I have always had a certain curiosity about reading a Stephen King novel. However, since I'm not particularly fond of the horror genre, I've kept a safe distance from the works of this extremely famous author. So, when my friend recommended one of his books to me, I finally decided to give it a try. And I'm truly glad that I did.

The story of "The Green Mile" revolves around the inmates of Cold Mountain Prison. These men are serving time for murder and are waiting for their ultimate fate on Old Sparky, the electric chair. The narrative is told from the perspective of the prison's warden, Paul Edgecombe. Life was relatively simple for the prison workers until the arrival of Delacroix, John Coffey, and William Wharton. Delacroix was a cheerful man as long as his pet mouse was by his side. John Coffey was a quiet and mysterious figure, while Wharton was a troublemaker.

What I truly love about this book is how Mr. King has masterfully blended the lives of these three inmates. In addition to that, he has also done justice to the experiences of the prison workers as they deal with the business of executing these inmates on Old Sparky. Sometimes, it was an incredibly tough task for them, and at other times, they just wanted to get it over with because it was so deeply painful. After all, most of these people were no longer the same as they were at the time of committing their crimes.

Although this book is categorized under the "Horror" genre, I didn't find it to be anything like that at all. Instead, it was a beautiful story that was deeply touching and emotional. It made me think about the nature of good and evil, redemption, and the human capacity for both cruelty and kindness.

I want to express my gratitude to Vidya for recommending this book to me. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, it is a truly beautiful book that has left a lasting impression on me. And secondly, for choosing a King novel that was perfect for my tastes. Thanks to Vidya, I have discovered a new side of Stephen King's writing that I never knew existed.

A book full of nostalgia and... fantasy? Fiction? Magic realism? I don't know exactly. What I do know is that "The Green Mile" entered my heart in a wonderful way, exquisitely, and more than I expected of it. Its characters are unique and memorable; each one of them is well-defined, and it's easy to hate or love them. The plot is light and progresses at the right pace.

This book is one of my favorites by King. To this day, I haven't been able to get over many scenes that left me fascinated, scenes that made me meditate, change my thoughts, scenes that marked me. If you haven't read this book, I don't know what you're waiting for; you won't regret it and it will leave you with a big void, at least that's what happened to me. Read it!

"The Green Mile" is a captivating story that takes you on an emotional journey. The vivid descriptions and well-developed characters make you feel as if you are right there with them. It's a book that will make you laugh, cry, and think. King has a way of creating worlds and characters that stay with you long after you've finished reading. So don't hesitate, pick up this book and let it transport you to a world of magic and mystery.

What else can I say apart from it's a masterpiece.

This book is truly outstanding. It is so much better than the film, which was already stunning. As I reached the end, I was sobbing uncontrollably. The author's writing is masterful in every way.

It effortlessly weaves a tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The characters are vividly drawn, and the story is both engaging and deeply moving.

Without a doubt, this novel easily makes it into my top 5 Stephen King novels. It is a must-read for any fan of the genre.

(Where's the tissues?) I found myself reaching for them more than once as I became completely immersed in this wonderful story.

4,5

[Reviewed in 2003.:]

Have you ever read a book that had such a profound impact on you that it brought tears to your eyes? I just completed reading The Green Mile by Stephen King, and I found myself tearing up every few pages or so. It's truly incredible - the depth of emotion, the raw feelings that it evokes. The story is presented in such a stark and powerful way. It's a prison story, but it goes far beyond that, delving into the naked human sensibilities and basic human emotions. Ugh. I'm really not that great at writing reviews.

However, what I can talk about is the emotions that this book caused to surface within me. Do you believe that people can be truly evil? Let me be more specific. Do you believe that a person can be completely bad, or evil, without having an iota of good in them? After reading this book, I would have to say yes. There are indeed people who seem to have no ounce of goodness within them.

I know, I know - the book is fiction, but that doesn't mean it can't describe what can actually exist in real life (at least to a large extent). One of the characters in the book was just completely... I'm not sure if I can use the word evil in this context (as evil implies demons and perhaps even the opposite of God in my mind), but words like bad, vicious, diabolic, wicked, and cruel seem to be more appropriate descriptions. Even when people gave him a chance, after witnessing his cruelty and callousness, it made no difference. He continued his backbiting and sadistic ways as before. And it didn't matter how many times he was "forgiven" or let off for the unbelievably monstrous deeds he committed. It was always the same. One particular part that really hit me hard was this (no spoilers here, in case you're planning to read - which I highly recommend you do!): "Then I understood why he had panicked, why he'd fought us so hard. He thought we were going to put him in with Wild Bill Wharton; that his punishment for the dry sponge was to be a dry cornholing from the resident psychopath. Instead of feeling sympathy for Percy at this realization, I felt disgusted and a hardening of my resolve. He was, after all, judging us by the way he would have behaved, had our positions been reversed." A person like this can't help but assume that others will do the same to him as he would do to others. I guess that holds true to a certain extent for everyone as well. I mean, how often do you really think "outside the box"? How often do you consider why a person does or says something without being influenced by your own perspective? It takes a great deal of conscious effort to do that, unless you're enlightened beyond that point. But anyway, this is an amazing book. I devoured it in just two days - I simply couldn't put it down. In fact, I've been losing sleep for the past two nights because of this book. You really should check it out.

It's a story that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Of the books I've read by King (and there are still many I haven't...), for now this is the best. The story of Paul Edgecom, the head of the death row or green mile of the Cold Mountain Penitentiary, has clenched my heart. I've been moved by the giant Coffey, felt sorry for Delacroix, been angry with the guard Percy, had tenderness for the mouse Mr. Jingles, and felt a great deal of impotence.

There have been many passages in the book where I've really suffered. What agony!

It's a book that makes you reflect on many things, such as the death penalty, racism, justice and injustice, friendship or love.

Really a touching book that has made me feel a lot and that I closed last night with my heart in a fist and tears in my eyes.

“The Green Mile” was originally published in six parts. Set in the Cold Mountain Penitentiary in 1932, the story centers around the death row corridor known as “The Green Mile” due to the color of its linoleum. The tale is told by Paul Edgecombe, a guard on the death row corridor, who narrates his experience with an unusual prisoner, John Coffey, a man convicted of raping and murdering two girls. Throughout the novel, it is revealed that John has certain characteristics that defy human understanding.

Paul is the narrator and one of the main characters. He is a fair and compassionate man who works as the head of the death row guards. Throughout the novel, Paul struggles with the moral dilemmas of his job and faces the reality of John Coffey's true nature. His character development is marked by an increasing understanding and acceptance of the inexplicable.

John, on the other hand, is a large and physically strong African American man with an extremely docile and compassionate personality. Despite being sentenced to death for a horrible crime, John shows that he has a miraculous gift. His character and abilities raise profound questions about justice and humanity.

Brutus “Brutal” Howell is another death row guard and a close friend of Paul. He is a strong and respected man, known for his sense of justice and loyalty. Brutal plays a crucial role in supporting Paul and understanding the true nature of John Coffey.

Among the secondary cast, we have Percy Wetmore, a cruel and sadistic guard whose abusive and heartless behavior creates tension and conflict in the story. His lack of compassion and his selfish attitude make him one of the antagonists of the novel. Eduard Delacroix, a prisoner on the Green Mile, who forms an emotional connection with a mouse named Mr. Jingles, has a story that adds a layer of humanity and tragedy to the death row corridor, and his relationship with the mouse serves as a contrast to the brutality of the penitentiary system. William “Wild Bill” Wharton, another prisoner on the Green Mile, known for his violent and unpredictable behavior, represents pure evil and plays a crucial role in the development of the plot.

Stephen King explores the nature of justice and how the penitentiary system can fail. Through the story of John Coffey, King raises questions about justice and morality, and how these can be distorted. The presence of John Coffey as an almost angelic figure contrasts with characters like Percy and Wharton, representations of human evil. This theme develops throughout the novel, highlighting the struggle between good and evil in various forms. Throughout the story, the compassion of the guards, especially Paul and Brutal, towards the prisoners humanizes the brutal environment of the death row corridor. John Coffey's special gift symbolizes the redemptive power of compassion and kindness.

The death row corridor itself is a symbol of the inevitability of death and the fragility of human life. The green color of the linoleum represents a kind of hope in the midst of despair. Mr. Jingles, the pet mouse of Delacroix, symbolizes the humanity and hope that can be found even in the darkest places. Its survival and longevity highlight the ability to find light in the darkness. And Coffey's powers act as a symbol of the divine in the everyday, questioning our understanding of what is possible and highlighting the capacity for redemption and healing.

The tone of the novel is often dark and melancholy, reflecting the gravity of life on the death row corridor. However, King also includes moments of hope and humanity that provide an emotional balance.

Stephen King wrote “The Green Mile” at a time of experimentation with the publication of a story in several volumes, which allowed him to keep readers on the edge of their seats between each installment. This methodology also allowed King to develop a rich and detailed narrative, addressing complex themes with a unique approach that has resonated deeply with readers over the years.

Full review without spoilers on my YouTube channel ➡ Maponto Lee

I cried so much that now my head hurts and I can't write a coherent review.

I think that's why it deserves 5 stars, doesn't it? I'm traumatized.

It's been an emotional rollercoaster, and I'm still trying to come to terms with the impact this has had on me.

The experience was so intense that it left me in a state of shock and confusion.

But despite the pain and the headache, I know that this is something that will stay with me for a long time.

Maybe that's what makes it so special and worthy of the highest rating.

I don't know if I'll ever be able to fully express how I feel, but I hope this review gives some indication of the profound effect it has had on me.

I believe that as long as there are books being written that can make us feel the magic of literature, everything will be okay. Five stars and one recommendation.

Books have always been a source of inspiration and knowledge. They can transport us to different worlds, introduce us to new ideas, and make us feel a whole range of emotions. Whether it's a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking non-fiction work, there is a book out there for everyone.

When we read, we are not only entertained but also educated. We learn about different cultures, historical events, and the human condition. We expand our vocabulary, improve our writing skills, and gain a better understanding of the world around us.

So, let's continue to support the written word and encourage more people to pick up a book. Because in a world that can often seem chaotic and unpredictable, the magic of literature can be a source of comfort, inspiration, and hope.

Sometimes, there is truly no distinction between salvation and damnation. In the end, time prevails over all of us, regardless of our preferences.

I am tired. I am weary of being on the road, alone like a bird in the rain. I am sick of not having a friend to accompany me, to tell me where we are going or coming from, or why. Generally speaking, I am sick of people being cruel to one another. I am sick of all the pain that I feel and hear in the world. Every day, there is so much pain, like shards of glass in my head. All the time, can you understand?

An unpopular confession: I am one of those who was disappointed by the book. Perhaps because I had specifically requested it from a traveler to London and waited for it impatiently. But I am one of those who endured the boredom of the years while reading "The Green Mile." Is it because I saw the movie? Or because it is actually better than the book? Or because it is set in the impoverished thirties with declining morals? Or because it is full of skeptical philosophical questions?

In general, I am a lover of John Coffey and a fan of the idea of the book about the spirit of pain, its authenticity, and its essence. Despite the length, the digressions, and the large number of characters in the book, the simple human idea of the book still wins me over to this day.

And it reminds us that true pain cannot be told.

And there is no salvation from it except through death.

For a complete review of the story, the plot, and its symbols, I recommend my friend Mohamed Makram's review.

What a masterpiece!

Stephen King is renowned for his ability to terrify readers through his books. However, with The Green Mile, he has managed to not only send shivers down our spines but also break our hearts.

Although there are elements of horror in the story, especially with the presence of the electric chair named 'Old Sparky', at times, this novel feels more like a captivating tale of fantasy.

Most people have probably seen the movie adaptation, and in this case, it remains very faithful to the book. Nevertheless, this poignant and classic horror piece will surely be remembered as one of my all-time favorites.

The book is truly flawless and merits every single star it receives. It is a work that combines the elements of horror, fantasy, and heartbreak in a way that only Stephen King can. It is a must-read for any fan of the genre or anyone looking for a deeply moving and unforgettable story.

In the book "The Green Mile" written by Stephen King, just like the book "Life of Pi", we are witnesses to a miracle, a miracle that the author uses to prove its existence, like Richard Parker famous in "Life of Pi".

This time we are facing John Coffey. He is a simple-hearted black man who says that the pronunciation of his name is like coffee but it is not written like coffee. He, like Richard Parker, is the main hero of the story. John, despite his rough appearance, has a very simple and childlike interior. He is like a prophet, a prophet of the 20th century. The miracle of John is seeing, hearing, and feeling the bad and evil things of people. With his sensitive soul, he can travel into the interior of a human being and, in addition to this power of healing, he also has it and with his own simplicity, he wants to use this power to help good people.

The story takes place in prison, in the death row cell, where executions in that era in America were carried out with the electric chair. The closed and small cell environment is a suitable opportunity for the prisoners to get to know John better and of course John also has time to get to know the prison, the prisoners, and the prison guards (like the small boat of Mr. Pi, which is like a prison, Pi and Richard Parker are both prisoners and prison guards).

The story is told from the language of one of the prison guards, Paul Edgecombe, who has a urinary tract infection and is cured by John and his miracle. He becomes the narrator of the story throughout the miracle, love and kindness, and of course the dark shadow of death and execution that is getting closer every moment, the evil and the devil that is right next to it, the struggle that takes place between good and evil and Jesus when he is crucified like him.

John, the hero of our story in prison, heals the souls and bodies of those around him, heals them, but he himself becomes tired and broken. He feels the powerful presence of the devil around him and with each passing second, he gets closer and closer to the end. He even heals Mr. Jingles. John is so full of love and kindness that it also flows into him from his soul. It doesn't matter that Mr. Jingles is a mouse.

John is tired. He is tired of seeing all this filth. He is tired of the eternal struggle with the devil and darkness, of the wandering of mankind, of the black night, and of the pain, the pain that stabs in his heart and soul. He peacefully walks his green mile. Death is a relief for him from all this pain and sorrow. John, until the last moment, still speaks of love and kindness, of being sorry for what he is.

The life of John and his miracles comes to an end. Paul remains and Mr. Jingles, who are both healed by John, have understood his miracle and his grace. So why didn't they prevent his death? They must be sentenced, and what sentence is harder than life? They are sentenced to a long life, just like, just like, they see the death of all their loved ones. The book ends in bitterness and darkness. Stephen King leaves the reader alone in a world full of filth and evil. John Coffey has left and only darkness remains and a dark night that does not dawn......