The Dead Zone

Reread an old book to see if it's as good as I remember. It's still an engaging story: The plot, character, pacing, and tension are all there. Back when I first read this, Johnny's fragility compelled my interest and his hope for happiness or normal life again after the accident gave him his unwanted ability. Will he find another woman after Sarah? Where will his new ability take him, etc.?

I was struck by the religious themes this time around. His mother, driven by her faith, is painted as a nutcase. Even her husband becomes enraged by her behavior, justifiably when she risks their financial life by giving money away to various religious causes/groups, hoping this would save Johnny. Religious=crazy, but is Johnny a kind of messiah? He “dies” and resurrects with a gift that saves several people, future victims of a serial killer, high school students who would have burnt up in a fire, and so on. His “gift” means can't lead a normal life. He's feared and hated by some, yet other “believers” petition him for guidance.

Johnny's final gift to humanity is to take down the false or perceived political messiah figure of Greg Stilson. The common man worships and sees him as the hope of those who aren't born into privilege. Stilson's corruption goes unnoticed, except by a few who are quickly eliminated in a way that never catches up to him. The idea of Stilson, a politician who “understands and cares” about people, is the dream. (Note how he is not Dem or Rep.) Yet, Johnny sees a future where Stilson's power is boundless and causes great destruction and suffering. He appears to be what the country needs, but he's false and Johnny's final act reveals Stilson's cold, manipulative soul. A true savior of the common man is a myth.

Devotion to a messiah=crazy. The hated and feared Johnny makes the sacrifice. The rest of us are left safe but without hope. But wait. The final bit shows that Sarah's husband has a political possible future. Will he be one of the good ones or just another power-mad charlatan?

This is still a complex, readable story. My above interpretation is one of many that are possible. Other than some quaint, outdated sexual/gender politics around Sarah, this is a timeless classic novel of the supernatural.