THE GREEN MILE Review
A change of scenery from Stephen King's usual territory of Maine usually makes for some of the author's most arresting and impressive fiction (see Duma Key, The Shining, and The Stand). King is an author who seems to thrive on challenge, and setting some stories' locales outside his comfort zone typically yields successful results. The Green Mile, a historical fiction novel set in the Deep South during the Depression, attests to this.
Going into this read, I could not entirely remember if I'd ever finished The Green Mile in the first place. I recall starting it in tenth grade, and reading the initial chapters over downtime during driver's education. But I really don't think I finished it . . . and why, I'm not sure. Sure, I've seen the movie adaptation tons of times; therefore, I was familiar with the story's ending. Yet that didn't rob this 1996 novel of its quiet, meditative power.
After the flabby and exhausting Insomnia and Rose Madder, this was a breath of fresh air. Since The Green Mile was originally published in serial form (a fact I know every single one of you already know, but I feel obligated to say it anyhow), one can tell King really worked hard to cut off the fat and stick to the good stuff. There isn't a word out of place here: no needless plot lines or wasted dialogue. Everything introduced to the reader is here for a reason. This story has a killer beginning and only gets better, eventually winding down with one of the most heart-wrenching and rewarding endings my favorite author has written to date.
In short, this work is a marvel. On display is some of the most muscular character work King has managed; not to mention the masterful use of setting. Over every page looms a sense of doom and sorrow; around every corner are hauntings from the past felt by real people, these characters who seem to almost leap off the page.
I'm not totally sure if this is in my top 5, but it might be. It just might be.
King Connections:
None, say thankya.
Favorite Quote:
"Time takes it all, whether you want it or not. Time takes it all, time bears it away, and in the end there is only darkness. Sometimes we find others in that darkness, and sometimes we lose them there again.”
Up Next:
Tomorrow (9/1) is the start of Halloween Bingo! I'll be reading Desperation for my American Horror Story square.
Going into this read, I could not entirely remember if I'd ever finished The Green Mile in the first place. I recall starting it in tenth grade, and reading the initial chapters over downtime during driver's education. But I really don't think I finished it . . . and why, I'm not sure. Sure, I've seen the movie adaptation tons of times; therefore, I was familiar with the story's ending. Yet that didn't rob this 1996 novel of its quiet, meditative power.
After the flabby and exhausting Insomnia and Rose Madder, this was a breath of fresh air. Since The Green Mile was originally published in serial form (a fact I know every single one of you already know, but I feel obligated to say it anyhow), one can tell King really worked hard to cut off the fat and stick to the good stuff. There isn't a word out of place here: no needless plot lines or wasted dialogue. Everything introduced to the reader is here for a reason. This story has a killer beginning and only gets better, eventually winding down with one of the most heart-wrenching and rewarding endings my favorite author has written to date.
In short, this work is a marvel. On display is some of the most muscular character work King has managed; not to mention the masterful use of setting. Over every page looms a sense of doom and sorrow; around every corner are hauntings from the past felt by real people, these characters who seem to almost leap off the page.
I'm not totally sure if this is in my top 5, but it might be. It just might be.
King Connections:
None, say thankya.
Favorite Quote:
"Time takes it all, whether you want it or not. Time takes it all, time bears it away, and in the end there is only darkness. Sometimes we find others in that darkness, and sometimes we lose them there again.”
Up Next:
Tomorrow (9/1) is the start of Halloween Bingo! I'll be reading Desperation for my American Horror Story square.
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