BookLens — See inside before you read

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What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.

Violence

A lot

Body horror, graphic descriptions of physical deterioration, and a violent climax involving revenge murders

Language

A lot

Strong language consistent with King's style throughout

Sexual Content

Barely any

Minimal sexual content

Substance Use

Barely any

Some alcohol use; Billy's social milieu involves casual drinking

Emotional Intensity

A lot

The psychological horror of helplessness, physical decay, and escalating obsession creates a deeply uncomfortable reading experience; the ending is particularly disturbing

What this book is about

Originally published under Stephen King's Richard Bachman pseudonym, Thinner follows Billy Halleck, an overweight lawyer who accidentally kills a Romani woman with his car. Her ancient father curses him — a single word, 'thinner' — and Billy begins to lose weight uncontrollably. The novel builds toward a dark and genuinely horrifying conclusion involving body horror and revenge. The ending is one of King's most disturbing. Moderate language and graphic body horror throughout. The casual racism toward Romani characters in Billy's perspective is an acknowledged element of the novel.