A story I’ll never forget

Buddy read with my sweet friend, Vickie. It was an amazing experience. We delved into the world of this book together.

4.5 Stars ⭐️ The writing was truly fantastic, as expected from King. His words have a way of pulling you in and making you feel every emotion.

I absolutely loved the characters. They were so well-developed that I found myself truly worried about them. And the villain? Oh, I wanted to rip that person to shreds.

But then, things took a bit of a turn. We took a peek down the rabbit hole and those parts, I have to admit, I didn't care for at all. That's why I took off half a star.

I also noticed a mention to something in that Darktower series. I had read the first book and hated it. I thought someone somewhere had mentioned that this story was leading to those books, and that might be why I had this negative reaction.

However, I did like the initial idea about the picture. But then it kind of went sideways in a funny way

Stephen King is a renowned author who has both his strengths and weaknesses.

On the one hand, in this particular book, the description of Rose's relationship with her abusive husband is truly captivating. We witness how she bravely breaks free from his clutches and flees across the country. Norman, a police officer, then hunts her down, eliminating those who try to hinder his pursuit. The characters are well-developed and described in great depth, making them come alive on the pages.

However, on the other hand, the story takes a turn for the worse with the painting that Rose buys for her new apartment. The fantasy adventure that follows as she enters the painting is just too strange and doesn't quite tie up neatly at the end. It leaves the reader feeling a bit disappointed.

Despite this, Stephen King remains my favorite author. Even when he ventures into the realm of fantasy and sometimes loses my interest, you can't deny the man's talent. His ability to create vivid characters and engaging storylines is truly remarkable.

Overall, while this book has its flaws, it still showcases the genius of Stephen King.

I have a deep affection for this. It has taken me an incredibly long time to pen down my thoughts about this book as I am truly uncertain about how effectively I can convey the extent of my love for it.

Here is my most earnest attempt:

In recent times, it has become quite fashionable to "reclaim" the Persephone myth from Greek mythology. The story goes that Persephone was abducted by her uncle Hades and compelled to become his wife in the Underworld. All the other Gods simply let this occur, but finally consented to let her go when her mother, the Harvest Goddess Demeter, caused significant famine on Earth due to her grief. However, before she could leave, Hades tricked her with an enchanted pomegranate seed, obliging her to spend a season each year with him in the Underworld.

Each year, the world withers and turns cold because of Demeter's grief at being separated from her daughter. And that is how we got Winter, which some might consider the worst season.

But recent reinterpretations of the myth are far gentler. They portray Persephone and Hades sweetly as a couple fitting perfectly into the Grumpy/Sunshine trope. They depict Persephone as being oppressed by an overbearing mother in Demeter, eager for an escape. They depict Hades as awakening the darkness inside Persephone, enabling her agency to blossom in the Underworld.

Among other aspects.

None of these have ever felt right to me. These reclamations are like wolves in sheep's clothing, purporting to be about female agency and empowerment while still maintaining the framework that shows a woman being kidnapped and forced into the life of a man.

I don't think these stories are about Persephone at all. I truly believe they are just a means of romanticizing Hades, the original dark, brooding, taciturn "hawt boi". And in these stories, the onus is on Persephone to either bring light into his life through her love or embrace the darkness within her to conform to his ~*aesthetic*~ and ~*lifestyle*~.

And I think this is a real-life pitfall that many people, especially women, fall into. Having to change so much and do so much emotional labor for a partner who won't reciprocate.

It happened to me just once, but that one time was more than enough.

I was 18 and spent numerous miserable hours watching a guy attempt to play metal music on his guitar, sitting beneath that Pulp Fiction poster. You know the one. He spoke ill of his ex-girlfriends but didn't want me to even hint at any past relationships. He ate meat, smoked weed, and drank; I did not (and still don't). And when he couldn't maintain an erection (ahem... all that meat and weed

Before I embark on another negative tirade, I must state that The Stand is truly one of my all-time favorite books. I also regard Salem’s Lot, Pet Semetary, Misery, The Dead Zone, and numerous others as remarkable works of fiction.

However, with the exception of The Dark Tower books and Dolores Claiborne, the 1990s were not kind to King. Many have attributed this to his sobriety after getting off drugs, while others suggest he simply ran out of ideas. Whichever the case may be, I earnestly hope he can regain his creative spark.

So, what are the issues I’m referring to? Mostly, it seems to be a form of self-sabotage. Nearly every book he wrote throughout the 1990s had a great premise and started off strongly.

In the case of Rose Madder, we have a decent protagonist and a great villain. The first 30% of the book is among the best King has written in years. The pacing is excellent, and it’s a truly great example of how to write a cat and mouse thriller. Norman is a truly evil bastard, and it’s not difficult to root for Rose.

Then another character appears, and the story goes a little off course, but nothing too disastrous. However, around the halfway point, the story diverts for sixty pages and takes a dramatic nosedive. Of all the King stories I’ve read so far, I can’t recall one having such a significant dip in quality.

Take this memorable dialogue, for example: “”Coming Rose”, he panted. Yes, and maybe soon he’ll be coming in another way”. Jesus. Then there’s “Viva Ze Bool!” (you could play King bingo every time he writes a terrible caricature of a Spanish-speaking character). In another scene, two people are fighting, the stakes are high, it’s bloody and violent, and a character shouts “weeeee!”, as someone is thrown across the room. Moments like this make me cringe.

Many reviews mention the shift around the halfway mark. It’s like a different writer took over. Without giving anything away, it involves The Dark Tower series. As I mentioned earlier, I really like those books. The problem is that a) the events in this book related to it are dull and unimaginative, and b) it doesn’t fit well in this story at all! It literally doesn’t need to be in this book.

It’s such a pity because, if this section wasn’t in it, I would’ve rated it higher. Well, that and the ending, but again, without giving anything away, the issues are the same.

I’m sorry for being so negative, but this is the third book in a row by King where I feel crushingly disappointed by mistakes that could’ve been avoided. I hope the next one will be worthwhile.

King Ranked:

1. The Stand 5/5
2. Pet Semetary 4.6/5
3. Salem’s Lot 4.5/5
4. The Dead Zone 4.2/5
5. Misery 4.2/5
6. The Shining 4.2/5
7. The Long Walk 4.2/5
8. Dolores Claiborne 4.2/5
9. The Drawing of the Three 4.1/5
10. The Wastelands 4/5 
11. Night Shift 4/5
12. Different Seasons 4/5
13. The Eyes of the Dragon 4/5
14. The Dark Half 3.9/5
15. Cycle of the Werewolf 3.9/5
16. Thinner 3.8/5
17. Christine 3.6
18. Roadwork 3.5/5
19. Skeleton Crew 3.5/5
20. Cujo 3.2/5
21. Firestarter 3.2/5
22. The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon 3.2/5
23. Carrie 3.2/5
24. Rage 3.1/5
25. The Tommyknockers 3/5
26. The Running Man 3/5
27. Hearts in Atlantis 3/5
28. The Gunslinger 3/5
29. The Talisman 3/5
30. IT 2.9/5
31. Rose Madder 2.5/5*
32. Needful Things 2.4/5
33. Insomnia 2.4/5
34. Four Past Midnight 2.3/5
35. Nightmares and Dreamscapes 2.2/5
36. Gerald’s Game 1/5

Next to read in the “Reading King in chronological order” challenge:

THE GREEN MILE

In "Rose Madder", we follow Rose Daniels, a woman who flees her abusive husband, Norman, after 14 years of marriage.

During her escape, Rose discovers a mysterious painting in a pawnshop, which has supernatural properties that lead her to a parallel world. This painting and her new environment provide her with the strength and courage necessary to face her past and rebuild her life.

At the beginning, Rose is a terrified and submissive woman who has endured years of physical and emotional abuse from her husband. As the story progresses, Rose transforms into a determined and brave person, seeking independence and empowerment. Her main motivation is to escape Norman's control and find a safe and violence-free life.

Norman is a brutal and manipulative police officer with psychopathic tendencies. His violent character and obsession with controlling Rose make him a constant threat. Throughout the plot, his obsession with finding and punishing Rose intensifies, showing an increasingly deranged mind.

Accompanying Rose in her new life is Bill Steiner, the owner of the pawnshop where Rose finds the painting. Bill becomes a crucial friend and support for Rose, helping her on her path to recovery and giving her a sense of normalcy and hope. Similarly, we have Anna Stevenson, a friend Rose meets in a shelter for abused women. Anna symbolizes the solidarity and strength of women who have had similar experiences, offering essential emotional support for Rose.

This novel brutally and realistically addresses the devastating effects of domestic abuse, both physical and psychological. Rose's experience reflects the struggle to escape an abusive relationship and the emotional difficulties it entails. Throughout the story, the focus is on Rose's journey of self-discovery and inner strength. Her evolution from victim to survivor is a central theme that highlights the capacity for resilience and personal growth.

The painting she discovers introduces supernatural elements that allow Rose to explore a parallel world, symbolizing her desire to escape and find a safe haven. This duality between the real and the fantastic adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The painting can also be seen as a symbol of liberation and transformation. It represents the door to a new beginning and the possibility of changing one's destiny.

"Rose Madder" has similarities with other King works such as "Dolores Claiborne" and "Gerald's Game", which also explore the theme of domestic abuse and the fight for liberation. In terms of supernatural elements, it has similarities with "The Dark Tower" for its combination of realism and fantasy.

Rose is one of the best and most three-dimensional female characters King has written. And we must also highlight the really attractive secondary cast, that mysterious fantasy world with some links to King's broader cosmology, and above all, the opportunity to see that abuse, pain, and loss do not last forever. In fact, in many ways, Rose Madder represents an ideal of any speculative fiction work, in which we have an ordinary person in an extraordinary situation who does the best they can against the darkness.

Full review without spoilers on my YouTube channel ➡ Maponto Lee

I just had an encounter with a crazy rival who is on par with Annie Wilkes. His name is Norman Daniels, and he is a special kind of nutcase.

Surprisingly, this book turned out to be better than I initially expected. Maybe it's because my expectations were low, considering that many people rank this one towards the bottom of their personal Stephen King ratings. The introduction of a preternatural painting within a story about spousal abuse is quite "out there", perhaps even more so than in his other books. But isn't that what King does so masterfully? The painting didn't necessarily overshadow the narrative; instead, it added an extra dimension. Some people have argued that this book would have been better as a straightforward thriller, without the supernatural element. Well, guess what? That's been done countless times before.

There's a clever parallel with Norman that becomes evident towards the end. When you notice it, it's an obvious analogy, yet it's also quite smart (you'll need to have read the book to understand). It really caught me by surprise. By doing this, King brings the story full circle, using his wacky and wonderful imagination. Admittedly, this book isn't for everyone. Even some King fans might cringe at the violence and sexual innuendos (many of which are not really innuendos at all). And I don't know if it was just me, but I couldn't help but laugh when Norman got hurt. He falls down the stairs, and I just couldn't hold it in. I think it's due to King's use of slapstick in the midst of terror, along with the alternating viewpoints (first from Rosie's perspective, then from Norman's). Plus, let's face it, Norman is an ass and deserves any pain that comes his way.

I would recommend this book to King fans because none of his works should be missed. However, for first-time King readers, it's probably a "not recommended".

PS. There's a tiny hint into the world of The Dark Tower. It doesn't say much, but it's kind of fun to come across.

This is a very good reading that addresses the theme of violence and takes us to the raw reality of Rosie and her tormented mind in the face of the life she had to live.

On the one hand, we have Rosie, a character that I have liked. She is well-portrayed as she is the real link within the increasingly surreal/fantastic plot.

On the other hand, we have Norman, the villain with a dark past that could give us clues about his nature and evil. He is a character that creates tension due to his tenacity, coldness, and dominance.

In general, I thought it was good because of the themes it addresses and, as always, the good construction of characters. However, there was an essential aspect in the plot that I found very slow, related to the painting. Although it was interesting, I didn't feel it was necessary in the story. In fact, on a personal level, it harmed the story/reading.

The ending I thought was good, not light at all and very realistic within what is possible and expected from a reading that addresses the theme of violence, showing the psychological repercussions.

The real score is 3.5.

A blend of horrific reality and mythical fantasy, "Rose Madder" came out of the left field and surprised me in the best way!

I've seen a lot of less-than-positive reviews of this particular King work, but I loved it. I adored the Greek mythology references that added an extra layer of depth and mystery. The main character, Rosie McClendon, was a complex and relatable figure. I was completely engrossed in her raw, brutal story. Everything about this novel appealed to me!

The prologue truly sets the tone for the rest of the novel. It's one of the hardest things I've ever had to read. It's not for the faint of heart, as there are numerous scenes with graphic details of domestic and sexual abuse. So, beware. As usual, I cannot fault King's writing. The style is sometimes repetitive, especially near the beginning, but I think he masterfully captures the mindset of a terrified, paranoid victim of abuse. He once again shows that he's so much more than just a horror writer. Despite abuse being a prominent plot point, there are also some beautifully poignant passages about love that rival those in "Lisey's Story."

Of course, there is a fair share of horror in "Rose Madder"! Norman Daniels is possibly King's worst creation. A despicable, violent, and all-round messed-up man, the parts of the narrative told from his perspective are EXTREMELY unsettling and disturbing. There are also some great horror scenes through the painting. While I can see how they could be confusing for some, I didn't have a problem with them!

As well as Rosie, my favourite part about this novel were all of the King easter eggs!! Constant readers will have an absolute field day here, with ties to "Dark Tower," "The Talisman," "Misery," and maybe even "Lisey's Story." It's like a hidden treasure hunt for fans of King's works.

I have really enjoyed this novel. I liked the distant references it made to Misery as it is my favorite novel by Stephen King. In fact, this novel has elements that made me remember Misery as the villain is a flesh and blood person, who is actually presented in its first pages.

I have really liked that the writer has set up two types of narration. The first one is used when the villain is the protagonist of the actions, in which phrases and words that he himself would think are employed, and the other more neutral narration for the rest of the novel.

I had some misgivings about this novel as it is not as well-known of Stephen King. In fact, I think it still doesn't have an adaptation, but I have quite liked it. One can feel the suspense and the fear on the part of the characters from its first pages.

All this without mentioning the mystery around the so-called painting of Rose Madder.

“The concept of dreaming is known to the waking mind but to the dreamer there is no waking, no real world, no sanity; there is only the screaming bedlam of sleep.”

Stephen King is truly a master of the unexpected, often leaving readers with strange and captivating surprises. In "Rose Madder", for the most part, it presents an engaging tale of an abused woman bravely fleeing her sadistic and tormenting husband. The main character is a relatable and sympathetic figure who doesn't descend into melodrama or denial. Instead, she comes across as a realistic portrayal when she escapes to a town and a group that accepts her for who she is, rather than just what she's running away from. The side characters are equally well-developed, such as the leader of the women's group, who, while noble, has a complex and nuanced personality.

However, "Rose Madder" is a book that can be difficult to put down until, suddenly, it takes a strange turn. The introduction of the painting and the otherworldly elements threw me off. I had a discussion with a friend about this, and we both agreed that the story didn't necessarily need these elements. King could have simply written a thrilling story about a man chasing his escaped wife, and it would have been excellent. But when he introduced the fantasy elements that were hard to understand, the story seemed to lose its focus, and I even found myself skimming through some parts.

Unlike some of King's other lengthy works, the length and pacing of "Rose Madder" are well-suited to the story content. The ending has a strange and bitter twist that, while I didn't fully understand it, fit well with the overall tone of the book. The author doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh reality of abuse, giving the main villain a truly menacing quality. I would have liked to see more details about the shelter where the main character finds refuge, but I did appreciate the friendships and the sense of community among the women who work together there. Overall, "Rose Madder" is a thought-provoking and somewhat unconventional read.

A great and enthralling story that combines the themes of domestic violence and mythology. One day, Rose sees a drop of blood on a bed sheet left over from a beating by her abusive husband, Norman Daniel, the night before. This simple sight is the trigger that sets her off on a journey to escape from his cruel and controlling grip. Norman, a psychotic cop, is slowly losing his sanity.

The story then follows Rose's escape and her assistance from an organization that helps abused women. She begins to build a new life for herself. Along the way, she meets a new man and buys a mysterious picture that causes her to have vivid dreams. Or perhaps the painting is a gateway to another world?

I was completely drawn in by the tension of the story. The chilling madness of Norman and his strange obsession with talking to Rose up close added an extra layer of creepiness. His fixation on her taking his bank card was both disturbing and captivating.

The transformation of Rose into a stronger woman was truly excellent. The picnic, with its symbolism of the vixen, the carnival, the bus ride, the purchasing of the picture, and her adventure to get the baby were all great subplots within the main story. They added depth and richness to the overall narrative.

The ending is truly memorable. Norman finally gets to take the bull by the horns, and the outcome is both satisfying and unexpected. Without a doubt, this is the best book I have read this year. It kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end and left a lasting impression.