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maryy_r0se's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
"There's a Mr. Hyde for every happy Jekyll face, a dark face on the other side of the mirror."
This is a difficult book to review. It is incredibly effective; it builds tension so well that it's nearly nauseating. At the same time, it is overwhelmingly unpleasant to read (and that is the point).
There is a lot to admire about this book. Charlie's characterization is extremely nuanced but seldom sympathetic. This was something I appreciated. Going in, I assumed the book would try to make me sympathize with him, but that was clearly not the goal, and I don't believe it should be in a school shooter narrative. So often, we are expected to justify mass shooters' behaviors due to their troubled past, difficult home life, or perceived mental illness. Rage managed to achieve the perfect balance of describing what lead Charlie to his decision without trying to excuse it. Yes, bad things happened to him. But the book never lets you forget that he is a bad person. Also,
I was also stunned by the characterization of Sadie, one of the students being held hostage.
While reading Rage, I couldn't help but compare it to the other gun violence piece I read from King: the short story "Suffer the Little Children." I won't say that one is better or one is worse, but I will say that to me, "Suffer the Little Children" was far more terrifying, whereas Rage relied more on dread and tension.
It's impossible to talk about this book without acknowledging its controversy, namely Stephen King's choice to pull the book after it was connected to a number of school shootings in the 80s. After reading the book, I will say I understand King's decision. I am not saying that those shootings were the book's fault, or that I personally think that it needed to be pulled. But I definitely see why King may think so, and I truly respect his decision. Despite not being exceedingly graphic, the book certainly pushed the bounds of the typical school shooter narrative. I see why that may concern King, but I also think that that is what makes this book so good.
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Mass/school shootings, and Murder
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Domestic abuse, Forced institutionalization, and Vomit
Minor: Alcoholism, Incest, and Infidelity
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