Rose Madder - Stephen King

Stephen King's novels are nothing if not varied. Whether it be the pure horror of a Pet Sematary or Cujo or the post apocalyptic visions of The Stand and The Dark Tower series no one could ever accuse him of not trying anything new. Rose Madder is another digression from the horror genre for King as it is not a traditional thriller/schlock horror book to which many associate King with. Told in the first person our story follows a woman called Rose Daniel?s. After several years of physical and mental abuse from her husband Norman (a highly respected policeman) she finally snaps after losing her baby due to yet another severe beating. Running away ...  Read the complete review

Once again Stephen King explores other dimensions, although this time you get to go into an unusual picture which Rose Daniels find herself compelled to buy for her first home, after running away from her abusive, psychopathic husband who has sworn revenge. Being a Police Officer demands respect after all, and she made the mistake of making him feel as though he really didn’t have control and power. Very amusing reading how he pretends to be someone else to catch her. They all end up in the picture including Rosies new boyfriend and the bad guy gets eliminated, but with a familiar twist. A lot of anger, mystery, suspect, evil and good. As always ...  Read the complete review

In the beginning you are introduced to a women by the name of Rose. Rose has been a victim of physical abuse from her husband of fourteen years, Norman. She is able to withstand all of the torture he puts her through that is until the day when one drop of blood begins a chain of events in her life that will never let her be the same. You will see all of the changes Rose goes through as she sets out for a life of her own. Just as she is starting to settle into her new life style a simple picture once again sets the series of events into high gear.Rose finally gets up the courage to leave, and goes to a battered woman shelter. Finally, she hopes to have a better life, ...  Read the complete review

Throughout the eighties I was a massive Stephen King fan and loved his earlier novels. During the nineties his style seemed to change, his plots became harder to understand, his writing didn't flow as well and I found it harder to get into what I expected to be good reads. Disappointed, I transferred my affection to Dean Koontz whose work reminded me of the earlier atmospheric, spine chilling and easy to read King novels. During the last few years I haven't had much time for reading, a pity because for many years I was in the habit of reading one or more book every week and it was one of my favourite ways to relax. Lately I've freed up a bit ...  Read the complete review

This book never sold particularly well, indeed I believe it is the lowest selling of all his books, but I don't really understand why, it is a very good (if somewhat strange) book. STYLE King uses a style here he has used many times before and since. The first half of the book is a real-life situation, then we start to see supernatural features, then it gets weird! (In a good way) PLOT As I said, it starts out with a real-life situation. Rose is a badly beaten wife, one day, a day like any other she is making their bed when she sees a spot of blood. That triggers something and she finally gets the courage to run. She flees to a ...  Read the complete review