'The Breathing Method' by Stephen King is a novella that delves into a story within a story, set inside a mysterious men's club where members gather to share chilling tales. The narrative is described as atmospheric and classical, with subtle references to King's Dark Tower series. The main plot unfolds during Christmas time, where a doctor recounts a haunting tale from the 1930s about a young woman facing a terrifying predicament. The writing style is noted for its pacing and nuanced quaintness, creating a memorable and eerie reading experience.

Characters:

The characters include an aged attorney and members of a mysterious gentlemen's club, particularly focusing on a doctor who recounts a significant tale.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is atmospheric and nuanced, providing an elegant and classic storytelling experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot involves an aging lawyer recounting a story shared in a private men's club, where the atmosphere shifts from normal to eerie, culminating in a horrific tale that raises social commentary.

Setting:

The setting is a private men's club, evocative of Victorian England, creating an intimate and atmospheric backdrop for storytelling.

Pacing:

The pacing combines a slow build-up with fast-paced escalation, drawing readers quickly into the horror.

I dressed a bit more speedily than normal on that snowy, windy, bitter night - I admit it. It was 23 December, 197-, and I suspect that there were other members of the club who did the same. Taxis are...

Notes:

The Breathing Method is a short story by Stephen King.

It starts in a men’s club where members tell stories.

The tale is narrated by an aged attorney in retrospect.

The story takes a dark turn involving a doctor’s experience from the 1930s.

Themes include the treatment of women in the past and horror elements.

The story features a corpse giving birth, adding to its gruesome nature.

It is known for its nuanced and atmospheric storytelling style.

Listeners often find it makes for a great winter tale during snowstorms.

The story is part of the collection Different Seasons, but is unique for its style.

It has not yet been adapted into a movie, likely due to its complex ending.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of body horror, discussions of death, and unsettling medical practices.

From The Publisher:

The Breathing Method, from Stephen King's bestselling collecton Different Seasons, takes place in an exclusive gentlemen's club in New York, where no one pays any dues. Membership is based upon a telling of tales, and one nightmarish tale about a disgraced woman determined to give birth - not matter the consequences - pays for them all.

Ratings (4)

Loved It (1)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (19):

Read It (5)
Want To Read (7)
Not Interested (7)

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The Breathing Method

Stephen King