The Stand, Favorite Character & Question

[tak113454]

Well, I finished the Stand complete and uncut. I have never read the book before, so I was wondering for anyone who has read the two versions how the original (cut) version adds up. I felt like the Stand ended way too quickly for my liking, I would have been happy with another hundred pages tacked on fleshing out the last section of the book. So, I'm curious how those who have read both versions feel.

Also just curious as to who your favorite character in the book is?
The Kid is mine, for sure!!!

[Black Flagg]

Also just curious as to who your favorite character in the book is?
The Kid is mine, for sure!!!

Good thing you read the unabridged version then, because Trashy's encounter with him wasn't in the original!

As for my favorite STAND characters, I'd have to go with Stu or Nick because those are the two characters that seem to make the same decisions I would have made if put in their situation.

[Cody44]

Larry Underwood is my favorite. His story was the best of all the characters for me.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

The Uncut is far superior IMO. I believe it's the greatest novel of the 20th century, bar none.

The discussion between Frannie and her mum, and the story of The Kid are missing from the original (cf the Foreword in the Uncut), and it's much fuller and richer than the original.

And Stu Redman. Or Glen. Or maybe Kojak. Oh, I can't choose LOL.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Srbo]

I agree with the previous posts.

As for " another 1oo pages " like you say...I`m pretty sure that nobody would mind another thousand, but Sai King called that book " his own personal Vietnam ", meaning he had a wee bit of trouble finishing it anyhow, so I guess he is pretty happy with those " measely " thousand and change pages...

[devious1]

yeah Stephen had quite a time getting through this one. i believe he said he had hit a wall and didn't know where to go with the story so he decided to blow up half the cast and see what that would lead to lol... never read the cut version, only the uncut so i can't help you there... if i had to choose a favorite character? i'd say Stu Redman.

[adrianmarley]

I've just re-read the "cut" version and enjoyed it. Harold Lauder is my favourite character. The Kid doesn't appear in this version, so I've no opinion as to whether he or she is a good character or not. I still have a problem with the ending, though, which makes it a 4-star book as opposed to a 5-star book.

[elysian]

i believe he said he had hit a wall and didn't know where to go with the story so he decided to blow up half the cast and see what that would lead to lol...

I just wish he had chosen a bit differently - well, for one character, anyway

I first read the original version, before there was a "complete and uncut" edition. I got the new version as soon as I could (It was so painful to see the hardcover in stores and, being a kid, not being able to buy it!) and I love it even more - for a novel as great as The Stand, the more the merrier in my opinion.
Favorite character is Nick.

[bio_chem06]

My favorite character is Larry Underwood. It seems like he has the most depth and his evolution as a human being is great. I also like the way his song connects the story together. Everyone sings it, even if they haven't met him yet.

[nunu_chis]

I read the short version and it didn`t seem any "short" to me. I noted some blank spaces between some chapters and the next one... but I really liked the book and I think that the uncut version would have seemed to long to me.. what I liked from this one is that every conversation, every scene was important.
My favourite character... mmh, it`s hard to say... I think I choose Stu. But the one that I liked most to read about was Harold