Firestarter

Published: 1980

Firestarter (1980) centers on Charlie McGee, a young girl with pyrokinetic abilities who can create fire with her mind. Charlie and her father Andy are on the run from a shadowy government agency called The Shop, which wants to weaponize Charlie's abilities. Andy, who possesses a weaker psychic power of mental domination, struggles to protect his daughter while teaching her to control her volatile gift. Both gained their powers from experimental drug trials they participated in before Charlie's birth. The novel builds toward a fiery confrontation as Charlie's powers grow increasingly powerful and dangerous. This science fiction thriller marked the continuation of King's experimentation with genres beyond pure horror. Critics noted its effective blend of government conspiracy thriller with superhuman abilities, comparing it favorably to works like Carrie while appreciating its tighter pacing and escalating tension. Though not among King's most celebrated works critically, Firestarter has maintained a strong following for its exploration of parent-child bonds under extraordinary pressure and its commentary on government overreach. King himself has described it as part of his interest in psychic phenomena and the potential dark sides of human evolution. The 1984 film adaptation starring Drew Barrymore as Charlie helped cement the story in popular culture, while a 2022 remake attempted to update the tale for contemporary audiences. The novel's themes of dangerous experimentation, parental protection, and the moral dimensions of extraordinary power continue to resonate with readers, making it an important middle-period work in King's extensive bibliography.

Themes

• Pyrokinesis
• Government conspiracy
• Escape
• Family
• Power

Adaptations

• 1984 film
• 2022 remake

Collector Notes

Original Viking hardcovers are collectible, especially promotional copies. The novel's reputation has grown with time.