comedies, with some of his strongest writing being a result of his willingness to step outside of his comfort zone. However, It can sometimes be challenging to know exactly where to begin with King's work - especially for those who have only read its horrors. But some of Stephen King's greatest villains and most important stories have nothing to do with horror - exemplified by one specific book.
The author's works have stood the test of time better than most, and much of this is due to their versatility. None of his stories are the same, despite him revisiting certain themes and ideas over and over again. His openness to experimenting with new genres and styles allows him to go even further and be more inventive in his stories, which is why none of his works seem repetitive. Stephen King's non-horror books are great at subverting expectations, proving to readers that he's capable of more than just scaring them. Although each has its merits, The position is perhaps the archetypal example of an unusual King novel.
Stephen King's The Stand is the perfect introduction to the dystopian genre
Support serves as a perfect starting point
The position was only King's second attempt to branch out of the horror genre, following the controversial novel Anger just a year earlier, and it's already better than most authors could dream of. The story follows a group of survivors after a deadly pandemic has destroyed most of humanity, detailing their conflicts with each other and the factions they have divided into. It's a fascinating examination of morality, purpose, and the ubiquity of evil this is as dark as it is exciting.
For those wanting to indulge in King's non-horror works, The position It's a perfect start. It's a very accessible story; Despite all the complex plots and ensemble characters, it's never hard to follow thanks to King's entertaining writing style. It makes everything feel incredibly grand in scope and epic in scale, which immediately sets it apart from the other post-apocalyptic dystopias of its time. The position is known as a miniseriesbut it does not always receive the credit it deserves as a literary work.
Why Position Is a Great Starting Point for Dystopian Readers
The stand has everything that is good in the genre
The position is a perfect entry point for dystopian beginners thanks to its simplicity and very clear message. The world-building is rich and immense, but King never allows it to become confusing or uninteresting - the way he plots the story is incredibly purposeful, so that each scene has a clear meaning. All characters have specific roles in the narrative and their relationships are always engaging.
In many ways, it's clear that King is working outside of his preferred genre. It avoids all the typical tropes associated with dystopian literature, but this also allows it to intentionally avoid all the pitfalls and plot holes. It's as dark and gritty as fans of the genre would expectbut it lacks much of the complicated exposition associated with this type of story. Instead, it is extremely direct and never gets lost behind the complexities of its message. This makes it perfect for those looking for something less typical of the dystopian genre.
Stephen King's best non-horror book uses elements of the horror genre to its advantage
It's still clearly a Stephen King novel
Interestingly, King was never able to entirely escape his horror roots with The position. There are still traces of his horror writing in this dystopian story (which is understandable, given the dark nature of the narrative), which gives it a comforting familiarity for existing King fans looking to broaden their horizons. His writing style is practically the same, and the way he he lets plot points run wild before reining them in in the final act it is very similar to the rest of his works. It even features some of Stephen King's favorite characters, which says a lot about his pride around the book.
While those less familiar with King's work may find the horror aspects of The position somewhat shocking, they end up allowing the author to put his personal touch on the story, allowing it to stand out from the crowd. It wouldn't really be a Stephen King story without some kind of horror hidden beneath the surface of the story, and in this case, it really enhances the story and its themes of inhumanity and evil.