darkestknight2911's review against another edition
Stopped after reading Shawshank redemption
koxi's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
amid's review against another edition
5.0
The Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King is a profound work of art. This narrative is not only inspiring but also sheds light on the theme of injustice in the juristic system. King’s storytelling prowess shines, crafting a tale that remains memorable and impactful. While I didn’t delve into the other three novellas, this particular story stands out as a testament to the power of hope and the human spirit. Highly recommended.
kristenc08's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
rhodas's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
scroggin_cooper's review against another edition
5.0
If any other author wrote this, this would be the pinnacle of their career. Four damn near-perfect stories in one collection.
The Shawshank Redemption-5/5. This one's definitely the most famous, everyone and their grandmother's seen the movie or at least heard of it. I found it a little surprising that Red was a white guy, but I couldn't picture anyone other than Morgan Freeman whilst I was reading the tale of him and Andy. I just wish that we got a section from Andy's point of view.
Apt Pupil-5/5. Apt Pupil's easily one of the scariest things I've ever read in my life. Todd and Dussander are fucking terrifying, each for an entirely different reason. Todd's scary because there are people like him, who are fascinated by the Nazis to the extent that they will mimic them, while Dussander's scary because he's just a psychopath. I will never forget that scene of the cat and the oven. The ending was also fucking bonkers.
The Body-4.5/5. I had to let this permeate over me a little bit, but the sections of Gordie's writing really bogged down the pace and killed the momentum, which is why I skipped them. But the friendship between Gordie, Chris, Vern, and Teddy is one of the best in the Multiverse. They seem like me and some pals and each of them has a special thing to them that not only differentiates them but makes them likable. This novella also poignantly explores themes of grief and the loss of innocence in a way only King can write.
The Breathing Method-4/5. This one's objectively the weakest of the stories, but it's still great. I just wish it were longer.
The Shawshank Redemption-5/5. This one's definitely the most famous, everyone and their grandmother's seen the movie or at least heard of it. I found it a little surprising that Red was a white guy, but I couldn't picture anyone other than Morgan Freeman whilst I was reading the tale of him and Andy. I just wish that we got a section from Andy's point of view.
Apt Pupil-5/5. Apt Pupil's easily one of the scariest things I've ever read in my life. Todd and Dussander are fucking terrifying, each for an entirely different reason. Todd's scary because there are people like him, who are fascinated by the Nazis to the extent that they will mimic them, while Dussander's scary because he's just a psychopath. I will never forget that scene of the cat and the oven. The ending was also fucking bonkers.
The Body-4.5/5. I had to let this permeate over me a little bit, but the sections of Gordie's writing really bogged down the pace and killed the momentum, which is why I skipped them. But the friendship between Gordie, Chris, Vern, and Teddy is one of the best in the Multiverse. They seem like me and some pals and each of them has a special thing to them that not only differentiates them but makes them likable. This novella also poignantly explores themes of grief and the loss of innocence in a way only King can write.
The Breathing Method-4/5. This one's objectively the weakest of the stories, but it's still great. I just wish it were longer.
gsroney's review against another edition
4.0
“Some birds are not meant to be caged, that’s all. Their feathers are too bright, their songs too sweet and wild. So you let them go, or when you open the cage to feed them they somehow fly out past you. And the part of you that knows it was wrong to imprison them in the first place rejoices, but still, the place where you live is that much more drab and empty for their departure.”
bookishkash's review against another edition
4.0
First ever Stephen king “short” story collection I have read and I throughly enjoyed! The first two stories are really interesting and greatly written!! Although the other two stories were also fun to read, the first two spoilt me! Maybe ordering the stories differently would have enhanced my reading experience.
Here is my individual rating for each story:
Shawshank redemption- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Worth all the hype. I have heard about the movie all my life but reading it was a great experience. Some of the best King writing.
Apt pupil- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Very very disturbing but that’s what I enjoyed about it. It’s the longest story but this one is definitely worth the read! Perfect story and perfect ending.
The Body - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Found this one a bit hard to get into and overall wasn’t a very satisfying read. There were some parts for the story that I really enjoyed and the premise was unique.
The breathing method - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was gripped to the story and this could have been a five star too but I didn’t love how it ended. It felt incomplete. But the story was great with a lot of King’s gruesome writing elements!
Here is my individual rating for each story:
Shawshank redemption- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Worth all the hype. I have heard about the movie all my life but reading it was a great experience. Some of the best King writing.
Apt pupil- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Very very disturbing but that’s what I enjoyed about it. It’s the longest story but this one is definitely worth the read! Perfect story and perfect ending.
The Body - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Found this one a bit hard to get into and overall wasn’t a very satisfying read. There were some parts for the story that I really enjoyed and the premise was unique.
The breathing method - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was gripped to the story and this could have been a five star too but I didn’t love how it ended. It felt incomplete. But the story was great with a lot of King’s gruesome writing elements!
daniem's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
emilija_kava's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75