What constitutes a “bad” person, and where do we draw the line? In King’s long-awaited spin on the last-job trope, we follow titular character Billy Summers, a skilled sniper turned hitman “with a conscience.”

Set against the backdrop of a small town in Maine, the novel’s book-within-a-book perspective adds another layer of complexity as Billy immerses himself in the world of fiction, shaping his narrative to fit his own desires and perceptions. Through this lens, King forces us to confront the muffled lines between truth and lies. We are challenged to consider how our own perceptions shape the stories we tell ourselves, and how those stories shape our reality. 

Billy’s journey is charged with moral dilemmas, forcing him to confront his past and battle with the possibility of a changed future. Through his interactions with unlikely characters, we see the transformative power of forgiveness and the hope it offers for a better future. Despite his flaws and wrongdoings, Billy ultimately serves as a figure of hope, a reminder that even the darkest souls can find salvation. 

The book also serves as a poignant reflection on the enduring scars of war and how they impact individuals long after the conflicts have ended. Through a firsthand account of these experiences, Billy Summers reminds us of the true cost of conflict, as well as the importance of seeking forgiveness and redemption in its aftermath. 

In the halls of our high school, we encounter a myriad of characters—some, like Billy, subconsciously walk the path of redemption while scarred by an unforgiving past; others, like Alice, grapple with their own demons while finding peace in acceptance. We see the consequences of their actions, the impact they have on those around them, and the ways in which they grapple with their own sense of right and wrong. We watch as their stories unfold, shaping and reshaping their character again and again. 

King’s story serves as a reflection of the larger world. Redemption is always possible for those who seek it, and forgiveness is always possible for those who are willing to look past their resentment. As the school year comes to a close, let’s remember these messages—after all, we live in a world where the line between right and wrong is a blurred mess. It’s up to us to make the most out of it.