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The Breathing Method: A Winter's Tale
There is a strange club in New York where men tell each other stories. The years pass but no one looks any older. One night a doctor tells the story of a young woman who gives birth to a baby in the most horrible way! Evil psychic powers, obsession and the supernatural in the most ordinary, everyday places. A spine-chiller from the master of horror.
Audio CD
Published January 1, 2010
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About the author
Stephen King
2,622 books882k followersStephen Edwin King was born the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. After his father left them when Stephen was two, he and his older brother, David, were raised by his mother. Parts of his childhood were spent in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where his father's family was at the time, and in Stratford, Connecticut. When Stephen was eleven, his mother brought her children back to Durham, Maine, for good. Her parents, Guy and Nellie Pillsbury, had become incapacitated with old age, and Ruth King was persuaded by her sisters to take over the physical care of them. Other family members provided a small house in Durham and financial support. After Stephen's grandparents passed away, Mrs. King found work in the kitchens of Pineland, a nearby residential facility for the mentally challenged.
Stephen attended the grammar school in Durham and Lisbon Falls High School, graduating in 1966. From his sophomore year at the University of Maine at Orono, he wrote a weekly column for the school newspaper, THE MAINE CAMPUS. He was also active in student politics, serving as a member of the Student Senate. He came to support the anti-war movement on the Orono campus, arriving at his stance from a conservative view that the war in Vietnam was unconstitutional. He graduated in 1970, with a B.A. in English and qualified to teach on the high school level. A draft board examination immediately post-graduation found him 4-F on grounds of high blood pressure, limited vision, flat feet, and punctured eardrums.
He met Tabitha Spruce in the stacks of the Fogler Library at the University, where they both worked as students; they married in January of 1971. As Stephen was unable to find placement as a teacher immediately, the Kings lived on his earnings as a laborer at an industrial laundry, and her student loan and savings, with an occasional boost from a short story sale to men's magazines.
Stephen made his first professional short story sale ("The Glass Floor") to Startling Mystery Stories in 1967. Throughout the early years of his marriage, he continued to sell stories to men's magazines. Many were gathered into the Night Shift collection or appeared in other anthologies.
In the fall of 1971, Stephen began teaching English at Hampden Academy, the public high school in Hampden, Maine. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels.
Stephen attended the grammar school in Durham and Lisbon Falls High School, graduating in 1966. From his sophomore year at the University of Maine at Orono, he wrote a weekly column for the school newspaper, THE MAINE CAMPUS. He was also active in student politics, serving as a member of the Student Senate. He came to support the anti-war movement on the Orono campus, arriving at his stance from a conservative view that the war in Vietnam was unconstitutional. He graduated in 1970, with a B.A. in English and qualified to teach on the high school level. A draft board examination immediately post-graduation found him 4-F on grounds of high blood pressure, limited vision, flat feet, and punctured eardrums.
He met Tabitha Spruce in the stacks of the Fogler Library at the University, where they both worked as students; they married in January of 1971. As Stephen was unable to find placement as a teacher immediately, the Kings lived on his earnings as a laborer at an industrial laundry, and her student loan and savings, with an occasional boost from a short story sale to men's magazines.
Stephen made his first professional short story sale ("The Glass Floor") to Startling Mystery Stories in 1967. Throughout the early years of his marriage, he continued to sell stories to men's magazines. Many were gathered into the Night Shift collection or appeared in other anthologies.
In the fall of 1971, Stephen began teaching English at Hampden Academy, the public high school in Hampden, Maine. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels.
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June 3, 2023
قصة داخل قصة
نادي سري لمجموعة من الأصدقاء المختارين بعناية و هو أيضا ناد غريب مليء بالغرف و الدهاليز السرية و الطوابق المتعددة التي لا يعلم بعض الأعضاء عنها شيئا و الكتب التي لم تصدرها أي دار نشر معروفة و لا توجد إلا به و الأسئلة الكثيرة محظورة و الإجابات عليها غامضة إن وجدت.
هذا النادي هو الإطار العام للقصة أما القصة نفسها فيرويها الطبيب و هو أحد الأعضاء القدامى في النادي و هي عن مريضة شابة في بداية القرن العشرين ذهبت إليه بغرض الولادة و كان الحمل بدون زواج و هو ما كان مستنكر بشدة من المجتمع الأمريكي وقتها.
تعرضت الشابة للكثير من المتاعب المجتمعية بسبب ذلك الحمل من مضايقات في السكن و العمل و المعاملة في عيادة الطبيب نفسها و لكنها تحملت ذلك بصبر و شجاعة و اصرار للمحافظة على وليدها رغم كل الظروف.
تبدو و كأنها قصة من قصص الـ سيلف اندبندنت ومن الشائعة لدينا هذه الأيام.
يصف لها الطبيب طريقة للتنفس قبل الولادة لتتمرن عليها و تكون بديلا للمسكنات أثناء الولادة و تساعدها هذه الطريقة كثيرا في الولادة بسهولة رغم الظروف العجيبة و النهاية الدراماتيكية المصاحبة لولادتها و التي تقترب كثيرا من الأجواء الغرائبية لهاروكي موراكامي لا ستيفن كينج.
القصة قصيرة لا تتجاوز السبعين صفحة و رغم ذلك فهي ملغزة و بها الكثير من الشفرات التي لم أتوصل لحلها و لكنها تركت في نفسي أثرا لن يزول بسهولة.
November 8, 2020
ماجرای چاپ کتاب فصول گوناگون کینگ جالب بوده. کینگ چندتا داستان معمولی (غیر ترسناک) داشته که نه خیلی بلند بودند و نه خیلی کوتاه، به همین خاطر برای چاپ جدا جدای اونها یه جورایی به مشکل خورده بوده. بعد به ناشرش گفته داستانها رو میذاریم کنار هم و چاپش میکنیم، ولی از اونجایی که ناشرش عاشق داستانهای ترسناکش شده بوده ابتدا نسبت به پیشنهاد کینگ روی خوش نشون نداده و به کینگ گیر داده و گفته حتی یه داستان ترسناک یا شبه ترسناک بینشون نیست؟
کینگ هم به این داستان فکر کرده و گفته حالا یه کاریش میکنم
حالا فکر میکنید باقی داستانها چی بودند؟ رستگاری شاوشنک (بهار)، شاگرد با استعداد (تابستان) و جسد (پاییز) که اقتباس سینمایی شاوشنک و جسد شاهکار از کار در امدن و شاگرد بااستعداد هم اقتباس قابل قبولی داشته و فقط همین داستان شیوهی تنفس توی این سالها سرش بی کلاه موند :))
ولی این به معنی بد بودن این داستان نیست. اتفاقا از خوندنش لذت بردم
شیوهی تنفس شامل دو قسمت میشه. قسمت اول مربوط به باشگاهی هست که افراد مسن میرن اونجا و مشروبی میخورن و گپی میزنن و برای هم داستان تعریف میکنن. هرساله هم پنجشنبهی قبل از کریسمس یکی از اعضا یه داستان متفاوت و عجیب تعریف میکرده
قسمت دوم هم مربوط به داستانیه که یکی از اعضای باشگاه توی پنجشنبهی قبل از کریسمس میگه
ماجرای زنی که به طور نامشروع باردار شده بوده و میخواسته بچهاش رو نگه داره و دکترش داستان این زن و زایمانش رو تعریف میکنه
به شخصه تا حالا داستانی در مورد زایمان نخونده بودم و خوندشو پیشنهاد میدم. مطمئن باشید داستان کینگ داستان یه زایمان عادی نیست
کینگ هم به این داستان فکر کرده و گفته حالا یه کاریش میکنم
حالا فکر میکنید باقی داستانها چی بودند؟ رستگاری شاوشنک (بهار)، شاگرد با استعداد (تابستان) و جسد (پاییز) که اقتباس سینمایی شاوشنک و جسد شاهکار از کار در امدن و شاگرد بااستعداد هم اقتباس قابل قبولی داشته و فقط همین داستان شیوهی تنفس توی این سالها سرش بی کلاه موند :))
ولی این به معنی بد بودن این داستان نیست. اتفاقا از خوندنش لذت بردم
شیوهی تنفس شامل دو قسمت میشه. قسمت اول مربوط به باشگاهی هست که افراد مسن میرن اونجا و مشروبی میخورن و گپی میزنن و برای هم داستان تعریف میکنن. هرساله هم پنجشنبهی قبل از کریسمس یکی از اعضا یه داستان متفاوت و عجیب تعریف میکرده
قسمت دوم هم مربوط به داستانیه که یکی از اعضای باشگاه توی پنجشنبهی قبل از کریسمس میگه
ماجرای زنی که به طور نامشروع باردار شده بوده و میخواسته بچهاش رو نگه داره و دکترش داستان این زن و زایمانش رو تعریف میکنه
به شخصه تا حالا داستانی در مورد زایمان نخونده بودم و خوندشو پیشنهاد میدم. مطمئن باشید داستان کینگ داستان یه زایمان عادی نیست
June 22, 2022
Story 3.75 stars**
Audio 4 stars**
Narrator Frank Muller
Audio 4 stars**
Narrator Frank Muller
October 10, 2022
“There is no comfort without pain; thus we define salvation through suffering”
The weakest among the 4 from Different Seasons, though more due to its length than due to the plot. I felt it should either have been a bit shorter, in which it would’ve been more focused on that story, or longer, so that the other stories could’ve been completed. I would’ve preferred the latter, somehow I feel Stephen King could’ve handled that better.
The story is pretty amazing, but with King, it’s never what the story is, but how the story’s told. It starts off with a usual slow pace, and then, in the last few pages, makes a not-fully-realized attempt at horror. To be honest, it doesn’t quite feel like horror, more like a grotesque take on tragedy, the hidden metaphor being the unconditional love of a mother for her would-be child. It’s devourable and all that, and I don’t ask much more from so short a novella. But SK being one of my all-time favourites, there always remain certain expectations…
The weakest among the 4 from Different Seasons, though more due to its length than due to the plot. I felt it should either have been a bit shorter, in which it would’ve been more focused on that story, or longer, so that the other stories could’ve been completed. I would’ve preferred the latter, somehow I feel Stephen King could’ve handled that better.
The story is pretty amazing, but with King, it’s never what the story is, but how the story’s told. It starts off with a usual slow pace, and then, in the last few pages, makes a not-fully-realized attempt at horror. To be honest, it doesn’t quite feel like horror, more like a grotesque take on tragedy, the hidden metaphor being the unconditional love of a mother for her would-be child. It’s devourable and all that, and I don’t ask much more from so short a novella. But SK being one of my all-time favourites, there always remain certain expectations…
June 14, 2021
well dang. girl what
February 9, 2017
Hmm, might change to a 4. Right now it's about a 3.5 I thought it had a slow start... it ended really strongly, though. Once the actual story-within-a-story got up and running, the novella really picked up and was so creepy!
February 16, 2020
The final excellent novella in Stephen King's Different Seasons anthology. I highly recommend all four of these stories.
February 16, 2018
I feel a bit like a broken record. I love the writing, the buildup, the background, but didn’t care for the tale featured in the title. I found all the detail about this Gentlemen’s Club that was not a club, fascinating. The idea that an entire set of books, previously unpublished anywhere else, could be found on the shelves of this…place, was fascinating to me as a reader. I wish there were a club place like that I could visit.
The fact that the men who “hung out” there were not members and paid no dues just sets my mind whirling on crazy spirals. How did the place stay in business, keep the lights on, buy wood for that massive fireplace, all the booze? How did Stevens earn a living? Tips, no matter how generous, at Christmas would not be enough.
When we get to the actual tale, I didn’t care for the finale at all. I liked reading about a strong and resourceful young woman dealing with the hand she was dealt. I loved how kind her doctor was. I did NOT care for the scene at the end. I can suspend disbelief with the best of them, but that couldn’t happen and there was no reason it needed to. The story could have ended any number of ways besides that one and I would have been happy with it.
Five stars for everything but the end and two stars for that.
The fact that the men who “hung out” there were not members and paid no dues just sets my mind whirling on crazy spirals. How did the place stay in business, keep the lights on, buy wood for that massive fireplace, all the booze? How did Stevens earn a living? Tips, no matter how generous, at Christmas would not be enough.
When we get to the actual tale, I didn’t care for the finale at all. I liked reading about a strong and resourceful young woman dealing with the hand she was dealt. I loved how kind her doctor was. I did NOT care for the scene at the end. I can suspend disbelief with the best of them, but that couldn’t happen and there was no reason it needed to. The story could have ended any number of ways besides that one and I would have been happy with it.
Five stars for everything but the end and two stars for that.
March 23, 2022
اولین داستان کینگ که واقعاً به زور تموم کردم، واقعاً سلیقه من نبود، نمیدونم شاید شما خوشتون بیاد.
این داستان زمستانی یکی از همون چهار ناولای کتاب Different Seasons هست که دو تا ناولای دیگه میتونم بگم محشر بود ولی داستان زمستانی تا اونجایی که من میدونم نه اقتباسی داره نه آنچنان مورد توجه قرار گرفته
شاید سالها بعد دوباره از اول خوندم، مخصوصاً به خاطر نیمه دوم داستان که به نظرم خیلی بهتر از نیمه اول بود.
این داستان زمستانی یکی از همون چهار ناولای کتاب Different Seasons هست که دو تا ناولای دیگه میتونم بگم محشر بود ولی داستان زمستانی تا اونجایی که من میدونم نه اقتباسی داره نه آنچنان مورد توجه قرار گرفته
شاید سالها بعد دوباره از اول خوندم، مخصوصاً به خاطر نیمه دوم داستان که به نظرم خیلی بهتر از نیمه اول بود.
May 23, 2016
This is a story-within-story. At first there is a mysterious club with regular activities where a member shares a story each evening. One of such stories is "The Breathing Method".
The Club part is the weak part in my opinion. There were only mysteries, and sensations felt by POV character. But at the end, there is no explanations, and nothing really happened.
The Breathing Method part is another thing. Although there is not much explanation at the end, but there are strong characters that could grasp your sympathy.
I don't like the editorial choice to make this story as the closure of Different Season. The opening of the collection was so strong with Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption: A Story from Different Seasons, it is a pity the ending is considerably weaker. well, it is just my opinion.
The Club part is the weak part in my opinion. There were only mysteries, and sensations felt by POV character. But at the end, there is no explanations, and nothing really happened.
The Breathing Method part is another thing. Although there is not much explanation at the end, but there are strong characters that could grasp your sympathy.
I don't like the editorial choice to make this story as the closure of Different Season. The opening of the collection was so strong with Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption: A Story from Different Seasons, it is a pity the ending is considerably weaker. well, it is just my opinion.
January 16, 2021
Final novella in The Different Seasons. I enjoyed this one. Sixty pages and really well done.
October 9, 2024
merrybloodychristmas, baby.
December 13, 2020
...απλά αγαπώ Stephen King! Τις λέξεις που επιλέγει, τις εικόνες που δημιουργεί στο μυαλό σου, την ανατριχιλα!
Το απόλαυσα! 🖤📚
Το απόλαυσα! 🖤📚
February 25, 2015
Oh, Stephen King, you are one of my favourite authors.
This was a real treat, stumbling across this little novella in audio form while searching the digital library for something for my younger sister. I listened to it in the space of an afternoon, between making lunch and eating it, whilst my child and then my husband napped, and the older kids got home from school.
This story is written from the perspective of a man who, by luck, it seems, is invited to a club one night, where the members make a habit of telling stories from time to time. May I just say: Best club EVAR. Seriously. If creating clubs was something the world lent itself to in this modern day and age, I would so create and attend a club just like this, from now until I could no longer physically do so.
My only complaint about this story is that it includes brief teasers of stories that we don't get to hear the end of. I wanted VERY MUCH to hear the rest of at least one of the other stories hinted at but not completed.
As an added bonus, this audio included a brief afterward by Stephen King which was also thoroughly enjoyable, and definitely worth sticking around to listen to.
This was a real treat, stumbling across this little novella in audio form while searching the digital library for something for my younger sister. I listened to it in the space of an afternoon, between making lunch and eating it, whilst my child and then my husband napped, and the older kids got home from school.
This story is written from the perspective of a man who, by luck, it seems, is invited to a club one night, where the members make a habit of telling stories from time to time. May I just say: Best club EVAR. Seriously. If creating clubs was something the world lent itself to in this modern day and age, I would so create and attend a club just like this, from now until I could no longer physically do so.
My only complaint about this story is that it includes brief teasers of stories that we don't get to hear the end of. I wanted VERY MUCH to hear the rest of at least one of the other stories hinted at but not completed.
As an added bonus, this audio included a brief afterward by Stephen King which was also thoroughly enjoyable, and definitely worth sticking around to listen to.
April 2, 2020
দ্য ব্রিদিং মেথড
এক রহস্যময় ক্লাব। প্রত্যেকদিন যেখানে সন্ধ্যা থেকে বয়স্করা ভিড় জমায়। ক্লাবের প্রত্যেকেই রহস্যময়। কেউ না কেউ প্রতিদিন কোনো না কোনো গল্প শোনায়। কে বলল সেটা মুখ্য নয়, গল্পটাই আসল। ক্রিসমাসের আগের সন্ধ্যায় এক বৃদ্ধ গল্প শোনাল। গল্পের নাম ব্রিদিং মেথড। কি এই রহস্যময় ব্রিদিং মেথড? ক্লাবের রহস্য-ই বা কি? গল্পে কি এমন ছিল?
ডোলান'স ক্যাডিলাক
এলিজাবেথ নামক একজন মহিলাকে খুন হতে হয় প্রভাবশালী সন্ত্রাসী ডোলানের হাতে। তার অপরাধ ছিল ডোলানের বিপক্ষে কোর্টে স্বাক্ষী প্রদান। ঘটনার বহুদিন পর মহা পরাক্রমশালী ডোলানের বিরূদ্ধে এলিজাবেথের সামান্য স্কুল শিক্ষক স্বামী প্রতিশোধ নিতে চায়। সে কি পেরে উঠবে? কিভাবে এই অসম্ভব প্রতিশোধ নেবে সে?
প্রথমে ব্রিদিং মেথড প্রসঙ্গে আসি। স্টিফেন কিংয়ের দারুণ একটা নভেলা। একটা রহস্যময় ক্লাব, গর্ভাবস্থায় থাকা একটা নারীর গল্প। গল্প বলার ভঙ্গি আপনাকে টেনে নিয়ে যাবে। বেশ ভালোই রহস্যময় আর শেষের দিকটা বেশ ক্রিপি, বীভৎসতায় ভরপুর। কোনভাবেই দুর্বল হার্টের ব্যক্তিদের জন্য নয়। সাধারণ গল্পটাকে এইসব বিষয়ই অসাধারণ করে তুলেছে।
ডোলান'স ক্যাডিলাক কোনো হরর নয়। বরং থ্রিলার। সুস্পষ্টভাবে বললে রিভেঞ্জ থ্রিলার। ভালোবাসার গল্প, এক অসম প্রতিশোধের গল্প। সাধারণ হলেও এই নভেলাটাও ভালো লেগেছে শুধুমাত্র প্রটাগনিস্টের পরিকল্পনা, প্রতিশোধ প্রক্রিয়া ও হার না মানা মনোভাবের কারণে।
এবার অনুবাদ প্রসঙ্গে আসি। উচ্ছাস তৌসিফের অনুবাদ বেশ প্রাঞ্জল ছিল। প্রাঞ্জল না হলে কখনোই নভেলাদুটো পড়ে শেষ করা সম্ভব হত না। তার জন্য শুভকামনা।
স্টিফেন কিংয়ের ভক্তরা নিঃসন্দেহে উঠিয়ে নিতে পারেন এক মলাটের মধ্যকার চমৎকার নভেলা দুটি।
ব্রিদিং মেথড ও ডোলান'স ক্যাডিলাক
স্টিফেন কিং
অনুবাদ: উচ্ছাস তৌসিফ
বাতিঘর প্রকাশনী
পৃষ্টা: ১৭৫
মূল্য: ১২০
এক রহস্যময় ক্লাব। প্রত্যেকদিন যেখানে সন্ধ্যা থেকে বয়স্করা ভিড় জমায়। ক্লাবের প্রত্যেকেই রহস্যময়। কেউ না কেউ প্রতিদিন কোনো না কোনো গল্প শোনায়। কে বলল সেটা মুখ্য নয়, গল্পটাই আসল। ক্রিসমাসের আগের সন্ধ্যায় এক বৃদ্ধ গল্প শোনাল। গল্পের নাম ব্রিদিং মেথড। কি এই রহস্যময় ব্রিদিং মেথড? ক্লাবের রহস্য-ই বা কি? গল্পে কি এমন ছিল?
ডোলান'স ক্যাডিলাক
এলিজাবেথ নামক একজন মহিলাকে খুন হতে হয় প্রভাবশালী সন্ত্রাসী ডোলানের হাতে। তার অপরাধ ছিল ডোলানের বিপক্ষে কোর্টে স্বাক্ষী প্রদান। ঘটনার বহুদিন পর মহা পরাক্রমশালী ডোলানের বিরূদ্ধে এলিজাবেথের সামান্য স্কুল শিক্ষক স্বামী প্রতিশোধ নিতে চায়। সে কি পেরে উঠবে? কিভাবে এই অসম্ভব প্রতিশোধ নেবে সে?
প্রথমে ব্রিদিং মেথড প্রসঙ্গে আসি। স্টিফেন কিংয়ের দারুণ একটা নভেলা। একটা রহস্যময় ক্লাব, গর্ভাবস্থায় থাকা একটা নারীর গল্প। গল্প বলার ভঙ্গি আপনাকে টেনে নিয়ে যাবে। বেশ ভালোই রহস্যময় আর শেষের দিকটা বেশ ক্রিপি, বীভৎসতায় ভরপুর। কোনভাবেই দুর্বল হার্টের ব্যক্তিদের জন্য নয়। সাধারণ গল্পটাকে এইসব বিষয়ই অসাধারণ করে তুলেছে।
ডোলান'স ক্যাডিলাক কোনো হরর নয়। বরং থ্রিলার। সুস্পষ্টভাবে বললে রিভেঞ্জ থ্রিলার। ভালোবাসার গল্প, এক অসম প্রতিশোধের গল্প। সাধারণ হলেও এই নভেলাটাও ভালো লেগেছে শুধুমাত্র প্রটাগনিস্টের পরিকল্পনা, প্রতিশোধ প্রক্রিয়া ও হার না মানা মনোভাবের কারণে।
এবার অনুবাদ প্রসঙ্গে আসি। উচ্ছাস তৌসিফের অনুবাদ বেশ প্রাঞ্জল ছিল। প্রাঞ্জল না হলে কখনোই নভেলাদুটো পড়ে শেষ করা সম্ভব হত না। তার জন্য শুভকামনা।
স্টিফেন কিংয়ের ভক্তরা নিঃসন্দেহে উঠিয়ে নিতে পারেন এক মলাটের মধ্যকার চমৎকার নভেলা দুটি।
ব্রিদিং মেথড ও ডোলান'স ক্যাডিলাক
স্টিফেন কিং
অনুবাদ: উচ্ছাস তৌসিফ
বাতিঘর প্রকাশনী
পৃষ্টা: ১৭৫
মূল্য: ১২০
January 31, 2024
This is the 2nd story I read in Kings “Different Seasons” novel and I have to say I liked it more than the previous story.
I liked the chilly, cold NYC setting. It was a bit morbid too. Imagining what happened to that poor woman and the imagery of her death was very macabre. This was a short story that definitely was effective though.
I liked the chilly, cold NYC setting. It was a bit morbid too. Imagining what happened to that poor woman and the imagery of her death was very macabre. This was a short story that definitely was effective though.
April 19, 2011
Unfortunately, my enjoyment of this novella was marred by the fact my audio copy was a dud. It skipped near-constantly, which meant that I had to keep the e-book open to read the whole paragraphs it missed out. I could and probably should have just switched over and read the whole thing, but instead I kept hoping it would fix itself. It was so short I figured I'd put up with it.
Not much over two hours, "The Breathing Method" is at least half the length of the others in the Different Seasons collection. According to King, it was included because his publishers wanted a familiar touch of horror alongside his less familiar genre writing. And it is familiar. Anyone who's read "The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands" will recognise the framing device used to tell "The Breathing Method". It's set in a mysterious gentleman's club, filled with items made by companies that don't exist, corridors that go on for miles, and an ageless butler. The framing becomes increasingly compelling, but I think King could have done more with it than limiting it to just these two, largely unremarkable stories. "The Breathing Method" itself - about a pregnant woman whose commitment to Lamaze extends beyond death - is gory and shocking, but, I fear, will prove forgettable. It's a not-entirely-satisfying little morsel and sadly one of my least favourites by King in a while.
My opinion isn't aided by the Afterword, in which King self-deprecatingly mentions that he writes "plain tales for plain people", "the literary equivalent of a Big Mac and fries." I think we all know he's no literary genius, but modesty that extends to insulting your reader's taste is rather unpalatable.
Not much over two hours, "The Breathing Method" is at least half the length of the others in the Different Seasons collection. According to King, it was included because his publishers wanted a familiar touch of horror alongside his less familiar genre writing. And it is familiar. Anyone who's read "The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands" will recognise the framing device used to tell "The Breathing Method". It's set in a mysterious gentleman's club, filled with items made by companies that don't exist, corridors that go on for miles, and an ageless butler. The framing becomes increasingly compelling, but I think King could have done more with it than limiting it to just these two, largely unremarkable stories. "The Breathing Method" itself - about a pregnant woman whose commitment to Lamaze extends beyond death - is gory and shocking, but, I fear, will prove forgettable. It's a not-entirely-satisfying little morsel and sadly one of my least favourites by King in a while.
My opinion isn't aided by the Afterword, in which King self-deprecatingly mentions that he writes "plain tales for plain people", "the literary equivalent of a Big Mac and fries." I think we all know he's no literary genius, but modesty that extends to insulting your reader's taste is rather unpalatable.
May 22, 2018
3.5 stars
March 7, 2022
Sandra Stansfield, is determined to give birth to her illegitimate child.
The setting is in the 1930’s in US and she is faced with social disapproval that leads to financial problems.
Dr. Emlyn McCarron, an elderly physician, is impressed by her courage and determination (and possibly a bit in love with her) helps her in various ways, including teaching her his new unusual breathing method to overcome pain.
A nice short book, part of the author’s "Different Seasons" collection which were all made into movies (this book’s movie adaptation is “under development” since 2019)
The setting is in the 1930’s in US and she is faced with social disapproval that leads to financial problems.
Dr. Emlyn McCarron, an elderly physician, is impressed by her courage and determination (and possibly a bit in love with her) helps her in various ways, including teaching her his new unusual breathing method to overcome pain.
A nice short book, part of the author’s "Different Seasons" collection which were all made into movies (this book’s movie adaptation is “under development” since 2019)
April 23, 2021
Favourite King short story so far.
March 28, 2023
Whew boy, okay. This is the oddest novella in the Different Seasons collection, and definitely not as good as the others. Although...I liked it? It's the closest that collection comes to horror. The story is a story-within-a-story with a slow-ish start as King has to take the time to set up the outer story before he can really run with the inner story. I liked the inner story (a pregnant woman determined to have a successful delivery no matter what) although my background in labor & delivery nursing may have played a role.
I find myself wishing there was more about The Club in the outer story. The Club reminded me of the bar in the Overlook Hotel and The Club's butler (Stevens) reminded me of the Overlook Hotel's bartender and caretaker (Lloyd and Grady). Not at all saying there is a connection there, but I definitely felt vibes of some sort.
Next up in my #readingStephenKing challenge: Christine!!! I'm really excited about this one.
I find myself wishing there was more about The Club in the outer story. The Club reminded me of the bar in the Overlook Hotel and The Club's butler (Stevens) reminded me of the Overlook Hotel's bartender and caretaker (Lloyd and Grady). Not at all saying there is a connection there, but I definitely felt vibes of some sort.
Next up in my #readingStephenKing challenge: Christine!!! I'm really excited about this one.
April 9, 2020
«Η Μέθοδος Αναπνοών» είναι μια μικρή συλλογή 180 σελίδων, γεμάτη μυστήριο, τρόμο και φαντασία. Τρεις διαφορετικές ιστορίες μεταξύ τους, λίγο παράλογες, αλλόκοτες αλλά ενδιαφέρουσες, με γρήγορη ροή, ένταση, δράση, αγωνία και σασπένς μέχρι τέλους. Σε αυτή τη συλλογή σημασία δεν έχει η ιστορία, αλλά αυτός που την αφηγείται!!! Μια σχετικά καλή συλλογή του βασιλιά, που ωστόσο μάς έχει συνηθίσει σε πολύ μεγαλύτερες.
March 28, 2018
I gave this a 3 because I love King. However, it was sorta strange for me. I did not feel the horror nor was I scared about this story. I was sorta like.....well of course that’s what happened. Story is about a gentleman’s club that tells stories. Strange premise but that’s King. Strange. Again short story that to me was not scary or horrible but just well ok.
January 22, 2019
ب امید روزی ک همه ی کارای کینگ رو یه نشر بهتر ترجمه و چاپ کنه:)
May 25, 2022
How did I miss this one????
December 31, 2024
This is a great story about a mysterious place where stories are told and memories are lost. The story is amazing.
July 25, 2025
The shortest novella of King’s Different Seasons collection. This contains some of King’s supernatural elements and is a solid if unspectacular story.
February 27, 2022
The Breathing Method is the shortest story in the Different Seasons set by Stephen King. And by short I mean significantly shorter. I listened to the whole set on audio, usually on a fairly quick speed. This is the final story and I sneaky listened to the whole thing while I pretended to watch a movie with my kids. It's odd, creepy, unsettling, and weird - classic King for sure.
It starts off with a lawyer and a quick rundown of his life's story. Highlighting the happiness of his home life, along with his carrier and his lovely wife. As an old man, he manages to cross paths with an odd ol' doctor in a very strange building. It switches stories, and the change was really confusing to me. The doctor tells his own story, so most of the book is a narration of the main character listening to this other guy's story. It was kind of pointless to even have the first MC - like maybe the whole story should have just been the doctor's story in the first place. I think the reasoning behind this switch was the building they're in and the oddness of the whole situation.
The man who tells him his story was a General Practitioner in a time where women had certain expectations to men. They were expected to be married and serve their duty to their husbands. Having independence and children out of wedlock was highly frowned upon. He even refers to a pregnant woman's body as an engine - kind of off putting. It's strange to recognize that this gender stigmata was a reality as so much as changed in society - and thankfully so! Nonetheless, The Breathing Method highlights this way of life and time.
A young woman came into the doctor's office, pregnant and brave. She was a reserved and respectable young woman who was determined to do right by her child - despite being wronged by the baby's father and frowned upon by the community. The Doctor took a liking to her, he respected her and committed himself to help her through the journey. The girl had a sense that she was doomed for a terrible fate. She knew in her heart that the pregnancy would be the death of her, but not necessarily by means of childbirth. As badly as I want to talk about the ending, because wow - it really is intense and gory and nasty and shocking and really just has all the BANG that makes King a literary King.... I won't give it away.
I could pick away at the sexism and the odd views of women all day. I could frown down at all the things that I don't like about this tiny book cause there is plenty to bitch about, but I wont - because the ending really is good enough to render all those things mute. This nibble of a story dropped my jaw and for that I'm giving it five stars.
It starts off with a lawyer and a quick rundown of his life's story. Highlighting the happiness of his home life, along with his carrier and his lovely wife. As an old man, he manages to cross paths with an odd ol' doctor in a very strange building. It switches stories, and the change was really confusing to me. The doctor tells his own story, so most of the book is a narration of the main character listening to this other guy's story. It was kind of pointless to even have the first MC - like maybe the whole story should have just been the doctor's story in the first place. I think the reasoning behind this switch was the building they're in and the oddness of the whole situation.
The man who tells him his story was a General Practitioner in a time where women had certain expectations to men. They were expected to be married and serve their duty to their husbands. Having independence and children out of wedlock was highly frowned upon. He even refers to a pregnant woman's body as an engine - kind of off putting. It's strange to recognize that this gender stigmata was a reality as so much as changed in society - and thankfully so! Nonetheless, The Breathing Method highlights this way of life and time.
A young woman came into the doctor's office, pregnant and brave. She was a reserved and respectable young woman who was determined to do right by her child - despite being wronged by the baby's father and frowned upon by the community. The Doctor took a liking to her, he respected her and committed himself to help her through the journey. The girl had a sense that she was doomed for a terrible fate. She knew in her heart that the pregnancy would be the death of her, but not necessarily by means of childbirth. As badly as I want to talk about the ending, because wow - it really is intense and gory and nasty and shocking and really just has all the BANG that makes King a literary King.... I won't give it away.
I could pick away at the sexism and the odd views of women all day. I could frown down at all the things that I don't like about this tiny book cause there is plenty to bitch about, but I wont - because the ending really is good enough to render all those things mute. This nibble of a story dropped my jaw and for that I'm giving it five stars.
February 6, 2012
For my full review, click here: http://www.coffeeandabookchick.com/20...
Oh. My. Goodness. This three-hour audio punched me in the face and I loved it. This is the Stephen King that makes your knees buckle from the horror, and I was victim to it. Good gracious. Reeling, I am.
The Breathing Method is the final story in the collection by Stephen King, entitled Different Seasons. It is released separately in audio, and is under 3 hours.
Gathering in an unofficial club, gentleman share stories of their lives and experiences. One evening, a doctor tells a story of a young patient from many years before, who was extremely determined to give birth to her baby, no matter what. And while the doctor has a sense of foreboding about the upcoming event, he isn't quite sure what will happen. After all, the young mother is healthy, smart, and dedicated to planning and doing everything correctly, including following his advice on the appropriate breathing that must be done to help with labor.
This is the Stephen King many are familiar with. Horror through and through. Each moment is written in that simple and genuine way only King can do, and it was difficult to hit the stop button. Thankfully, as total audio time is less than 3 hours, it was a snap to listen to in one sitting.
But be warned. This is NOT for the faint of heart, especially with one scene. *shudders*
Oh. My. Goodness. This three-hour audio punched me in the face and I loved it. This is the Stephen King that makes your knees buckle from the horror, and I was victim to it. Good gracious. Reeling, I am.
The Breathing Method is the final story in the collection by Stephen King, entitled Different Seasons. It is released separately in audio, and is under 3 hours.
Gathering in an unofficial club, gentleman share stories of their lives and experiences. One evening, a doctor tells a story of a young patient from many years before, who was extremely determined to give birth to her baby, no matter what. And while the doctor has a sense of foreboding about the upcoming event, he isn't quite sure what will happen. After all, the young mother is healthy, smart, and dedicated to planning and doing everything correctly, including following his advice on the appropriate breathing that must be done to help with labor.
This is the Stephen King many are familiar with. Horror through and through. Each moment is written in that simple and genuine way only King can do, and it was difficult to hit the stop button. Thankfully, as total audio time is less than 3 hours, it was a snap to listen to in one sitting.
But be warned. This is NOT for the faint of heart, especially with one scene. *shudders*
January 25, 2012
What did I think - Stephen King, what else is there? I Listened on Audible - about 2 1/2 hours worth. Narrated by Frank Muller, who I am beginning to think of as the voice of Stephen King. He has a wonderful, deep, gravelly, soothing voice that I could listen to all night (and have).
The Breathing Method is the tale of David, a middle aged lawyer who joins a gentleman's club. Not that kind of gentleman's club, one where the men enjoy a fine brandy and tell a fine tale, in front of a fine fireplace. Or perhaps, it is the story of the club, or of Stevens, the butler there. For that matter, it could be the story of Dr McCarron, who is the teller of the tale. Ultimately, it becomes the tale of Miss Sandra Stansfield, aka Jane Smith, and her illegitimate child. After all, as is engraved on the fireplace, "It is the tale, not he who tells it."
This is classic Stephen King, with plenty of emotions, tensions, conflict & questions. And as Stephen King does - it wraps up neatly, with just enough left undecided to give you opportunity to ponder for several days. To listen to it narrated is a wonderful experience, in earphones it feels very personal. It is, however, the kind of story that could be shared. I could imagine curling up with loved ones under a blanket, and listening to this story, the way you might cuddle up to watch a movie. At less than 3 hours long, it is long enough to have some depth, and short enough to enjoy on a Friday night.
All in all, this one is a keeper.
The Breathing Method is the tale of David, a middle aged lawyer who joins a gentleman's club. Not that kind of gentleman's club, one where the men enjoy a fine brandy and tell a fine tale, in front of a fine fireplace. Or perhaps, it is the story of the club, or of Stevens, the butler there. For that matter, it could be the story of Dr McCarron, who is the teller of the tale. Ultimately, it becomes the tale of Miss Sandra Stansfield, aka Jane Smith, and her illegitimate child. After all, as is engraved on the fireplace, "It is the tale, not he who tells it."
This is classic Stephen King, with plenty of emotions, tensions, conflict & questions. And as Stephen King does - it wraps up neatly, with just enough left undecided to give you opportunity to ponder for several days. To listen to it narrated is a wonderful experience, in earphones it feels very personal. It is, however, the kind of story that could be shared. I could imagine curling up with loved ones under a blanket, and listening to this story, the way you might cuddle up to watch a movie. At less than 3 hours long, it is long enough to have some depth, and short enough to enjoy on a Friday night.
All in all, this one is a keeper.
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