Here's a breakdown of the story:
Part 1: The Losers' Club
* Childhood (1958): The story begins in the summer of 1958, introducing the seven main characters: Bill Denbrough (a stutterer who leads the group), Richie Tozier (a wisecracking prankster), Eddie Kaspbrak (an asthmatic hypochondriac), Stan Uris (a bookish and timid boy), Mike Hanlon (an African American boy who is a caretaker of the town library), Ben Hanscom (an overweight boy who is bullied), and Beverly Marsh (a beautiful girl who is abused by her father).
* Pennywise: These children encounter Pennywise, a shape-shifting entity that feeds on fear and takes on various forms, most notably a clown. Pennywise terrorizes the children, abducting and killing their friends.
* The Ritual: The Losers' Club unites to fight Pennywise, using their own courage and a ritual involving a silver object to defeat him. They believe they have vanquished him, but Pennywise is only dormant.
* Separation: The children are separated when their families move away, leaving them with the shared trauma of their encounters with Pennywise.
Part 2: The Return of It
* Adulthood (1985): The Losers' Club is reunited by Mike Hanlon, who has remained in Derry and realized that Pennywise is returning. He calls upon the others to return and face their past.
* Reunion and Confrontation: The adults grapple with their childhood experiences and the lingering fear of Pennywise. Each confronts their own personal demons and the traumas that Pennywise inflicted upon them.
* Final Battle: The Losers' Club, now armed with their adult experiences and maturity, engage in a final, epic battle against Pennywise. They use their combined strengths, including their shared memories, to weaken the monster and ultimately defeat him.
* The Aftermath: The Losers' Club is forever changed by their experiences. While Pennywise is gone, they carry the scars of their past and the knowledge of their own strength.
Thematic Exploration:
* Childhood Trauma: The novel explores the effects of childhood trauma and how it can shape an individual's life.
* Friendship and Belonging: The importance of friendship and belonging is a central theme. The Losers' Club finds solace and strength in each other's company.
* Facing Fears: The characters must confront their own fears, both personal and collective, to defeat Pennywise.
* The Power of Memory: The shared memories of the Losers' Club are crucial to defeating Pennywise and understanding their own past.
"It" is a complex and disturbing novel that delves into the dark side of human nature and the power of memory, trauma, and friendship. It's a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.