A review by jenny_wren
Different Seasons by Stephen King

challenging dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This is a collection of 4 short stories/novellas that have a link to Shawshank. The first is the story that inspired the Shawshank Redemption film. The second is a book about a teenager and his attempts to exploit a former Nazi soldier - but like most teenagers, Todd thinks he has the upper hand despite only being 14. In the third book a group of 4 friends go on an 'adventure' to find the body of a missing class mate. In the 4th book we meet a lady who is pregnant but not married in a story within a story in a club that isn't a club! 
The author explained all these books were written immediately after some if his some length novels. Some of these are really difficult to read. Apt Pupil, contains really detailed descriptions of animal cruelty and 'experiments' that took place in concentration camps. However, all the books are really gripping. Despite being short stories they still have that classic Stephen King feel about them - the feel like a long ramble through a story where you get to know the characters... and some of them are not very nice! Todd is just awful!! 
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