Quote:
Originally Posted by curtw
I'm curious as to what you found to be weaker than The Stand. I've generally been extremely disappointed by Mr. King's endings (except for the Long Walk and 11/22/63), and everyone says Swan Song has a very strong finish...
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I read Swan Song over a decade ago. But then, I also read The Stand over a decade ago. In general, I just think Stephen King is a stronger writer than McCammon.
Having grown up in the '70's/'80's I have a fascination with World War 3/Nuclear Holocaust stories: The Day After, Threads, War Day, Dr. Strangelove, etc. So Swan Song should have a natural leg-up with me.
But I still prefer The Stand. I have vivid memories of that opening at the sleepy gas station, creeping through the tunnel out of New York, Trash Can Man blowing up the oil tanks and so on. I don't have those memories of Swan Song.
I wouldn't be against a reread of the book. Swan Song is a very good book. It's just not better than The Stand.
In the review I linked to, he says that The Stand has higher highs, but lower lows, whereas Swan Song is more steady and even all the way through. I think he makes a good point there.