Morality By: Stephen King

If contemporary writers were rock stars then there would be no King like Stephen King. Having read several of his novels I have found that what he does best are short stories. As I perused Target a magazine caught my eye. The July edition of Esquire featured a new short story by the rock star writer. Excited at the prospect of reading new fiction by Mr. King I purchased the magazine and at first chance dove right into the story.

The story follows a married couple, Chad & Nora Callahan. Struggling financially like most Americans at this time, the couple must consider whether or not they are willing to take on a most unusual request. By agreeing to comply with the wish of an elderly man they would receive $200,000. However, they must weigh the consequences of this transaction and decide ultimately if the money is truly worth the price they will have to pay.

Once again Stephen King has proven himself to be a master story teller. Limited by the typical short story restraints there are no pages of unnecessary details as found in the monstrosity that was Dreamcatcher. Instead we have a story that causes the reader to venture through the paragraphs to discover the details of the odd request. One is also left to wonder what decision he/she would have made under similar circumstances. Mr. King has raised some very interesting questions in morality at a time when most people are trying to make money in any possible way by any means.


All in all I would recommend this story to a friend. Sadly, I have discovered that the story could be read without purchasing the magazine from the Esquire.com website here

I would rate this story 3.5 our of 5 Coca Cola bottles.

Happy Reading!

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