Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Today is Friday, and it’s time for another review. Today, I am reviewing Stephen King‘s Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption.
Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption was originally published in 1982 by Viking Press and runs 128 pages long.
Just a quick note: the book deals with some subject matters, like physical abuse and sexual abuse, which may be triggering for some readers. If you feel you may be upset by some of the content in the book, I’d recommend giving this one a miss.
The Plot
The plot follows Andy Dufresne, who used to work as a banker before he was convicted of murdering his wife and her lover after she admitted to infidelity. He is sent to prison at Shawshank, where he has a hard time adjusting to his new life. In this grim and unforgiving environment, Andy befriends Red, a fellow inmate known for his ability to get his hands on things one usually wouldn’t be able to get a hold of in prison.
Characters
Andy Dufresne
Andy is the main character in the story (though not the narrator). After being convicted of murdering his wife as well as her lover, he is imprisoned in the Shawshank State Penitentiary. He is intelligent and resourceful and uses his skills to help further the interests of the other inmates – helping some of them complete their education – and eventually earns their respect. He even helps out some of the prison officers with financial advice.
Throughout the book, Andy is portrayed as a stoic and mysterious character who rarely shares his thoughts and feelings with the other inmates. Despite the harsh and oppressive conditions of the prison, Andy remains cool-headed, optimistic and determined to prove his innocence.
Red
Red is the story’s narrator. He is a long-term inmate at Shawshank and one of Andy’s closest friends in prison. Over the years, he has developed a reputation for his resourcefulness and ability to acquire goods that are difficult to obtain on the ‘inside’, such as posters of the latest pinups. Despite his criminal past and tough exterior, Red has a kind heart and is an honest and loyal friend.
Warden Samuel Norton
Norton is the corrupt warden of Shawshank State Penitentiary. He is cruel and cunning and goes to great lengths to maintain his hold over the inmates. He is particularly interested in using Andy’s skills as a banker to his benefit, taking advantage of his position to exploit the other inmates, too.
Byron Hadley
Hadley is a brutal and sadistic warden who takes pleasure in the suffering of the inmates. He is generally feared and despised by the prisoners but is too powerful for anyone to challenge. Until that is, Andy puts him in his place during a roof repair exercise.
Tommy Williams
Tommy Williams is another character whose role in the story is minor, though significant. He is a young inmate who befriends Andy and tells him about an inmate he had previously shared a cell with who confessed to the murders Andy was convicted of. This revelation gives Andy a renewed sense of hope for a retrial. Unfortunately, however, Tommy is killed under suspicious circumstances before he has a chance to testify.
Writing Style
King’s writing style is refreshingly simple yet profound in Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, and he employs a handful of subtle literary techniques to draw readers in and bring the characters to life. Whether it be the sadistic warden, Norton, or the mysterious inmate, Red, the character development is nuanced and subtle, and the story takes little tumbles rather than fully-fledged twists. Nonetheless, it was well-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Another noteworthy feature of this book is how King intricately weaves multiple threads to create a riveting storyline. Although a short book, the various subplots, including the corrupt warden, the regulated nature of life in the prison, and the relationships Andy forms with the guards and inmates at Shawshank, merge to form a gripping story.
One of the most impressive aspects of the book is King’s use of powerful imagery and symbolism throughout the story. The prison itself stands as a metaphor for the dehumanising and oppressive nature of society. The bleak prison setting juxtaposed with the resilience exhibited by Andy and his friends, coupled with the themes of hope, redemption, and the importance of human relationships in difficult times, which are woven seamlessly into the narrative, makes this book un-put-down-able.
Final Thoughts
I have read and enjoyed many a novel by Stephen King. He is my favourite horror author, and I find him a font of seemingly unending creepy ideas.
With that said, I was surprised to discover that he also writes in other genres occasionally – this being one of them. Although I remember seeing the film adaptation many years ago, I never knew it was based on a Stephen King story. Before reading the book, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to connect with King on a level that wasn’t based on horror, but I needn’t have worried. I absolutely loved this book. I was hooked fast, and I made quick work of reading it, finishing it across three lunchtime breaks.
Overall, the book is a gritty and realistic period tale spanning several years, which I enjoyed. Fans of King’s other work will likely enjoy this book, so don’t be put off if you picked up this book expecting horror to find it a crime story instead.
It is a must-read, not only because it’s a great story but also for the vital messages it conveys. If you want to dive into and explore the human condition while indulging in a gripping read, this book is an absolute must!
I am giving Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption a 9/10.
Have you read the book or watched the film adaptation? Which did you prefer?
Thank you, as ever, for reading my review!
Until next time,
© 2024 GLT
Categories: Book Reviews, Reading
GEORGE L THOMAS 
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