Rat (novella)
"Rat" is one of the four novellas published by Stephen King in his collection If It Bleeds (2020). It was released on April 28, 2020.[1]
| Rat | |
|---|---|
| Author | Stephen King |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Supernatural horror |
| Published in | If It Bleeds |
| Publisher | Scribner |
| Media type | Hardcover |
| Publication date | 2020 |
The audiobook is read by Will Patton, Danny Burstein, and Steven Weber.[2]
Plot
The story centers on the aforementioned writer, a man named Drew Larson with an acclaimed short story to his credit. He's given himself over to academia because every time he tries to turn a good idea into a novel, things go seriously bad – mentally, physically, or both. But his latest concept, a Western thriller, is gangbusters, and he goes out to an old family cabin in the woods to get the novel done. When storms, insecurities, and sickness hit, Drew strikes a sinister bargain with a rat that turns out to be a thought-provoking spin on a "Monkey's Paw" situation. The rat offers to get rid of his writer's block in exchange for one of Larson's loved ones dying. Thinking that Larson's imagination is getting the best of him he agrees and goes about his day. Finally, when the storm clears Larson returns home to his family.
Film adaptation
On July 10, 2020, it was reported by Deadline Hollywood that Rat was optioned by Ben Stiller, who intends to produce, star and direct.[3]
Footnotes
- Squires, John (March 31, 2020). "Stephen King's New Book 'If It Bleeds' Now Being Released in April Rather Than May". Bloody Disgusting!. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
- "If It Bleeds Audiobook by Stephen King, Will Patton, Danny Burstein, Steven Weber". Simon & Schuster. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
- Mike Fleming Jr (July 10, 2020). "Stephen King Novella 'If It Bleeds' Draws Movie Deals From Netflix & John Lee Hancock/Jason Blum/Ryan Murphy, Two Others From Ben Stiller And Darren Aronofsky". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
