Just After Sunset

Published: 2008

Just After Sunset (2008) is King's fifth major collection of short fiction, containing thirteen stories written primarily after his near-fatal 1999 accident. The collection demonstrates King's return to the short form after editing the Best American Short Stories 2007 anthology rekindled his enthusiasm for the format. The stories range widely in style and subject matter—from post-9/11 paranoia in 'The Things They Left Behind' to surreal body horror in 'N.' and dark humor in 'A Very Tight Place.' Several stories examine mortality and life's fragility, reflecting King's own brush with death, particularly 'The Cat from Hell,' 'Willa,' and 'Graduation Afternoon.' The collection includes 'N.,' later adapted as a graphic novel and animated series, about a psychiatrist who inherits his patient's obsessive-compulsive disorder tied to a Lovecraftian interdimensional threat. In his introduction, King discusses how editing the Best American Short Stories collection reinvigorated his interest in the form and influenced these works. Critics generally praised the collection's range and ambition, noting King's evolution as a short story writer and his ability to work in multiple styles. The book performed well commercially, debuting on bestseller lists. 'N.' received particular critical acclaim and multimedia adaptation. King has described the collection as representative of his post-accident perspective, with greater focus on life's preciousness and fragility. For readers, Just After Sunset showcases King's versatility and willingness to experiment within the short story format. The collection's recurrent themes of mortality, chance, and the thin barriers between worlds reflect King's post-accident worldview while maintaining his characteristic voice. Stories like 'The New York Times at Special Bargain Rates' and 'Stationary Bike' examine the boundaries between life and death with a gentler touch than his earlier work, suggesting King's evolving perspective on mortality. The collection demonstrates King's continued commitment to the short story form throughout his career, even as novels dominated his commercial output.

Themes

• Mortality
• Post-9/11 anxiety
• Obsession
• Chance
• Alternate realities

Adaptations

• N. (animated series and graphic novel)

Collector Notes

Influenced by King's experience editing Best American Short Stories 2007, which rekindled his interest in the short story form. Contains 'The Cat from Hell,' originally written in the 1970s but not previously collected.