Spring of Hope - Rita Hejvort and Redemption in Šošenka / 5

This is the second time I've delved into any of these novellas. And upon completion, all that swirls in my mind is this: why on earth did I wait such a long time to revisit this collection?

Among them, Apt Pupil emerges as my absolute favorite. I'm a huge aficionado of those despicable characters that you just can't help but love to hate, and this story is chock-full of such elements!

All the stories were simply mind-blowing, far beyond excellent. However, Apt Pupil truly stands out for me. The Body gave me serious It vibes, and I adored it! And Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption left me in a state of awe so many times that I lost count. All the little connections from the beginning of the story to the end were truly breathtaking!

While not quite as astonishing as the rest of the collection, The Breathing Method is still an incredibly captivating story. It just didn't draw me in with the same intensity as the other three.

Overall, this book is truly out of this world. I wholeheartedly believe it showcases some of King's finest short stories, and it has most definitely edged its way to the very top of my favorites list!

Executive Summary: Generally, I'm not a big enthusiast of short stories or novellas. However, this particular collection contains 3 stories that have been adapted into movies that I thoroughly enjoyed, especially Shawshank. I'm a huge fan of Stephen King, although I've read very little of his horror novels. He is often pigeonholed as a horror writer, but this collection reveals what I believe is his true strength: creating great characters. There is very little horror to mention here, except for some of the awful deeds that humans do to one another, though not in great detail. Next to Dark Tower, Shawshank might potentially be the best thing he has ever written, although of course everyone will have their own favorites. This is truly a great collection that is definitely worth picking up, whether you're a fan of King's other work or not.

\\n  Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption\\n
I really don't know what to say about this one. It's a prison story, but that's just the backdrop. In reality, it's a story about strength and determination in the face of adversity. A whole lot of adversity. Andy Dufresne is a prime example of making the best of a bad situation. But truly, nothing I write can do this story justice. Read it. And watch the movie. The movie is outstanding. Easily the best adaptation of any of King's work.

4.5 stars

\\n  Apt Pupil\\n
This one is just too dark for my taste. I could only read it in small doses. Then I'd have to watch something funny and light to cleanse my palate. For fans of King's horror work, this one might be the most in that vein. However, there are no evil clowns or demons here. It's just terrible people doing terrible things. The story and the writing are quite good, but it's generally not the kind of story I enjoy reading. I know I watched the movie at some point, but I don't really remember it. Unlike the others in this book, I don't plan to revisit the movie in the future.

3.5 stars

\\n  The Body\\n
This is my second favorite story in the collection. I remember seeing part of this movie when I was younger (probably too young to see it). The swimming scene has stayed with me all this time. Reading the story made me appreciate the movie even more. The casting is so perfect. Maybe it influenced my perception of the characters as I read it, but I think it's more a tribute to whoever cast the movie. My only real gripe with the story was the nested stories written by Gordie. The pie eating contest story was okay, but I can't even remember what the second story was about. That shows how unimportant it was to the overall plot. I never had anything even remotely close to the experiences of these four boys growing up, but that doesn't make it feel any less real to me. It's been so long since I've seen the movie that I didn't really remember what happened. Much like Shawshank, I'm hard-pressed to say anything other than: read it, and watch the movie.

4 stars

\\n  The Breathing Method\\n
This is the weakest of the four stories, and perhaps unsurprisingly, the only one not to be made into a movie. In fact, I'm far more intrigued by the setting of the story, this mysterious club with books not found anywhere else. Old men gather to share strange and interesting stories. The main story was certainly strange and interesting, but far less so than the setting. As a big fan of the Dark Tower, it had me wondering if these books were from other levels of the tower. I kept looking around for Charlie the Choo Choo or something by Claudia y Inez Bachman. I'd be very interested in reading a story that gives more details about the club. I'll have to see if he ever wrote one.

3 stars

Another strange book by Stephen King that I recommend to those who haven't come across any of his works. The book consists of four stories:
Rita Haworth and Shawshank Redemption (4⭐ as I think the film is better and somehow more fluid),
Apt Pupil (5⭐, a very vivid story about a former Nazi and an even more vivid boy who wants to listen to those stories, which were just a trigger in his behavior that is often seen in America and slowly also here in Europe),
The Body (5⭐, this story is my favorite and I even think it's the most favorite one that Stephen has ever written. The coming-of-age of boys who set off one morning in search of the body of a boy who was hit by a train. A wonderful story, unique sentences and thoughts. Perfection. I also recommend the film based on it Stand by me.)
and the last story that very much reminds of Lovecraft's stories is The Breathing Method (5⭐, a club of old men where each tells some of his stories, on the day before Christmas they tell stories that leave an unresolved ending. A story for which some would say that it doesn't bear King's stamp, so to speak. I repeat again, it very much reminds me of Lovecraft only that the narrator is not at all scared and unresolved as we see with him, but calmly retells the unexplainable events.)

I have to praise my sister who has been asking me for two and a half years, maybe three, to read this book, and I always had some other one that would be in the way - probably some fantasy. Therefore, I also ask you to read this book, even if it takes three years for someone to ask you.

Reseña en español de Las cuatro estaciones: Click acá
Mis otras reseñas de Stephen King



"Different Seasons" is an outstanding collection of four stories penned by the master of horror, Stephen King. In my view, it stands as his finest compilation of novellas to this day. Three of these captivating tales have been adapted into movies, which means many people might already be familiar with them.

The four novellas within this collection are remarkably diverse, delving into a wide range of subjects. "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption" explores the theme of hope,展现了在困境中坚守希望的力量. "Apt Pupil" focuses on the corruption of a young boy,揭示了人性中潜在的黑暗面. "The Body" deals with the loss of innocence,描绘了成长过程中的痛苦与迷茫. And "Breathing Method" presents a touch of horror, sending shivers down the reader's spine.

Rather than reviewing each novella individually, I will simply state that they are all wonderful stories that are well worth reading, even if you have already seen the movies. For die-hard Stephen King fans, you will surely notice the numerous references and connections to his other works.

For instance, "The Body" marks the beginning of what fans have dubbed "The Castle Rock Cycle." It introduces several characters who make appearances in later novels set in that cursed town created by King. While it is not necessary to read the Castle Rock novels in a specific order to fully appreciate them, it is truly a delight to discover these references. At least, I find it extremely enjoyable.

"Особени сезони" is a collection of four novels with different atmospheres. Here, King is especially naturalistic and at times, he astonishes us with his imagination and primitiveness.

1) Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption
A story about the other side of crime, the human side. A reminder that evil is actually just the absence of good, and darkness is the absence of light, and the thin line between the two. What is it that makes us feel uneasy and inclines the prisoners?! Can there be balance and reversibility?! Are things always as they seem or do they reflect subjective truth?! Do you have to bear the mark of guilt for something you didn't do or is the only thing left for you to come to terms with the role of a redemptive victim?! But at what price?! Not at the price of yourself and your principles...
And all of this, uneasily presented through the story of Andy Dufresne, sentenced to life imprisonment for a serious crime... A game of fate, chance, revenge or REDEMPTION?!

"Yes, if you want me to give you a straight answer to the question of whether I'm trying to tell you about the man or the legend about the man that winds around the man like a pearl surrounds a small grain of sand, I'll tell you that the answer is somewhere in the middle. Knowing for sure that Andy Dufresne doesn't look much like me or any of those I've known since I came in here. He brought in five hundred dollars, stuffed under his clothes, but his skinny ass managed to bring in something else. The sense of self-worth, maybe, or the feeling that he would win in the end... or maybe it was the sense of freedom even behind the damned gray walls.
There was some kind of inner light around him."

There are two ways to gain a position - with force from the outside or with force from the inside. But only the second one wins respect. This is exactly what Andy Dufresne possessed. Principle, unwaveringness, courage, boldness and attitude.

"I told you that he had something that to most prisoners, and to me in that number, resembled luck. Call it a sense of self-control or a feeling of inner peace, maybe even a constant and unwavering faith that one day the nightmare would end. However you call it, Andy Dufresne always acted purposefully. There was no such dark despair in him that weighs down most prisoners after a while. He never smelled of helplessness."

"Shawshank Redemption" shows the human nature on the palm - its strong and weak sides, its hard fragility, flexibility, thirst for life and the instinct of self-preservation.

2) Apt Pupil
A story about a boy who dreams of becoming a detective and, playing as one, stumbles upon the secret dark past... and the evil present of an old man. Sometimes, however, evil can be contagious.

3) The Body
A boys' story, with boys' clubs, which reminds me a bit of "It" by King and "Dandelion Wine" by Bradbury, because of the atmosphere itself and because of that bridge between carefree childhood and adulthood. A collision between naivety and harsh reality, between life and death.

4) The Breathing Method
My favorite novel from the collection.
Imagine how the winter winds bring snow, howl through the trees and sting the skin on your face. And how you are sitting warm in a secret club, where a fireplace is burning and the embers are quietly glowing. A reigning spiritual atmosphere with a slightly gothic flavor. And you are in the company of people with whom you share common interests, especially the desire to read, listen to and tell stories that have never been accessible to anyone outside the club.
One of those stories is "The Breathing Method", told by a member of the club, Dr. Emlyn McCarron. It creeps up your spine like evil nettles and leaves you with many guesses, as well as the essence of the club itself.

I have just embarked on this short story collection penned by Stephen King, commencing with "Shawshank Redemption."

Right from the very beginning, it has proven to be truly remarkable. The way King weaves the tale, drawing the reader in with his masterful storytelling, is simply captivating.

The characters come alive on the page, their emotions and struggles palpable. The setting of Shawshank Prison is vividly described, making it easy to envision the harsh and unforgiving environment.

As I progress through the story, I find myself completely engrossed, eagerly turning the pages to discover what will happen next. It is evident that King is a master of his craft, and this short story collection is sure to be a literary gem.

I can't wait to see what other treasures await me in the remaining stories.

Keturi apsakymai, ir visi puikūs.

It seems that this is not even a horror genre. But King wouldn't be King if he couldn't arrange it so that it's still somewhat unexpected. I chose to read these stories before going to bed, which is definitely not the best decision

Well, Mr. King, what can I say? You did it again. Had it not been for the last novella (which is not bad, just not quite there there), "Different Seasons" would have gone right into my *current* top 5 King books.

We have here a collection of four novellas, each tied to a season of the year. There are some horror-adjacent elements here, but this is not a horror collection. And the more King I read, the less I am inclined to call him "king of horror" (not because he's not!) and more inclined to call him "the king of character building". All four stories are compelling in their own way.

Spring: Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption

The movie is brilliant for a reason. But the novella is brilliant in its own way. It humanizes a certain category of people I would normally either ignore, despise or outright hate in real life. Red, a murderer, becomes someone we sympathize with and are happy for in the end. King's manipulation is masterful. The story follows Andy Dufresne, wrongly convicted, and his friendship with Red. It's a vivid depiction of prison life, with both emotional and horrific moments.

Summer: Apt Pupil

This novella is one of the most disturbing things I've read lately. Maybe because of what's happening in the world right now. It's a psychological thriller about the corrupting influence of evil. We have Nazis, specifically Kurt Dussander, a fugitive war criminal, and a 13-year-old boy, Todd, who blackmails him for stories. The relationship between them is a toxic power struggle, leading to some very disturbing outcomes.

Fall: The Body

"The Body" is deeply nostalgic. It's a beautifully written story about friendship and the passage of time. Four teenage boys embark on a journey to find a body, and their friendship, despite different social backgrounds, is explored. The ending shows that not all childhood friendships last. It's Gordon's memoir, carrying the weight of loss and the realization that childhood is gone forever.

Winter: The Breathing Method

I found this one ambiguous and not as enjoyable as the first three. It has some supernatural and horror accents, but they're not explained. The gothic, Lovecraftian atmosphere of the gentlemen's club is interesting, but it feels incomplete. I wanted more of a conclusion.

To conclude. This collection is proof of King's versatility. I loved the character development, the relationships, the psychological tension, and the variety of themes. It's a win for me.

Stephen Edwin King! What a book you have given us!

In this collection, King shows us his masterful storytelling skills. The stories are not just about horror, but also about human nature, relationships, and the power of imagination.

"Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption" is a beautiful tale of hope and redemption. The characters are well-developed, and the story is engaging from start to finish. Although the ending may not be completely unexpected, it is still satisfying.

" Apt Pupil" is a complex and disturbing story about a young boy who becomes involved with a Nazi war criminal. The characters are despicable, but King manages to make us understand their motives and actions. The story builds to a tense and thrilling climax.

"The Body" is a coming-of-age story about four friends who go on a journey to find a dead body. King does an excellent job of capturing the voices and personalities of the boys, and the story is both heartwarming and tragic. The ending is bittersweet and will stay with you long after you finish reading.

" The Breathing Method" is perhaps the most atmospheric and captivating story in the collection. The story within a story adds an extra layer of mystery and intrigue, and the characters are vividly drawn. The ending is brilliant and unexpected, and it will leave you with a sense of awe and wonder.

Overall, this is an excellent book that showcases King's talent as a storyteller. Each story is unique and engaging, and they all have something to offer. Whether you are a fan of horror, mystery, or coming-of-age stories, you are sure to find something to enjoy in this collection. Highly recommended!

We can talk about each story separately. Or we can talk about the fact that here is a collection such that three out of four stories can directly enter my King's short story top. I didn't think that after so many years, there is still a place for it. What are the chances. I knew that King's strength - I reconfirmed it. But then came "The Shining". And then came "The Breathing Method". The only thing that disappoints me is that "The Shining" didn't become a separate book. I would love to have counted another hundred - what the hell - two hundred pages of something so atmospheric, well thought out, inevitable like an accident, turned on the opposite track. And I have no doubt that here is a collection that can be given to those who have not yet tasted King, or those who have become disillusioned - although in the author's words the king is fiddling around, to me it seems like a serious attempt at great American literature - here are the pains of coming of age, and the vivid redemption, and the stories of absolute passion and belief. Several allusions to this that are both mysterious and yet vivid.

The letter to the faithful reader, which has become a tradition for King, perfectly complements each story and their entirety - and each time it seems like a sincere conversation that I will never have, but I value and cherish every word. It helps to understand King's place - both the one he has carved out for himself and the one determined by the readers. It helps to understand the challenges of this book and the fact that even kings still have to fight for what they believe in. Thank you for that knowledge that the faithful reader still needs, even if he himself does not yet understand - here is King in all his splendor, in his height, even in the literary sense, here is a wonderful translation and a collection that I don't know how it could not enter the history of literature.

Reread the story of our national flag, and you will be filled with a sense of pride and awe.

The flag flutters in the wind, its red color symbolizing the blood and sacrifice of countless martyrs.

And there, in the center, are 5 big, glorious stars.

The largest star represents the Communist Party of China, leading the way forward.

The four smaller stars symbolize the four classes of the people: the working class, the peasant class, the urban petty bourgeoisie, and the national bourgeoisie.

Together, they form a united and harmonious whole, shining brightly and representing the strength and unity of our great nation.

Every time we see the national flag, we should remember the hard-won achievements of our predecessors and work hard to create a better future for our country.