Thinner

Published: 1984

Thinner (1984), published under King's Richard Bachman pseudonym, tells the story of Billy Halleck, an overweight, successful lawyer who accidentally kills an old Romani woman with his car. When the case is dismissed through his connections, the woman's ancient father curses Billy by touching his cheek and whispering one word: 'Thinner.' Billy begins losing weight at a supernatural rate, and as his condition becomes life-threatening, he desperately seeks to reverse the curse. The novel was the last Bachman book published before King's pseudonym was exposed by a persistent bookstore clerk who noticed similarities in writing style. This revelation dramatically increased the book's sales from modest Bachman numbers to King-level bestseller status. Written during King's recovery from addiction, Thinner explores themes of responsibility, justice, and moral corruption with a directness characteristic of the Bachman books. Critics noted its lean prose, tighter plotting, and moral ambiguity compared to King's more expansive works. The novel's exploration of privilege, ethnic prejudice, and karmic justice gives it unexpected depth beyond its high-concept supernatural premise. King has stated that writing as Bachman allowed him to explore darker themes and endings without commercial pressures associated with his name. For readers, Thinner represents a perfect blend of Bachman's bleak worldview with King's supernatural elements—creating a modern moral fable about accountability and the consequences of trying to escape responsibility. The 1996 film adaptation received mixed reviews but helped introduce the story to newer audiences. First edition Bachman paperbacks became instant collector's items after his identity was revealed, though the book has primarily been published under King's name since 1985. The novel remains one of the most accessible entries in the Bachman canon, with its straightforward premise and relentless pacing.

Themes

• Guilt
• Curses
• Revenge
• Decay
• Identity

Adaptations

• 1996 film adaptation starring Robert John Burke

Collector Notes

Paperback original under the Bachman name. Later reissued under King's real name. First printings with the original Bachman attribution are sought after.