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Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption

Stephen King

Start date: November 1, 2006

Finish date: November 30, 2006

Discussion: Burlington B&N Selections

Why we're reading this: Movie title "The Shawshank Redemption"…more
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Dec 04, 2020 Henry Avila rated it really liked it · review of another edition

One of the few times the now classic movie is better than the book, but being a novella it lacks a rich, deep background , though good still a little cold the narrative, as these two main characters strangers to each other are in the same prison in Maine meeting in 1948 the story seems sparse nevertheless a deliberate ploy, Stephen King wants vague unworldly scenes which gives this the unreality it needs to succeed . The life of the guards and lawbreakers are intertwined, a curious blend of winn One of the few times the now classic movie is better than the book, but being a novella it lacks a rich, deep background , though good still a little cold the narrative, as these two main characters strangers to each other are in the same prison in Maine meeting in 1948 the story seems sparse nevertheless a deliberate ploy, Stephen King wants vague unworldly scenes which gives this the unreality it needs to succeed . The life of the guards and lawbreakers are intertwined, a curious blend of winners and losers still are they that different and the gray structures brings a petrified, some would say a depressing thick cloud as it turns to stone the habitually icy (I wish this had been at least 100 pages or more longer, however what will be will be ) , very dull
atmosphere here, a setting quite conducive to despair and the endless pain . The struggling to get by, men of violence do their pleasurable thing, no women here ...the intelligent man believes in the future but must suffer the present. Andy Dufresne a convicted wife killer with her lover but he says he didn't do that like all the inmates inside the Shawshank State Penitentiary. Red one of the few who admits his guilt like the new friend doesn't, a killer of his spouse and innocent others. The unusual friendship slowly develops not an ideal place for this and trust needs to happen very gradually, to be earned . Years like glaciers inch by inch pass, decades in truth. The tough guards only care about staying healthy, despising the convicts, their low lives will never change though how different are the two bands? The inhuman conditions vanquish the cons most of them become manageable their eyes a mirrors into the dead souls. Another prisoner Red befriends the rather unimpressive looking former banker he attracts the nefarious element roaming around the prison yard. Since no women there they search for the best alternative the ones unable to resist themselves, moreover looks can be deceiving the little man defends his honor not successfully because he is short of physical prowess still he fights. Obviously an ending which fits is expected to be rather nebulous...that is a given. An account of imagination what is possible and the faith a person keeps in his heart for salvation. A touching book as the conversations Red and Andy have even in a hell hole reminds the reader how lucky they are outside the walls some stay inside forever. And Andy becomes a legend more myth than a solid animal walking by but not seen he cannot be for a myth has no body. ...more

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