His presence is enough to generate cheers from the onlooking crowds and groveling from the persistent walkers. The crazed military leader, dubbed the “Major”, is the enigmatic man behind the barbarous, almost gladiatorial march forced on this country’s youth. This is also where he introduces us to the first of his many memorable, authoritarian villains.

And for King, there’s no greater compliment. Only he would look at the most trivial of acts - one we perform daily - and think: “how can I use that to terrify my audience?” For readers of this novel, taking that act for granted will be a thing of the past. Written when King was only a freshman at the University of Maine and published later under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, The Long Walk showcases his budding potential for the sadistic that would mark his future work. They must walk as if their lives depended on it because in fact, they most certainly do. Failing to win means losing, and all those who lose will be buying themselves a one-way ticket to the coroner’s office. If victorious, Ray will win a prize that may just make this marathon worth the risk. So long as they ignore the half-tracks with armed soldiers, locked and loaded, ready to let loose. Just walk at a pace of 4 miles per hour and outlast everyone else. There’s no rest, no bathroom breaks, no change of footwear, no chance for relief. And for as long as their minds are willing to suffer. Route 1 and continue for as long as their bodies are willing to go.

And 16-year-old Ray Garraty is eager to take his place at the starting line.īeginning in Maine at the Canadian border, he and ninety-nine others must walk south on U.S. The course has been plotted and the game has its contestants. SOLD OUT that time of the year again! Time for the country to bask in its most welcome national pastime: The Long Walk.

The long walk bachman