- Mass Market Paperback: 508 pages
- Publisher: Longman; 1 edition (7 Sep 2004)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0451197127
- ISBN-13: 978-0451197122
- Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 2.9 x 18 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 2,642,403 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
NEW YORK TIMES
'Stephen King remains a master'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
TIME
'The indisputable king of horror'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Cue American voiceover and dramatic music: "The Master Of Horror presents the stories of The Shawshank Redemption! Stand By Me! and now.... Apt Pupil!!! Stories that will chill your blood blah blah blah. Except, of course, these aren't horror stories at all, precisely, although at least two of them have terrifying moments. These three stories are examples of how superb King is as a storyteller - not a horror novelist or a hack - but as a crafter of exciting/can't-get-to-the-next-page-quick-enough/warm feeling in the stomach/lump in the throat style prose. The stand out is, The Body (made into Stand By Me for cinema), but Rita Heyworth And Shawshank Redemption and Apt Pupil are equally readable, and keep getting you even on the fourth or fifth time you read 'em. There's a fourth story as well, but you needn't worry about that one. There's quite enough to be going on with in the first three...King at his most eloquent.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I think this collection of novellas proves that Stephen Kind is at his best when he's writing about real-life and doesn't slip into supernatural silliness (witness the ending of 'IT' for example).
The Shawshank Redemption is an utterly compelling story about friendship, survival and hope. It is realistic and believable whilst still retaining a fairytale quality.
Apt Pupil is a brilliant study of corruption and evil. King illustrates how evil can come be present anywhere - and in anyone. Todd is a brilliant creation, an innocent (if rather ignorant) child at the beginning he never progresses past the childish qualities of total selfishness and lack of sympathy for others, his total conviction that he is the absolute centre of the universe. Such is the power of the writing that I even began to feel sorry for Dussander/Denker- monster though he is - having to be subjected to the whims of this vile brat. I must admit that I was hooked until the very end - praying that Todd would get his comeuppance.
I was a bit concerned that several reviewers seem more disturbed by the death of a fictional cat, than by the violence against people or indeed the deaths of thousands of people during the Holocaust (which actually happened in real life!).
The Body is a likewise brilliant story of childhood and friendship.
The only weak point in the collection is "The Breathing Method" which is just rubbish. A naff idea for a silly story. It just goes to highlight the huge discrepencies in King's work.
The Shawshank Redemption is an utterly compelling story about friendship, survival and hope. It is realistic and believable whilst still retaining a fairytale quality.
Apt Pupil is a brilliant study of corruption and evil. King illustrates how evil can come be present anywhere - and in anyone. Todd is a brilliant creation, an innocent (if rather ignorant) child at the beginning he never progresses past the childish qualities of total selfishness and lack of sympathy for others, his total conviction that he is the absolute centre of the universe. Such is the power of the writing that I even began to feel sorry for Dussander/Denker- monster though he is - having to be subjected to the whims of this vile brat. I must admit that I was hooked until the very end - praying that Todd would get his comeuppance.
I was a bit concerned that several reviewers seem more disturbed by the death of a fictional cat, than by the violence against people or indeed the deaths of thousands of people during the Holocaust (which actually happened in real life!).
The Body is a likewise brilliant story of childhood and friendship.
The only weak point in the collection is "The Breathing Method" which is just rubbish. A naff idea for a silly story. It just goes to highlight the huge discrepencies in King's work.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I'm 15, normally I find reading a real 'bore. This film was on T.V. , and I missed it. So I decided to get the book.
Am I glad I did! This book interfered with exams, this book interfered with my life - this book was my life, and when it ended, it was like I ended.
Stephen King's tale of a young boy interested in history, discovers a German Commander living near him and he can't help take advantage.
His parents knew nothing, his parents didn't even know about his bad grades (cleverly disguised with ink eradicator) - or how Todd actually turned sadistic (Like Me!)
What a story! Stephen King; you have a new fan!
The ending. . . Why did it end? Why did it have to end there?. . . Todd should've dominated the world!
I well recommend this, and you will to :-)
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
The Apt Pupil by Stephen King
Fantastic book! I'd read it years ago, and now finally I had a chance to write an essay on "The Apt Pupil" by Stephen King. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Rath
This NOT just Apt Pupil, it's the whole Novella Set 'Different...
I've just bought this twice! I bought this thinking it was Apt Pupil only as that's what it says on the front cover, it does not say Apt Pupil and other stories, it says 'A... Read more
Published on 6 Mar 2010 by Claire Steed
BRIGHT BOY MAD ABOUT THE CAMPS
I am an avid reader of Mr King and found this quite strange and disturbing and at the same time I wanted to keep reading. Read more
Published on 22 Jan 2001 by vce.teresas@memo.volvo.se
Outstanding
Disturbing, engrossing and utterly mesmorising. . . it has to be King. Shawskank Redemption is excellent, and unexpected while Apt pupil is disturbing and horrific, enhanced by... Read more
Published on 5 Dec 1999
typical king:simple and scary
the ability of king never ceases to amaze.yet again he successfully manages to climb inside the mind of a young man who is on the brink of madness. Read more
Published on 5 Nov 1999
A great collection of horror!
A masterly exhibition of four compelling stories from King's powerful mix of irresistible fiction. Each tale takes the reader into a powerful, shockingly real situation - no stone... Read more
Published on 13 Oct 1999
you can do better
well at first I thought it might be interesting but the story gets too boring. in the end I couldn't bare looking at the book anymore
Published on 29 Aug 1999
The Greatest
This book was just great! When I started it, I wasn't so sure about it because 'Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption' wasn't what I had been expecting. Read more
Published on 16 July 1999
I found this book interesting.
I first saw a Movie based on another of Stephen King's books when I was seven years old. I'm 12 now and I decided that reading one of his books was the best way to go. Read more
Published on 23 May 1999
King's best and-practically-unknown written stories.
I read "Different Seasons" in the early 80's, after I became totally taken, not by the nature, but by the style of "The Shining" (the way the story was told... Read more
Published on 8 May 1999
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