56 pages • 1 hour read
Stephen KingJoyland
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Stephen King's Joyland, Devin Jones reflects on the summer of 1973, when, at 21, he worked at an amusement park in North Carolina, uncovering mysteries including a murder at the Horror House while grappling with personal heartbreak and befriending a boy with clairvoyant abilities. The novel features explicit sexual language, murder, and mental health struggles.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Stephen King's Joyland captivates with its blend of horror, mystery, and coming-of-age themes. Readers appreciate the nostalgic setting and strong character development, particularly protagonist Devin Jones. However, some find the plot predictable and the pacing uneven. Overall, it appeals to fans of King's storytelling for its emotional depth and satisfying suspense.
Who Should Read Joyland?
Fans of Stephen King’s suspenseful storytelling, mystery, and supernatural elements will relish Joyland. Readers who enjoyed The Green Mile or The Body will find similar intrigue and emotional depth. Ideal for those who appreciate a gripping carnival backdrop and coming-of-age tales entwined with crime and the paranormal.