Thinner is a horror novel by American author Stephen King, published in 1984 under his pseudonym Richard Bachman. It was the fifth novel released under the Bachman name and the last before King's pseudonym was publicly revealed. The story centers on Billy Halleck, an obese and successful lawyer who, while driving distracted, accidentally strikes and kills an elderly Romani woman. He escapes legal consequences due to his connections, but the woman's ancient father places a curse on him, causing him to lose weight uncontrollably no matter how much he eats.
The novel explores themes of guilt, justice, and the physical manifestation of internal decay. As Billy sheds pounds at an alarming rate, his life unravels, forcing him to confront the moral weight of his actions. The curse becomes a relentless, terrifying countdown, transforming his body while his mind grapples with the horror of his situation.
Thinner stands out among the Bachman books for its supernatural premise, as the other Bachman novels were more grounded in psychological and societal horror. It was a commercial success and contributed to the eventual unmasking of the Bachman pseudonym when a bookstore clerk noticed stylistic similarities to King's other works. The novel remains a memorable entry in King's bibliography, known for its grim premise and its exploration of vengeance from beyond the margins of society.
