reviews
Aug 06, 2011
Mark
rated it: 
One of the best set of novella length stories ever put together. Period. For anyone out there who accuses King of not beinjg able to write well, this set should end that argument.
Shawshank: "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption" is a masterpiece. A streamlined cast of characters and clever telling of the story using the narrator as a main character, only to shift into first person to finish the story with expectant yet unresolved hope.
Apt Pupil: Scary More...
Shawshank: "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption" is a masterpiece. A streamlined cast of characters and clever telling of the story using the narrator as a main character, only to shift into first person to finish the story with expectant yet unresolved hope.
Apt Pupil: Scary More...
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Aug 06, 2011
April
rated it: 
I am willing to bet the majority of people reading this review have already seen the film version of The Shawshank Redemption. If you have not seen the movie, stop reading my review and go watch the film. It is amazing. I have recently discovered the 'free' audio-books on the library. (Thank you tax dollars). The Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King is a relatively short book. It is also a short audio book, only 3 cassettes (my POS car has a tape-deck). Frank Muller narrates Stephen King's tale
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Aug 06, 2011
Lindsey
rated it:
Four different stories, only one of which is Shawshank Redemption. My favorite story was Apt Pupil which is a terrifyingly creepy story about a young boy who discovers an ex-Nazi is living in his neighborhood. He blackmails the man by threatening to reveal his past unless he answers all of the boy's questions on the Holocaust. They made a movie out of this, too, but it was very low-budget and I haven't actually seen it, just glanced at a cover in a movie store once. Two other stories I can't
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Aug 06, 2011
A.J.
rated it:
This is not a review for the entire collection, Different Seasons. I intend to read it at some point, but when I came across this audiobook I couldn't pass it up.
The enduring fame of Shawshank is in large part thanks to the film. I've found many people are surprised to hear that Stephen King wrote it. I'm guessing these are the same people that believe he's just a horror writer, and here you can almost hear the strained twang of elitism in the voice. But sorry, Charlie, Uncle Steve h More...
The enduring fame of Shawshank is in large part thanks to the film. I've found many people are surprised to hear that Stephen King wrote it. I'm guessing these are the same people that believe he's just a horror writer, and here you can almost hear the strained twang of elitism in the voice. But sorry, Charlie, Uncle Steve h More...
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Jan 26, 2012
Ariadna73
rated it: 
Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption is the story of a friendship built between two immates of a horrible prision in the fifties. These men share everything and develop a friendship that lasts longer than their prision terms. One man is guilty and the other is innocent. One is educated and the other is just not as fortunate as the rest of us. But im prision all those diferences go away and you are valued for who you really are and how you really can stay alive.One of these two men stayed for 3
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Aug 06, 2011
Irene
rated it:
I listened to this novella on audio for my driving pleasure on vacation. A perfect four-hour choice! At first it was awkward not hearing Morgan Freeman narrate Andy's story, and ultimately Red's story. However, this somewhat allegorical novella had me just as engaged as the movie version. Like the movie, the plot is basically told in chronological order. Red has a bit more leeway to stick with certain thematic events then "rewind" to focus on a different aspect of Andy's story. M
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Jan 18, 2012
Tom
rated it:
I haven't seen the adaptation of this book properly, but I already knew the story. I decided to read it because the book is always better, and it was only a short story. I was not disappointed in the slightest. I got straight into the story and read this in less than 3 hours, I just couldn't put it down. I think that when reading the book, you do become attached to the narrator (Red), but instead of seeing things from your perspective, you actually see them as though you were stood in his shoes.
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Aug 06, 2011
Melanie
rated it:
It's difficult not to compare this to the movie based on it, because they're pretty similar. The Shawshank Redemption just goes to show that oftentimes a short story/novella adaptation makes for a better film than that of a novel. There isn't the issue of condensing material, and usually short stories are thematic in a way that translates well to screen. There are little differences, but the film is true to the story, including the personable, reflective feel that Red's narrative voice gives. An
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Jan 18, 2012
Chris
rated it:
I was told to watch the film adaptation of this for so long. And to be honest I was disappointed. Though I enjoyed it I didn't feel an emotional connection to the characters. The book is very different though. I feel like I know Red, I feel like I am him and because of that this story of hope and friendship is brilliant. Though it was slow at start it picked up and by the end I couldn't put it down. Stephen King has proven he isn't just a horror writer with this. The Shawshank Redemption manages
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Aug 28, 2011
Veronika
rated it:
One of the few books in history that was actually as good as its on screen counterpart, although how they managed to squeeze so much screen time out of such a short story still amazes me. I originally read this book when I was 16, missing my school prom to finish it and I loved it then as I love it now. The true mark of a good story is one that can be told time and time again without you ever realising that you have read it before. This is certainly one of those great stories, from an equally gr
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Oct 04, 2011
Pam
rated it:
I have never watched the movie all the way through, so I decided to read the book. It's not my usual choice of genre, and Stephen King's usual horror stories aren't my choice either, but the man is a good storyteller. The characters are well-characterized and interesting, the story comes together in a fascinating way. Good study of prison life and its effect on prisoners. I guess I should give it 5 stars, I probably would have if the "prison book" genre was my preference. Maybe I'l
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Dec 06, 2011
Gregory E.
rated it:
Simply the most inspirational book I have ever read. Probably because it is a novella instead of a full-blown novel, the movie stayed pretty true to the book.
This is the story of a very patient and brave soul, wrongly accused of, and imprisoned for, murdering his wife. It is a classic story of a man overcoming the odds and... Well, you'll just have to read it.
This is the book that finally inspired me to write my first novel. This book isn't your typical Stephen King fare, bu More...
This is the story of a very patient and brave soul, wrongly accused of, and imprisoned for, murdering his wife. It is a classic story of a man overcoming the odds and... Well, you'll just have to read it.
This is the book that finally inspired me to write my first novel. This book isn't your typical Stephen King fare, bu More...
Aug 06, 2011
Melissa
rated it:
I made the mistake of listening to this at ridiculous times of the day - around 6/7am, before sleeping, so I ended up going over a great chunk of the middle of the story twice to pick up what my brain had tuned out. As such, I feel like I didn't really give it a fair chance, but still found it the weakest of the Different Seasons collection after "The Breathing Method". I thought the beginning was super. The layout of the main characters' crimes and trials really grabbed my interest, b
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Aug 06, 2011
Chris
rated it:
I must say I have never seen the movie. Most people are shocked because it was so good, but for some reason I never cared to watch it. Currently I am on a huge Stephen King kick and I wanted something quick to fill the gap till my next audio book came available at the library.
So since I had heard such great things about the movie I decided to give this a try. I was a little disappointed at first because of how slow it seemed to move. And with this being a Novella I feel that there s More...
So since I had heard such great things about the movie I decided to give this a try. I was a little disappointed at first because of how slow it seemed to move. And with this being a Novella I feel that there s More...
Aug 06, 2011
Jason
rated it:
There's been many a times when I saw the film adaptation on cable tv, usually on "TNT" (is that channel even around anymore?), maybe on the Hallmark channel or some such. I took it for granted and watched it on a completely bored afternoon with nothing else to do and nothing else to watch, and it was before I knew it was from King's work to boot.
I was flabbergasted.
ever since then I've been meaning to read the original text. I read a page or so of it while visitin More...
I was flabbergasted.
ever since then I've been meaning to read the original text. I read a page or so of it while visitin More...
Nov 19, 2011
Rajesh
rated it:
One of the best by King. I had already seen the movie (which happens to be one of my favorites as well) before reading. So I started reading it a bit apprehensively, afraid that I won't be able to enjoy it as well as a person who hadn't seen the movie. But on the contrary, I was able to enjoy it all the more as I could visualize better.
So well written, triggers all the right emotions and has an amazing message. King proves yet again to be a master storyteller. He is the Clint Eastwood of Am More...
So well written, triggers all the right emotions and has an amazing message. King proves yet again to be a master storyteller. He is the Clint Eastwood of Am More...
Aug 06, 2011
Bonnie
rated it:
Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption
and
The Body by Stephen King
Two short stories that movies were later based on (The Shawshank Redemption and Stand By Me). I liked them both a lot (often wonder why King doesn't write more of these kinds of stories rather than all the blood and gore). It was really amazing how true to the short stories the screenwriters were, while expanding enough to fill 1 1/2 to 2 hours of film time. Both recommendations. I didn't read the other t More...
and
The Body by Stephen King
Two short stories that movies were later based on (The Shawshank Redemption and Stand By Me). I liked them both a lot (often wonder why King doesn't write more of these kinds of stories rather than all the blood and gore). It was really amazing how true to the short stories the screenwriters were, while expanding enough to fill 1 1/2 to 2 hours of film time. Both recommendations. I didn't read the other t More...
Aug 06, 2011
Eric
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Oct 11, 2011
Forrest
rated it:
This is a fantastic story! Still, this is my classic, go-to example of a film that is better than the book. They film was so bleeding amazing that it has forever blown the written story out of the water. Nevertheless, this is a good story and well-worth reading, especially for fans of the film.
Aug 06, 2011
Cindy
rated it:
This is one of King's best short stories (or novellas, if you prefer). It contains an aspect of horror - the idea of an innocent man imprisoned for life - yet it is in no way a horror story. The brilliance comes from the way the story is told, through the eyes of the prison's "can get it for you" guy, who must depend on the tales of others for large parts of the story, since he too is a prisoner.
This is also one of a handful of King tales that translated perfectly to film. More...
This is also one of a handful of King tales that translated perfectly to film. More...
Dec 18, 2011
Sara
rated it:
I listened to the audiobook of just this one novella so I clearly need to check out the collection it is from. I loved it and I was amazed at how accurate the adaptation was. Great stuff, King is a genius, I just wish I wasn't afraid to read so much of his work.
Dec 02, 2011
Douglas
rated it:
The surprising thing to me about Stephen King's ventures out of horror and supernatural are just how sure-footed his character POV and narration can be. Here he has the gentle, knowing voice of the convict narrating this tale down cold - believable and not in the least obtrusive. And he has not cheated creating the surprise he has in store.
Oct 10, 2011
Elizabeth
rated it:
One of my top 3 favorite movies of all time, and now I know why... the book is great! I was impressed the movie had followed the book so well, but a little disappointed I already knew the story. Some language.
Feb 05, 2012
Dan
rated it:
As good or better than the movie...the highest rated on IMDB. Red's voic is one of the most unique I have ever read, and I hear Morgan Freeman in my head while reading. Awesome!
Nov 26, 2011
i read it a LONG time ago. just found evidence that i did read it a long time ago; and i remember it; and i DO have a Total Books (3,400) goal, so . . . . i'm adding it!
Aug 06, 2011
Andy
rated it:
Different Seasons was one of those books that kicked me in the teeth as a teenager. And, of course, how could I forget Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption. It was just the kind of story that sticks with you and they managed to translate it exceptionally well into a movie (which tends to be hit or miss with King). A must read.
Sep 09, 2011
Bill
rated it:
Great story, but I think one of the few where I think I like the movie version just as much as the original. That said, it's one of my favorite movies of all time...
Feb 10, 2012
Gregory
rated it:
Storytelling at its best. I would have loved to read this before I had seen the movie and found out the ending, but thoroughly enjoyable nonetheless!
Nov 18, 2011
Adriii
rated it:
La historia está muy bien y el acercamiento a ella desde el punto de vista de Red es interesante, pero no tiene el alma que tiene la película.
Oct 26, 2011
giving my first stephen king book a shot. i don't know why this site wouldn't let me pick the whole book, instead just the individual short stories.
