By Stephen King
132 pages
Hello again. Although I have read a few books that are under 150 pages for this challenge (Siddhartha, The Stranger) the one I really chose for this category is Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King. So the version I have of this book is actually called Different Seasons and is made of four different novellas – one to represent each season. This is the first story, representing spring in the section called Hope Springs Eternal. Last year I read the third story, Apt Pupil, for the section Fall from Innocence. This book probably sounds familiar because it was the basis for the popular Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins movie, The Shawshank Redemption.
While I am currently addicted to binge-watching Prison Break on Netflix, it is possible that I just have escape on my mind. I loved this movie and was very excited to read the book. Having read Stephen King before, I knew this wouldn’t be a disappointment. I was right.
I went on a really long bus ride this past weekend (10 hours each way). I began my trip reading one book and it was really slow going. I honestly don’t know how I’m going to finish it, but I will. Anyway, I had to put it away and read this instead. Best decision ever.
Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption tells the story of Andy, a man who has been wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. While in prison, Andy becomes friends with Red, the man who can get things. The book is told from the point of view of Red. He describes when Andy came to Shawshank and what his life was like in the prison. (Side Note: The book is set in Maine, which is where my dad’s family is from – my dad even went to school with King – I’ll be visiting Maine again this summer.) It goes over the life that Andy led in prison and how he used his intelligence to get himself through.
Ultimately Andy escapes from Shawshank. Poof. Vanishes. Red is unaware of Andy’s plan to escape, but as he goes back and recalls the story, he realizes that he knew all along. He remembers discussions they had, memories they shared, hints that Andy left behind.
When Red is finally released he is worried that he doesn’t know how to live anymore. He has been in prison for so long that he doesn’t understand how the world works. Due to this overwhelming feeling, Red begins to contemplate committing a crime so he can be sent back to prison. The only thing that keeps him going is his memory of Andy and his undying hope for something better. This memory renews Red’s desire to be something and do something – his hope is restored and the future looks bright.
Read this book. It leaves you feeling good. (You should also watch Prison Break.)
4 Stars