40 pages • 1 hour read
Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption
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Book Brief
128
Novella • Fiction
Shawshank State Prison • 1940s
1982
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The novella "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption" by Stephen King, from the collection Different Seasons, is narrated by Red, a prison inmate, who recounts the story of Andy Dufresne, a fellow inmate unjustly convicted of murder. Despite relentless mistreatment, Andy remains steadfastly optimistic and eventually escapes Shawshank Prison, inspiring Red to believe in hope and redemption. The story includes portrayals of sexual assault, murder, and suicide.
Challenging
Hopeful
Inspirational
Contemplative
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
51,343 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Stephen King's Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption garners praise for its compelling storytelling, rich character development, and insightful exploration of hope and endurance. Some critics note a slower pace and predictable tropes but agree it’s a powerful novella. King's ability to evoke emotion through simple, yet profound, narrative techniques stands out.
Who Should Read Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption?
Fans of Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King typically enjoy gripping narratives of resilience and justice. Similar to readers of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee or The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, they appreciate complex characters and powerful, redemptive storytelling.
51,343 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Andy Dufresne
Andy Dufresne
A calm and collected inmate at Shawshank who was a successful banker before his wrongful conviction for murder, known for his intellectual pursuits and collecting rocks.
Warden Samuel Norton
Warden Samuel Norton
The unscrupulous warden of Shawshank prison with a public persona of piety, who uses his position for personal gain and exerts control over the inmates.
Tommy Williams
Tommy Williams
A career criminal who arrives at Shawshank and works towards earning his high school equivalency, highlighting Andy's compassionate nature.
128
Novella • Fiction
Shawshank State Prison • 1940s
1982
Adult
18+ years
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