Different Seasons (1982) by Stephen King is a collection of four gripping novellas, each tied to a different season and exploring themes of redemption, corruption, and resilience. Unlike King’s typical horror, this anthology showcases his versatility, blending drama, crime, and coming-of-age narratives:
- “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption” (Hope Springs Eternal): The story of Andy Dufresne, a wrongly imprisoned banker who orchestrates an audacious escape from Shawshank State Penitentiary. A tale of patience and quiet defiance, later adapted into the iconic film The Shawshank Redemption.
- “Apt Pupil” (Summer of Corruption): A chilling psychological thriller about Todd Bowden, a teenage boy who discovers a Nazi war criminal living under an alias in his neighborhood. Their toxic relationship spirals into mutual destruction.
- “The Body” (Fall from Innocence): A nostalgic yet raw story of four boys who embark on a journey to find a dead body in 1960s Maine. A meditation on friendship and loss, adapted into the film Stand by Me.
- “The Breathing Method” (A Winter’s Tale): The only supernatural entry, about a woman determined to give birth under extraordinary circumstances, framed by a mysterious storytelling club.
King’s masterful storytelling and rich character development shine throughout, proving his range beyond horror.
