gen_wolfhailstorm's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Upon completion, I enjoyed Shawshank Redemption more than I thought I was during the moment.
I liked hearing how Andy was sort of this inspiring and living legend, but really was a normal guy just living in hope for justice.
I enjoyed Red's telling of the story, it felt more endearing than I think it would have been had Andy been telling it himself.
I loved the ending, that made me feel really happy and it had this hopeful air to it.
Of course, being King, we has his typical rascim, homophobia and sexisim sprinkled in there. Surprised it wasn't much more, if I'm honest, but I guess this is only a small book. I can't write this review without at least mentioning this.
Overall, this was a solid character study and an interesting look at life in prison from around the 1940's onwards. I'd pin this as more of a historical, slice-of-life short story, with mystery and thriller elements.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Vomit, Confinement, Excrement, Forced institutionalization, Religious bigotry, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Violence, Blood, Cursing, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Homophobia, Racial slurs, Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Grief, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Gaslighting, Misogyny, Murder, and Torture
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