SPOILERS

Dolores Claiborne is being interrogated by the police regarding the death of her employer, Vera Donovan, who broke her back after falling down the stairs. But was it an accident or was she pushed? As Dolores tells her story, it emerges that she is indeed responsible for a death, just not Vera's.

Stephen King decided to write this novel in the first-person voice of Dolores, who speaks in a very folksy, colloquial New England style. It's up to the reader to determine whether they can tolerate this voice throughout the entire book. At times, it feels like Grandpa Simpson telling a story, going on and on about something completely unrelated and uninteresting. Dolores always has to comment on everything anyone says, adding her thoughts after relating a conversation. This makes for a tiring read.

My main issue was that this book didn't need to be so long. There's an extended section at the beginning where she talks about her relationship with Vera and focuses solely on her toilet habits. Then she relates everything about her family, despite the fact that the story is set in a police interrogation room. And then she goes on about her dull life.

There is a good story here about how she killed her husband after he molested their eldest daughter, but it takes an incredibly long time to get there. Most of the time, I wanted to strangle Dolores and her endless banal platitudes that added nothing to the story and only made me angrier that King indulged so freely in tedious padding. This book really should have been no longer than a short story of about 75-100 pages.

This is really only for die-hard King fans as it is far from his best work. There's no real horror here, except for some half-baked nightmares Dolores has. And the folksy nonsense she spouts and her dull existence, which King seems to hold up as virtuous because she's working class, is nothing more than drivel from white trash. "Lisey's Story" is still the worst thing King has written, but "Dolores Claiborne" comes in a close second.

I listened to the truly AMAZING audio book. It is read by the remarkable Frances Sternhagen. OMG, let me tell you just how perfect she is! I have no clue whether it's her real accent or not, but she reads this with a distinct Maine accent, which adds an extra layer of authenticity and charm. I adored every single minute of it.

The story itself is quite good. However, there aren't an abundance of supernatural elements here. Maybe just one, but that's about it. It delves into the life of Dolores Claiborne, exploring how and why she killed her husband and also whether she killed her employer and friend, Vera. I really liked it a great deal. The story was extremely intriguing and managed to hold my attention firmly throughout.

If you are planning to read this one, I cannot recommend the audio book highly enough. It truly is in my top 3 of all time. The combination of the captivating story and Frances Sternhagen's wonderful narration makes it an absolute must-listen.

An old woman lies dead at the bottom of the stairs.

Her longtime housekeeper, Dolores Claiborne, a 65-year-old woman who is peppery and profane, is brought in for questioning.

She gives a lengthy statement, laying it all on the line, including the dirty laundry.

This is not the first fatality that has thrown suspicion on Dolores.

For readers who despise short chapters in their novels, this one is a must-try.

There are no chapter breaks, and none are needed as the vernacular in which it is delivered is truly fantastic.

I had forgotten just how good this story is.

The details and the way Dolores presents her side of the story draw the reader in and keep them engaged from start to finish.

It's a captivating read that makes you question everything you think you know about the events and the characters involved.

Whether you're a fan of mystery, drama, or just a good story, this one has something for everyone.

So, give it a chance and see for yourself why it's such a great read.

The book's plot revolves around the life of Dolores Claiborne, an elderly woman who worked her entire life as a servant in the house of Mrs. Vera Donovan in Little Tall, Maine. One day, Dolores is accused of murdering Mrs. Donovan. However, to prove her innocence to the detectives, she must confess a deed she committed years ago during a total solar eclipse - the murder of her husband.

The book is a complete narrative told by Dolores, who takes us through all the events that occurred over the years, and we discover what this woman endured. Unlike other narrations, this novel is not divided into chapters. There are no breaks or pauses, which may be a bit tiring for some readers. But once you get used to it, you don't even feel it.

The reading is not at all heavy. It is quite brisk, and the plot of the story will make you devour the book quickly. It is a short book but with a fascinating and moving story that will leave you satisfied, a drama that goes straight to the heart.

There is a film adaptation of this book called Dolores Claiborne or Total Eclipse, starring Kathy Bates. To be honest, it's not bad, but it doesn't do the book much justice either. In fact, in my opinion, it leaves quite a few loose ends. Several things are not explained, and some characters seem a bit weak. The book is far superior, but the movie can serve to complement what you've read. It always adds something. Stephen King shows that he can write in any literary genre. In this narration, we won't find any of the elements of terror and mystery that this wonderful writer has accustomed us to. This time, he presents us with a pure drama in all its splendor.

An Engrossing and Wonderful Piece of Fiction: On Survival and the Extremes One Can Reach Due to Degrading Situations that Mark the Protagonist

This is a truly captivating story that delves into the themes of survival and the lengths a person can go to in the face of difficult circumstances. The protagonist, Dolores, finds herself in a series of events that test her limits and force her to make choices that have far-reaching consequences.

The story is told in a unique way, with Dolores relating her life to three people during an interrogation. It is divided into two acts, one focusing on her job with Vera Donovan, a demanding and irritable employer, and the other on her troubled relationship with her husband, Joe St. George, and their three children. The mystery surrounding the deaths of Vera and Joe adds an element of suspense that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.

One of the strengths of this story is the intimate narration. We are able to get inside Dolores' mind and understand her thoughts, feelings, and motives. The author does a great job of showing how her experiences with Vera and Joe have shaped her and influenced her decisions. The use of metaphors and the absence of the supernatural add to the realism of the story, while also making it feel somewhat surreal at times.

The story also explores the theme of abuse in a raw and unflinching way. There are scenes of physical and psychological abuse that are difficult to read, but they are presented in a way that is not gratuitous. The author shows how abuse can have a profound impact on a person's life and how it can lead to desperate measures. Despite the moral ambiguity of some of Dolores' actions, it is easy to empathize with her and understand why she did what she did.

In conclusion, this is a must-read novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of survival, abuse, and the human spirit. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a strong emotional core.

Sometimes you have to be a high riding bitch to survive. Sometimes, being a bitch is all a woman has to hold on to.

Dolores Claiborne is accused of murdering her employer, Vera Donovan, in the house where she worked as a servant for decades. Her entire life was dedicated to everyone else except herself. The book is essentially her testimony, which includes almost her entire life, starting from her marriage and ending with her work for Vera.

This story is not at all what it seems at first. It includes many important and relevant themes that shake our society.

Dolores was not just a woman; she was a woman who endured many hardships. She protected her children, as she thought was right, from the evil that lurked in her own home.

It's another King story that I loved not because it was pleasant, but for other reasons. I distinguished it because the author doesn't beautify anything. He describes the raw truth about the position of women, which has not changed significantly. He shows how the villain of the story is often right in front of our eyes, but we simply refuse to accept the truth. Because yes, it has disadvantages, but it could never lead to something like this. And yet...

It's not a story of murder; it's a story of the life of an ordinary woman. A woman who could be our mother, our grandmother, our aunt, our sister, our neighbor. Because when reading the book, it doesn't just remind us of "then" but also of "now". Unfortunately...

You can also watch the movie based on the book, starring Kathy Bates. It's very good too!

Dolores Claiborne is an absolutely incredible story. It is told solely from the perspective of the lead character, Dolores herself.

In a police cell, she shares the past events that have shaped her life, including alcoholism, domestic abuse, and ultimately, murder. That's right - the entire book is presented from only the narrator's point of view. But don't let this deter you. It's an experiment that truly pays off.

At the heart of the story is a truly brilliant character. Dolores is tough, yet sympathetic and relatable. It's impossible not to root for her and want the best for her. In fact, all of the characters in the book are great. There are those you really cheer for, and then there's a villain that you'll despise with a passion.

Little Tall Island is a memorable setting. The landscape, atmosphere, and inhabitants are vividly brought to life through some wonderfully descriptive writing. It's genuinely some of the best I've read by King.

It's shocking that this book followed Gerald's Game, which, in my opinion, is awful. The level of storytelling in Dolores Claiborne is so superior. There's no obnoxious behavior or cringy dialogue. It's gripping, thoughtful, and mature storytelling. Underrated and easily one of his very best tales, Dolores Claiborne is a success from start to finish.

P.s. I plan to watch the adaptation featuring Kathy Bates this weekend. She's famous for filling the shoes of another great King character, Annie Wilkes in Misery. I can't wait to see it!

4.2/5

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. Needful Things 2.4/5
32. Four Past Midnight 2.3/5
33. Gerald’s Game 1/5

If you can manage to hack your way through the dense thickets of dialect, you will ultimately end up with a truly ambitious book. It is not only a remarkable literary work but also a beautiful tribute to his mother. I still have a wish that King had written this and "Gerald's Game" as one novel, just as he originally planned. However, there is no way to deny the power that this book holds. It has a certain charm and allure that keeps the readers engaged from the very beginning until the end.

The story unfolds in a unique and captivating way, taking the readers on a journey filled with emotions and surprises. The characters are well-developed and come to life on the pages. The use of dialect adds an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative, making it feel even more real.

Read more over at my Great Stephen King Reread.

In a 1993 interview with Charlie Rose, Stephen King made a rather interesting assertion. He said he views himself more as a suspense novel writer than a horror novel writer. This book could very well serve as evidence to support that claim.

\\n  \\n    ''There's no bitch on earth like a mother frightened for her kids''\\n  \\n

I recall seeing the film adaptation of this book many years ago, with Kathy Bates magnificently portraying the role of Dolores Claiborne. This time around, I decided to revisit the story through the book. Although there are some differences between the film and the book, it remains essentially a profound psychological exploration of Dolores Claiborne. She is a woman with a mysterious and troubled past, suspected of murdering her wealthy employer. Set in the rural Maine town of Little Tall Island, the story delves deep into the dark realms of alcoholism, child abuse, domestic violence, sacrifice, guilt, and redemption. It is masterfully crafted with a blend of melodrama, suspense, and psychological turmoil. King artfully weaves an unwavering feminist theme within the framework of the main story. In the film adaptation, the classic feminist book Sexual Politics by Kate Millett can be seen on Dolores’s bookshelf, as if paying homage to the feminist theme. Dolores is a splendidly realized character, right down to her unique Down East dialect. I was truly amazed at the profound impact this book had on me. It is undoubtedly one of the best works by King that I have ever read.

This was the very first book I selected to read for the Spookfest Read-A-Thon. It's also one of the few works of Stephen King that I haven't yet delved into. Let me begin by stating that this isn't the horror book I initially anticipated it to be, considering it's from the pen of Stephen King. In a sense, it's a fascinating blend of historical fiction and mystery. I adored this aspect, and I must say that it was extremely engaging, with a very fluid and easy-to-read narrative. King weaves a truly powerful tale within the pages of this book.

In this story, we encounter a woman named Delores Claiborne. Her husband passed away 30 years ago, and now she's being interrogated regarding the death of Vera Donovan, a woman for whom she worked as a housekeeper. This account is Delores' recollection of the time she spent with Ms. Donovan leading up to her death. Since the people of Little Tall Island have been waiting for three decades to discover the truth behind her husband's demise, Delores felt she had no alternative but to reveal everything she knew and provide her own testimony about these events.

I truly relished this story a great deal. However, I did have a couple of concerns regarding the book itself. I wasn't overly fond of the writing style in this one. It was presented in a manner where Dolores was flashing back as she shared her account of everything with Andy Bissette, the detective handling the case. As a result, there wasn't a great deal of dialogue in the story. Fortunately, this didn't significantly impede the fluidity. Additionally, this book didn't have any chapters, so there were really no markers or divisions in the story whatsoever. Aside from these minor drawbacks, I adored the premise of the story, the vivid imagery, and the characters. I also greatly appreciated the historical elements incorporated into the book. It takes us back to the 1960s when women were not regarded as the stronger sex and had to endure certain 'lessons' within their homes and be kept in line. It's hard to fathom that things were once like that, and I believe King did an excellent job of bringing these issues to the forefront.

I truly discovered that I had a deep affection for Delores. To me, she is one of the most unforgettable characters in King's literary universe. She didn't have a simple life by any means. She had a husband who was a drunk, and she had to work tirelessly her entire life just to make ends meet. She makes some horrifying discoveries within her family and has to grapple with those as well. Despite the numerous issues she faces, she remains incredibly strong. She also learns from her mistakes, stands up for herself and her children, and most of the time, she tells it like it is. She has a profound love for her children and adheres to strong family values, although sometimes things can get a bit out of hand, and then she becomes a force to be reckoned with. I find that she was probably the only character in this story that I truly liked, even if her actions were sometimes open to question.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who has a penchant for a bit of history, mystery, and a touch of thriller. Stephen King is so incredibly diverse that I'm convinced he can write about anything, and this book is certain to please just about anyone. I'm awarding this book a solid 4.5 stars.

Another UNPUTDOWNABLE read by Stephen King.

As Dolores Claiborne narrates her story of murder, abuse and revenge to the authorities (without any chapter breaks), I found myself completely engrossed. You will surely despise her evil husband and be charmed by her entertaining dialogue with Vera as they form a friendship.

Having recently read Gerald's Game, I was intrigued by the eerie connection of two unrelated women who experience terror and kill their husbands during the total eclipse. This added an extra layer of suspense to the story.

I thought the movie adaptation was great, but I preferred the differences in the book. It allowed for a more in-depth exploration of the characters' thoughts and emotions.

If you're looking for a fast-paced, page-turning read that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is definitely it!

The entire novel is told by Dolores Claiborne in her sworn statement to the investigating police. Her employer of 40 years has died in a tragic accident. Or did Dolores kill her? Dolores doesn't pull any punches. She tells us on page two that she did \\n  not\\n kill Vera Donovan (though Vera deserved killing, more than once. She was a high-riding bitch). No, Dolores did nothing to hasten old Mrs Donovan's ending. But she \\n  did\\n kill her husband, Joe St George, twenty-nine years ago.

5*****

King is a master plotter and he moves the story along at a fair clip. He slows down at just the right places to let the reader catch his breath. The next minute, he scares you with the horrors of human meanness. He makes you laugh at the ridiculous things people do. And he lets you into Dolores's mind - a nearly 66-year-old woman who has had a hard life and who isn't about to suffer fools gladly. She's tired and ready to get everything off her chest.

5*****

Dolores has spent her life on Little Tall Island. She's worked hard, keeping house for rich Mrs Donovan and caring for her in her senility. She's raised three children without much help from Joe, a no-good alcoholic husband who beat her one time too many. But you need to get the whole story straight from Dolores.

5*****

I first read this in 1997. What really impressed me was that King manages to write in a thick Maine accent you can “hear” on the page. (And the audio book, narrated by Frances Sternhagen, is nothing short of wonderful!) Dolores will stay with you for a long time. King has managed to write a character who is not very likable, but whom I just fell in love with. Bravo! ❤