The Shawshank Redemption

I just listened to the audio and then watched the movie again,the images of the movies are excellent, and I loved the movie before the book, but it pales in comparison. Listening to the incomparable Frank Muller read the story with the huge sweeping shots over the prison in mind, is excellent. Listening to the book makes Tim Robbins acting seem better than it was, and then watching the movie again reminds you just how one dimensional his portrayal really was. This is one of Stephen King's best works, and as I've said Muller doesn't (and hasn't as ever as far as I've heard) disappoint.

If you are like me, when ever I come across the film on TV, I stop and watch it, eventhough I have seen it a few dozen times. This novel, like every other Novel/Film duo, is different than the film. Which is 'Better" is debatable, but I lean towards the movie, and I think most people once they have read the book and have seen the film would agree. That is not to say it isn't worth the read. While Andy does end up doing the same thing at the end in both stories, the film adds a depth to the relationship between Andy and the other characters, that the novel just can't. That is not a knock against Mr.King, it is a testament to what was pulled off by the actors, directors, producers and writers of the film. This book is definately worth your time/money, and is a great demonstration that Mr.King is a superb writer and that the horror genre isn't the only place he reigns.

I bought this audio book because i needed to finish reading this book by a certain time and complete question assigned to me by my teacher about the book. At first, I tried reading the book. It took fairly long, it was difficult, and i didn't understand most of it. I was barely getting by the first few pages. I was assigned to read Rita Haysworth and the Shaw-shank redemption, one of the novels in Stephen Kings "Different Seasons". This audio-book is based on that short novel in "different seasons" I followed the words in the book as the audio book played, and read along. There is no difference between this audio-book and "Rita Haysworth and the Shawshank redemption" in Stephen King's "Different Seasons". Its the same thing. The person reading in the audio-book was clear and i understood every word he read. I finished all 90 pages in 3 hours and 50 minutes, it would have took me a couple of days maybe a week if i tried reading this novel, and i wouldn't have understood the book the same way as i do now. Now i finished my assignment, understand the book completely, and cant wait to take the test on this rather hard book which was made easy by Audible.

Frank Muller brings King's suspenseful story to a rich, real life. One of the best books I've ever listened to. Just wish it could have gone on another four hours!

I enjoyed this novel of one of my favorite movies. Having seen the movie didn't spoil this story for me at all. The telling of it here is compelling.

A collection of four stories that weave together quite well to tell one powerful story; even though I saw the movie (which was almost as long as this four hour audiobook, and also well done to boot) I was able to enjoy this reading; books tend to be much better than movie done on them. The movie kept pace with this well written piece. Also, the reader was skilled enough to read to simply allow King's prose to shine through.

I thoroughly enjoyed this.

The character development is always great with King, but this is such a concise, short story that precision is paramount to a great story. He hits the mark brilliantly, and it's a beautiful, rich story of the brotherhood of man, and the good and ill that individuals are capable of. Frank Muller was fantastic as always.

King is great, and the Shawshank Redemption is a quick way to prove it. Great read and if you have seen the movie, the book (as usual) is so much better. The depth of feeling in the characters is wonderful.

I love most of King's books however he tends to become verbose in most. This book was much better than other longer novels by King, in my opinion, written with less repetition and rambling. One of my favorite of Kings novels. Frank Muller did a fantastic job narrating.

This novella was first published in the anthology “Different Seasons.” It is available individually as an audiobook, which is how I heard it. This review is for the Shawshank story, not the others in the anthology.

I don’t like prison stories because prisoners are helpless victims. But if I’m going to read one, this is probably one of the best. I was surprised that I wasn’t as depressed as I expected to be. It kept my interest. The ending was good if you don’t think about the huge chunk of life spent in prison. I liked the ending. I liked the hope at the end.

I love reading suspense thrillers. Usually there is evil or bad in those books which is not so different from gang rapes and evil wardens. So the problem with prison stories is the victim part, not the evil part. I can’t give this book 5 stars because it doesn’t have enough feel good, wow, or depth of effect for me. But it is definitely above average, so I’m at 4 stars.

What’s good? characters, dialogue, and plot. Andy is unforgettable due to his patience and internal strength. He survived gang rapes better than most because he chose to fight every time. He got hurt worse by fighting, but so did the attackers.

What’s bad? The depressing subject matter of evil in prison: gang rapes which the guards don’t stop and things done by an evil warden. He’d punish men with a bread and water diet, causing their teeth to fall out. He wanted Andy under his thumb and to lose heart. He did something terrible to Andy which was depressing, but I can’t mention it to avoid spoilers.

I wish the author would have explained what happened to warden Norton at the end. Why did he leave the prison? Was he fired? Were any of his illegal activities found out? Why was he so dejected/down when he left?

The narrator Frank Muller was great - as always.

Genre: prison fiction.
Ending: good for the main characters.