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The Shawshank Redemption: A Novella in Different Seasons
by
Stephen King
Based on a a novella from Different Seasons, this unabridged tale focuses on a man convicted of murder, who finds himself in a prison ruled by a sadistic warden and secretly operated by a clever convict. Read by Frank Muller.
Compact Disc, 5 pages
Published
January 13th 2009
by Penguin Audiobooks
(first published 1982)
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Mark
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review of another edition
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Recommends it for:
Horror fans, Stephen King fans, book-to-film buffs
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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
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 ...more
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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...more
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
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...more
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...more
Tom James
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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....more
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...more
Chris Meigh
rated it
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review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Stephen King fans, film buffs,
Shelves:
favourites
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...more
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...more
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...more
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
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...more
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
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
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
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
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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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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...
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.
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.
Shawshank Redemption is one of my favorite movies, so I thought it was time to finally read the story on which it is based. Oh, so good.
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Stephen Edwin King was born in Portland, Maine in 1947, the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. After his parents separated when Stephen was a toddler, he and his older brother, David, were raised by his mother. Parts of his childhood were spent...more
More about Stephen King...
Stephen Edwin King was born in Portland, Maine in 1947, the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. After his parents separated when Stephen was a toddler, he and his older brother, David, were raised by his mother. Parts of his childhood were spent...more
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