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Christine (novel)

Christine is a 1983 horror novel by American author Stephen King about a 1958 Plymouth Fury that is possessed by malevolent supernatural forces.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Christine is a 1983 horror novel by American author Stephen King about a 1958 Plymouth Fury that is possessed by malevolent supernatural forces. The story follows teenager Arnie Cunningham, whose obsession with the car transforms his life and relationships. The novel is one of King’s best-known early horror works and was adapted into a film in 1983.

Plot

Christine follows Arnie Cunningham after he buys and restores a dilapidated 1958 Plymouth Fury. As the car is repaired, it exerts a malevolent influence that drives violence, obsession, and tragedy.

Themes

The novel is commonly discussed in terms of obsession, possession, jealousy, and the destructive side of adolescence. It also uses the car as a symbol of dangerous attachment and power.

Publication

Christine was published in 1983 as a Stephen King horror novel. Stephen King’s official bibliography gives its release date as April 29, 1983.

Adaptation

The novel was adapted into the 1983 film Christine, directed by John Carpenter. The adaptation helped make the title widely recognizable beyond the book itself.

Key facts

  • The novel was published in 1983.
  • It centres on a haunted 1958 Plymouth Fury named Christine.
  • The protagonist is Arnie Cunningham, a teenage outsider who becomes obsessed with the car.
  • The story is narrated in part by Arnie’s friend Dennis Guilder.
  • The book was adapted into a 1983 film directed by John Carpenter.
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Canadian context

Christine has no specific Canadian setting or Canadian subject matter, but it is part of Stephen King’s internationally read body of horror fiction and has been widely available to Canadian readers in print and film.

Frequently asked questions

What is Christine about?
It is about a haunted 1958 Plymouth Fury and the teenager who becomes obsessed with restoring and owning it.
Who wrote Christine?
Christine was written by Stephen King.
When was Christine published?
It was published on April 29, 1983.
What kind of book is Christine?
It is a horror novel.
Is Christine related to a film?
Yes. The novel was adapted into a 1983 film directed by John Carpenter.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christine_(King_novel)
    Supports: States that Christine is a 1983 horror novel by Stephen King about a possessed 1958 Plymouth Fury.
  2. StephenKing.com — https://stephenking.com/works/novel/christine.html
    Supports: Official listing for the novel, including its release date and plot description.
  3. SuperSummary — https://www.supersummary.com/christine/summary/
    Supports: Confirms the novel’s 1983 publication and its adaptation into a John Carpenter film.
  4. Stephen King Wiki - Fandom — https://stephenking.fandom.com/wiki/Christine
    Supports: Provides publication details, including release date and setting.