Book Reviews | Different Seasons, by Stephen King
Stephen King, the Horror Master Storyteller, Tries Something Different
And let me tell you, he gets it very, very right.
Tell me something: what comes to mind when you think about Stephen King?
Probably horror. A haunted hotel, vampires, a girl with telekinetic powers… or any scary, gorry tale. Am I right?
Well, in fairness, you’re right too. Stephen King is the master of horror. Most of his novels are about the supernatural, and they will make your heart beat fast.
But perhaps, you didn’t know that he also writes other types of stories. And they are good!
Different Seasons is a collection of four novellas:
- “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption”
- “Apt Pupil”
- “The Body”
- “The Breathing Method”
As with all novellas, they’re slightly shorter than a novel and slightly longer than a short story. But that doesn’t stop them from being incredible.
In Different Seasons’ Afterword, King explains that all these novellas were written immediately after he finished one of his books. He claims: “it’s as if I’ve always finished the big job with just enough gas left in the tank to blow off one good-sized novella.”
And good they are. Really, really good.
Hope Springs Eternal: Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption
Are you wondering why this title sounds familiar?
That’s probably because you’re thinking of the movie “The Shawshank Redemption” with Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. And, yes, that incredible movie was based on this story.
“All I know for sure is that Andy Dufresne wasn’t much like me or anyone else I ever knew since I came inside.” — Different Seasons, Stephen King
Rita Rayworth and Shawshank Redemption is a fantastic tale about a guy who ended up in prison, but still claimed innocence. And what he did about it.
If you’ve watched the movie, you know what happens. But if you haven’t… well, you’re in for a treat.
Summer of Corruption: Apt Pupil
It’s hard to choose a favourite novella in Different Seasons. But I’m often inclined to pick this one out of the bunch.
It’s not exactly horror, but it isn’t light, either. In fact, King says he didn’t write a thing for three months after finishing this novella, and I can easily understand why.
It’s a very dark story with a very heavy plot. But it’s also mesmerising.
If you play with fire, you might get burnt. And Todd Bowden entangles himself with something much more dangerous than fire.
The twists and turns will keep you on your toes and might give you nightmares. But again, it’s not horror. It’s just deeply disturbing.
Apt Pupil became a movie of the same name, starred by Ian McKellen and Brad Renfro. A good watch for a Saturday night, for sure.
Fall from Innocence: The Body
Can I keep on writing this review saying how great each story is? You might be getting bored of it by now. But it is the truth.
The Body became “Stand By Me” on the big screen.
Now you’re familiar with this story, right? And you know it’s fantastic.
Perhaps, you’re even going to forgive me for repeating myself. After all, one book, four novellas, and three movies?! I’m definitely not the only one who enjoys the stories in Different Seasons.
“I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve.” — Different Seasons, Stephen King
The Body is about growing up and having the best time of your life with your friends. But it’s also a tale of how life isn’t fair. Even for young kids.
Although these four friends are going on their adventure to see a dead body (and that’s slightly bizarre), The Body is a great read.
It depicts the four boys in a very realistic light. It’s impossible not to fall in love with them. I love how they interact with each other, how they have different views on life… but most of all, I love how deep they are. Yes, they’re preteen boys, but there’s so much more to their lives than this.
There are several autobiographical elements to The Body. When King was only four years old, he saw his friend die on the train tracks while on a playdate at his house. The narrator, Gordon, is a writer, just like King. And I can’t help but wonder if Chris was also based on someone real. I hope not, but at the same time, I know there are way too many boys like Chris out there, even if King didn’t befriend one himself.
A Winter’s Tale: The Breathing Method
This is the only novella in Different Seasons that didn’t become a movie. Yet. There were rumours in 2012, and then again in 2019. So we might still get one.
This is also the only story in this book that I don’t like very much. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t bad. It’s just that the other three are among my favourite stories ever.
But The Breathing Method? Meh. It’s okay, but it’s not as good as the others. The Club is intriguing, but that’s about it for me.
You might want to skip this one if you’re not fond of horror. It’s the only one among the four novellas with more horror elements woven into it. And it might not be for everyone.
It’s still worth reading. But it does get eclipsed by the other novellas' greatness.
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Different Seasons
Different Seasons is my favourite book. Ever.
The four novellas are very distinct one from the other, and they’re not connected at all. So if you ever want to try only one of them — that’s fine.
I’m a big lover of King and all his horror stories. And it says a lot that my favourite book by him isn’t about the supernatural.
Different Seasons’ novellas are so good, well-written, and unusual. They’re a surprising mix that will delight readers from beginning to end.
This book is fantastic. And you should absolutely read it.
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