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The Green Mile

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996

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Book Brief

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Stephen King

The Green Mile

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

512

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Louisiana • 1930s

Theme
Publication Year

1996

Publisher

Penguin Signet

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In The Green Mile by Stephen King, Paul Edgecombe recounts his time as the supervising officer of Cold Mountain's death row in 1932. John Coffey, a gentle giant convicted of murdering twin girls, touches lives with his miraculous healing powers, revealing a complex tale of justice and humanity. Topics include graphic violence, execution, and racial prejudice.

Dark

Emotional

Mysterious

Unnerving

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Stephen King's The Green Mile is lauded for its compelling storytelling, rich character development, and emotional depth. Reviewers appreciate the blend of supernatural elements with poignant themes of morality and justice. However, some criticize its length and pacing. Overall, it is a highly recommended read for fans of thoughtful, evocative fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Green Mile?

A reader who enjoys The Green Mile by Stephen King is likely drawn to intense, emotional narratives that intertwine elements of supernatural fiction, historical depth, and moral exploration. Fans of Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee will appreciate the compelling storytelling and profound themes.

Character List

Paul Edgecombe

A former prison guard from Cold Mountain State Penitentiary, now 104 years old and living in a nursing home, who reflects on his past experiences.

A large, gentle man with mysterious origins and a unique gift, imprisoned at Cold Mountain under suspicion of a grave crime.

A young inmate with a troubling history and a dangerous presence, known for his erratic and violent behavior.

A Cajun inmate on death row at Cold Mountain, known for his gentler disposition and friendship with a mouse named Mr. Jingles.

An unpleasant and incompetent guard on The Green Mile, whose political connections protect him despite his abuses of power.

Paul's second-in-command at Cold Mountain, notable for his large size, strength, and compassionate nature.

A mouse with a peculiar intelligence and loyalty, cherished by Delacroix during his time on death row.

Paul's supportive and understanding wife, who plays a critical role in his life during his tenure at Cold Mountain.

The warden at Cold Mountain, Paul’s supervisor, who struggles with personal difficulties alongside his responsibilities.

The kind-hearted wife of Warden Hal Moores, who faces serious health challenges during the story.

An abusive orderly at Georgia Pines retirement home, where he antagonizes the elderly residents, including Paul.

Paul's special friend at Georgia Pines, who offers him support and encouragement in sharing his story.

The grieving parents of twin daughters, whose tragedy intertwines with the events at Cold Mountain.

Book Details
Pages

512

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Louisiana • 1930s

Theme
Publication Year

1996

Publisher

Penguin Signet

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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