Carrie is the debut novel by acclaimed horror author Stephen King, first published in 1974 by Doubleday. The story centers on Carrie White, a shy and socially isolated high school girl living under the domineering influence of her fanatically religious mother. Enduring relentless bullying from her peers, Carrie's life takes a dark turn when she discovers her telekinetic powers during her first menstrual period, setting the stage for a explosive climax at her senior prom.
King wrote the novel in a burst of inspiration while working as a high school teacher, nearly discarding the draft before his wife retrieved it from the trash. The book explores themes of repression, adolescent cruelty, religious fanaticism, and the destructive power of unleashed rage. It blends supernatural horror with psychological depth, marking King's entry into a career that would redefine the genre.
Upon release, Carrie became a massive bestseller, launching King's career and establishing him as a master of modern horror. Its cultural impact endures through its iconic imagery and exploration of outsider vengeance, influencing countless works in literature, film, and popular culture.
