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Book # of 241 in CollectionsStatus: Ongoing
Rita Hayworth And Shawshank Redemption
Stephen King

Rita Hayworth And Shawshank Redemption

Quick Answer

"Rita Hayworth And Shawshank Redemption" is an optional companion work. It can be read at any time, though it is usually best enjoyed after reading the first few core novels of the Collections.

Quick Verdict

🟡 Optional side story — not required for main plot

There are multiple ways to approach this series. Our recommended order is optimized for first-time readers.

❓ Can I skip this book?
✅ Yes — Optional

This is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

Verdict Insight: While this novella provides deeper world-building, it is a standalone story and can be read at any stage.

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2020128 ppNovellaOptional Side StoryWikidataSource
Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption is a novella by Stephen King from his 1982 collection Different Seasons, subtitled Hope Springs Eternal. The novella has also been published as a standalone book. The story is entirely told by the character Red, in a narrative he claims to have been writing from September 1975 to January 1976, with an additional chapter added in spring 1977. ---------- Also appears in: - [Different Seasons][2] - [Novels: Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption / Apt Pupil][3] - [Stephen King Goes to the Movies](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL14917553W/Stephen_King_Goes_to_the_Movies) [1]: https://www.stephenking.com/library/audiobook/shawshank_redemption_the.html [2]: https://openlibrary.org/works/OL81621W/Different_Seasons [3]: https://openlibrary.org/works/OL14917077W/Rita_Hayworth_and_Shawshank_Redemption_Apt_Pupil
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The Stephen King Collection. Stories From Night Shift

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Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

medium Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Collections conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Rita Hayworth And Shawshank Redemption?

This is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

Can I read Rita Hayworth And Shawshank Redemption before other books in the series?

Yes. Rita Hayworth And Shawshank Redemption is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.

Is Rita Hayworth And Shawshank Redemption required reading for the Collections?

No, it is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not essential to the central storyline.

What comes after Rita Hayworth And Shawshank Redemption in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Rita Hayworth And Shawshank Redemption is The Stephen King Collection. Stories From Night Shift (Book #null).

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The Year's Best Fantasy And Horror--ninth Annual Collection

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The Stephen King Collection. Stories From Night Shift

2005

The Stand [1/2]

The Stand [1/2]

1978

Gray Matter And Other Stories From Night Shift

Gray Matter And Other Stories From Night Shift

1993