The Sun Dog Book Summary - The Sun Dog Book explained in key points

The Sun Dog summary

Brief summary

The Sun Dog by Stephen King is a gripping horror novel that follows a boy named Kevin as he discovers a malevolent force within an antique camera. As the sinister entity grows stronger, Kevin must find a way to stop it before it consumes everything in its path.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    The Sun Dog
    Summary of key ideas

    The Mysterious Camera

    In The Sun Dog by Stephen King, we are introduced to Kevin Delevan, a fifteen-year-old boy who receives a Polaroid Sun 660 camera for his birthday. However, the camera seems to be malfunctioning, as every photo Kevin takes with it shows a menacing, black dog. The dog appears to be moving closer with each picture, and Kevin becomes increasingly disturbed by this strange phenomenon.

    Kevin's father, a local businessman, takes the camera to a repair shop, but the problem persists. The dog in the photos becomes more detailed and lifelike, and Kevin starts to believe that the dog is trying to come out of the pictures. He also begins to experience strange dreams and visions, all involving the dog.

    The Sinister Dog

    Kevin's father, who is trying to protect his son from the camera's sinister influence, decides to destroy the camera. However, the camera reappears in Kevin's room, seemingly repaired. Kevin's father then seeks the help of a local pawnbroker, Pop Merrill, who is known for his knowledge of the supernatural. Pop recognizes the dog in the photos as a Sun Dog, a malevolent creature from the world of the dead.

    Pop advises Kevin's father to take the camera to a professional photographer, who might be able to capture the dog in a photo and trap it there. However, the plan fails, and the dog continues to grow more powerful and threatening. Kevin's father realizes that the only way to stop the Sun Dog is to destroy the camera, but it seems to be indestructible.

    The Unstoppable Sun Dog

    As the situation escalates, Kevin's father becomes increasingly desperate. He seeks the help of a local priest, who suggests that the only way to stop the Sun Dog is to take a photo of it with a camera that has never been used before. Kevin's father buys a new camera and attempts to take a picture of the Sun Dog, but the dog attacks him, causing a heart attack that proves fatal.

    After his father's death, Kevin is left alone to deal with the Sun Dog. He realizes that the only way to stop the creature is to take a picture of it with the original camera. Kevin confronts the Sun Dog and manages to take a picture of it with the Polaroid Sun 660. The dog is trapped in the photo, and the camera is finally destroyed.

    The Aftermath

    With the Sun Dog gone, Kevin's life returns to normal. However, he is haunted by the memory of the sinister creature and the events that unfolded. He is left with a deep sense of loss, having lost his father and his innocence in the battle against the supernatural. The story ends with Kevin reflecting on the strange and terrifying events that have changed his life forever.

    In conclusion, The Sun Dog is a chilling tale of a boy's encounter with a malevolent force from another world. Stephen King masterfully weaves a narrative that blends the ordinary with the supernatural, creating a story that is both terrifying and thought-provoking.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is The Sun Dog about?

    The Sun Dog is a chilling horror novel by Stephen King that tells the story of a young boy who receives a Polaroid camera for his birthday. However, the pictures taken with this camera reveal a sinister presence – a sun dog that seems to be getting closer and closer. As the boy and his family become increasingly terrified, they must uncover the dark secrets behind the camera before it's too late.

    The Sun Dog Review

    The Sun Dog (1992) follows a boy who receives a mysterious Polaroid camera that captures more than just snapshots. Here's why this book is worth your time:

    • Explores the intriguing intersection of technology and supernatural elements, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
    • Stephen King's masterful storytelling skillfully weaves together horror and coming-of-age themes, creating a gripping narrative.
    • The eerie and suspenseful atmosphere throughout the book ensures that boredom is the last thing on your mind while reading.

    Who should read The Sun Dog?

    • Readers who enjoy horror fiction and supernatural thrillers
    • Fans of Stephen King's writing and storytelling style
    • Those interested in exploring the darker side of human nature and the unknown

    About the Author

    Stephen King is a renowned author known for his captivating and often chilling storytelling. With a career spanning over five decades, King has written numerous bestsellers, including Carrie, The Shining, and It. His works have been adapted into successful films and television series, solidifying his place as one of the most influential writers in the horror genre. King's ability to create immersive and terrifying worlds has earned him a dedicated global fan base.

    Categories with The Sun Dog

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    37 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Get started

    The Sun Dog FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Sun Dog?

    The main message of The Sun Dog revolves around a mysterious, supernatural camera that poses a grave threat.

    How long does it take to read The Sun Dog?

    The estimated reading time for The Sun Dog is relatively short. You can enjoy the Blinkist summary in just a fraction of that time.

    Is The Sun Dog a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Sun Dog is a captivating read with its chilling tale and intriguing plot twists. It's definitely worth experiencing.

    Who is the author of The Sun Dog?

    The author of The Sun Dog is Stephen King.

    What to read after The Sun Dog?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Sun Dog, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Suspense and Sensibility by Carrie Bebris
    • Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas by Stephanie Barron
    • An Assembly Such as This by Pamela Aidan
    • Mr. Darcy's Diary by Amanda Grange
    • The Real Jane Austen by Paula Byrne
    • Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge
    • Jane and the Man of the Cloth by Stephanie Barron
    • For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
    • The Last Man in the World by Abigail Reynolds
    • Longbourn by Jo Baker