Dead Man Walking
 May 18th, 2008
Advantages:
Superb writing, keeps you wondering right till the end
Disadvantages:
can be a bit long winded for some
Recommendable:
Yes
Detailed rating:
Would you read it again?
Story
Characters
Readability
How does it compare to other works by the same author?
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  bonsi6337
About me:
I'm back albeit part time!! Almost settled in completely, so finally able to come back to write and ...
Member since:02.10.2005
Reviews:124
Members who trust:68
Review rated by 37 Ciao members on average: very helpful 
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Read Comment
As anyone will know who knows me, I am a very faithful fan of one Mr Stephen King, author extraordinaire (my personal opinion of course!). The first book I ever read of his was Salem's Lot (which I will review in due course!) and ever since that day, many years ago, I have been hooked on his books and all of the film adaptations of those books. The Green Mile is one book that I have read many times and my copy is getting very careworn and dog-eared looking but it still comes out on a regular basis and is read again and again. Because I am such a prolific reader, my family always know what to buy me for presents - just get me books or book vouchers and I am one happy bunny!
~~~Synopsis~~~ Paul "Boss" Edgecome is in a retirement home and whilst out on a walk one day comes across something that reminds him of times gone by. He confides in his only friend, and tells his story of his life. He goes back
to when he worked on Death Row in a prison in Cold Mountain in 1932, otherwise known as the Green Mile (hence the title!).
John Coffey is an inmate who is convicted of the brutal murder of two little girls (twin sisters), but there is something different about him. Well apart from the fact that he is 6 foot 8 inches tall and black. He is quiet, polite, respectful of the wardens and scared of the dark. From the outset, "Boss" Edgecome is a little intrigued by Coffey as he does not seem to belong on death row. This interest comes to a head when Coffey "cures" Edgecome's urine infection. Edgecome becomes convinced that Coffey has been wrongly convicted of the crime and sets out to investigate. He learns things along the way that more than convince him that Coffey is innocent and was just trying to help. Also along the way, he learns more about Coffey's gift of healing. As well as being on the receiving end of this gift, he also sees it first hand.
Also incarcerated is Wild Bill, a convicted murderer and thorn in the side of Edgecome and the other wardens. What is his connection with Coffey, who is openly petrified of him? Only time will tell through the book ... sorry but you will just have to read on to find out! ***My Opinion***
Have you guessed it yet? I loved the book! It has been read so many times that I think it is embedded in my brain! I find King's style of writing so easy to read, he really gets your attention and keeps it throughout the book. There are times in the book where King is telling a less interesting part of the story, but my attention is gripped through the whole book. Yes there are times throughout the book where the text is a little long winded, but these are really few and far between and do not detract from the reading experience.
One part of King's writing that I thoroughly enjoy is his characterisations. He really makes the characters in the book so real that you can almost imagine what they look like. They are really believable and that is the main thing that I like about King's books, the people in the books are almost real. I have no hesitation in giving this the full 5 star treatment as I enjoyed this book the first time I read it and have continued to enjoy it again and again through the years. I really think it is time to get a new book as the one I have is so tatty looking!
***Book Info*** Price = £5.49 (on Amazon.co.uk)
ISBN = 978-0752826752 Is it value for money? Well I would say I have definitely had my money's worth out of it again and again, given the number of times I have read the book. I have listed the price for a brand new paperback copy on Amazon UK, but my advice is to shop around; there are always bargains to be had on the internet and if you are not bothered about the copy being new, there are usually plenty second hand books to be found on Ebay.
***Bottom Line*** Well, so far I have told you I love this book, and I think it is great value for money.
I cannot really say more - it's a great book by a great author and it truly is captivating from the start (for me anyway)! I cannot really recommend this enough - if you like a good story, this is a great one. Thanks for reading and happy reading! Di x
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15.06.2008 10:02
Nice job. A very good book to read. John
23.05.2008 22:01
A good review. I've seen the film & this sounds on par with it. Martin.
19.05.2008 20:03
I read this when he bought it out in serial form and got a copy each month I loved it - Lyn x