The Shining

Dorothea Laskys The Shining is an ekphrastic horror lyric that explores the feminist psychological landscape, inhabiting characters and spaces in the Overlook Hotel. It is haunted by past selves, poetic ancestors, and paradoxical histories, pointing to the ways in which language is always haunted.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2023
Publisher: Wave Books

The novel "The Shining" by Dorothea Lasky is a complex and intricate work that delves into the realm of ekphrastic horror, creating a distinct feminist psychological landscape. Lasky takes readers on a journey through the familiar rooms of the Overlook Hotel, both in reality and in the imagination, exploring the characters and spaces that have been somewhat flattened in the text and film adaptations of Stephen King and Stanley Kubrick. Through her poetic prose, Lasky invites us to contemplate the ways in which language is constantly haunted by the past, the poetic ancestors, and the paradoxical histories that shape it.

In the novel, Lasky employs a rich and evocative language that immerses readers in the eerie atmosphere of the hotel. She skillfully weaves together vivid descriptions of the physical spaces, characters, and emotions, creating a haunting and immersive experience. The characters in "The Shining" are complex and multifaceted, each with their own struggles and motivations. Lasky explores the themes of trauma, isolation, and the power of language to both heal and harm.

One of the key aspects of "The Shining" is Lasky's use of ekphrastic horror to explore the relationship between language and the supernatural. She draws on the symbolic power of language to evoke the spirits and hauntings that lurk within the hotel. Through her poetry, Lasky shows how language can be used to manipulate and control, as well as to reveal the hidden truths and mysteries of the world.

Another notable aspect of "The Shining" is Lasky's exploration of feminist themes. She challenges traditional gender roles and explores the ways in which women are often marginalized and silenced in male-dominated societies. Through the character of Wendy, Lasky shows how women can be both vulnerable and powerful, and how they can navigate the complexities of interpersonal relationships and the male-dominated world.

Overall, "The Shining" by Dorothea Lasky is a masterful work of ekphrastic horror that offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the horror genre. Through her poetic language and exploration of feminist themes, Lasky creates a haunting and immersive experience that challenges readers to think critically about the power of language and the complexities of human experience.

Dimension: 146 x 209 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781950268856