The Green Mile: The iconic horror masterpiece
£8.70£9.50 (-8%)
Stephen King’s international bestselling and highly acclaimed novel, also a hugely successful film starring Tom Hanks
The Green Mile: those who walk it do not return, because at the end of that walk is the room in which sits Cold Mountain penitentiary’s electric chair. In 1932 the newest resident on death row is John Coffey, a giant black man convicted of the brutal murder of two little girls. But nothing is as it seems with John Coffey, and around him unfolds a bizarre and horrifying story.
Evil murderer or holy innocent – whichever he is – Coffey has strange powers which may yet offer salvation to others, even if they can do nothing to save him.
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Additional information
| Publisher | Gollancz, paperback, softback edition (21 Aug. 2008) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 448 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0575084340 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0575084346 |
| Dimensions | 20 x 3 x 13 cm |
by Giovanni SS
Stunning storytelling.
Third or fourth time reading. Gets me every time. The last pages are so lyrical they make me tremble with recognition.
by LightningNCL
Came exactly when stated and it was THE BEST packed parcel I have ever received! Highly recommended seller ???????? The book doesn’t need any recommendation as it’s “The Green Mile” by Stephen King
Thank you for brilliant service 5⭐
by Ed Whelan
This is my favourite Stephen King book. Beautifully written and you can’t wait for the next chapter. I’ve read it twice now, it’s so great. It also inspired one of the best movies ever made.
by Joseph Mitcham
The most fantastic, beautiful, captivating story, told with eloquence and a touching softness. I didn’t want it to end. A narrative masterpiece.
by Simon
Stephen King doing his stuff. Some amazing characters and a fantastic story that keeps you in its grip from start to finish
by Janie U
I’d seen this film many years ago but had never read the book. An article I was reading recently recommended the novel and I hadn’t read a Stephen King for a long time so thought I’d give it a go.
An introduction by the author explains the development of the story, from a short story narrative made up during sleeplessness nights through to a series of short novels written under a tight time pressure through to the novel version (which is the six short novels presented in one binding).
I’m really enthused about the prison aspects but apprehensive about the magical realism as always find this area difficult to believe.
Once I started reading I realised that I need not have been concerned about any aspect as I was in the hands of a master storyteller.
The episodic structure is fascinating and works really well, giving the opportunity for the tension to be increased towards the end of a section. Repetition is allows as a reinforcement at the start of the next section. There is a comfortable predictability to the pace which gives excitement but lets the reader concentrate on the plot twists.
We see the story in the first person narrative of Paul Edgecombe who was the senior officer on a death row in the 1930s. He is now talking from an old people’s home much later in his life, remembering a period of his career that effected him for the rest of his life.
Stephen King is well known for his horror stories but I hadn’t expected this novel to be so emotive and engaging. From the first page the story grabbed me by dangling teasers of what was going to happen later. His characterizations are amazing – they are people with great back stories and plausible lives. Even the magical aspects of the plot seem that they could be possible.
I’ve been raving about this book to various people as I’ve been reading it. Many have previously avoided Stephen King as they are not horror fans but this novel is such a departure which will stay in my head for a long time.
by Loubie Smith
First of all, i’m an avid Stephen King fan! Generally i like his more horror themed stories, however i wanted to try one of his other styles. I purchased this on Amazon Kindle and i have barely been able to put it down, absolutely stunning story.
I won’t ruin the story for anyone, though i’m sure most people will of seen the film, and if you have you won’t be disappointed because the film stayed VERY CLOSE to the book. It is an absolute must read, watching the film previously doesn’t take anything away.
I’ve spent a lot of my time wondering about the imagery and symbolism King uses in this book, why he chose Green for example. And i think a lot of it has to do with his clear opinions on the death penalty, that is from understanding a bit about his beliefs and reading the story. From the get go in this book it is very clear that the real justice for the crimes these men committed, is not simply in the execution…it is on the mile. I love the line “No matter how it happened, Del is the lucky one” and the discussions of how life is pain and suffering, it is so very true. The men are seen as “square with the house” or “paid their debts” once the deed has been done and they’ve walked the mile, but the real suffering comes from the waiting…waiting to die…with all the pain and things you have lost still going on around you. King makes sure you understand that most of the men on the mile are tormented and live with regret for their crimes, he forces you to see a human side rather than simply the crime. You know why they are there…but you still feel sad for them as they walk the green mile. This is purely down to King, the way he draws you in and his beautiful story telling. Prepare to get kicked RIGHT IN THE FEELS with this one, it is a rough ride emotionally in parts.
There are some fantastic comedy elements to the story as well! Old Toot has to be one of my favourites! (for anyone who has read it, i’m sure they know which part i mean, his “final words”). The mouse is also a wonderful light relief, though i know he symbolises something much deeper which i’m still puzzling on.
If you happen to be doing an English course like i am, then this book will be perfect to flex your brain. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it and look forward to analysing it fully.
If you just want a good book to read…you really can not go wrong with Stephen King. I can highly recommend this book, the only regret you may have is that you didn’t read it sooner!
by Michelle
I’m a big King fan, whatever he writes I will read I but I understand the criticism about his waffling, I just don’t mind it. Here though, the writing is tight.
I’ve never watched the film all the way through but this book captivated me, I could barely put it down.
This was originally published in installments, now its available in one complete book which is great however at the beginning of each section there is a bit of a recap which I didn’t mind at all.
John Coffey, like the drink but spelt differently, you may be fictional but to me you are a legend.
I cried reading this, as always King reels both you mind and heart into his stories.
Five stars.