Scan barcode
A review by stacymania
Rose Madder by Stephen King
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Review contains spoilers
*I also mention devices used in Duma Key & Lisey's Story
I really wanted and expected this to zoom into my Top King's. I originally claimed a five star rating, but I have to admit it wasn't a perfect read.
Firstly, I found the pacing to be really uneven. Being a Constant Reader I'm all for slow burns, however this one started off hot and lost its way, getting a little boring honestly, before finding itself again in the second half.
My secondary issue was our Rosie finding new love so quickly. I ended up really adoring Bill's character, however, this trope had me rolling my eyes at his first introduction. Why not focus more on the bonds made with fellow femmes than needing a man?
Lastly, I found most of the characters fairly one dimensional, especially for the first half of the book. Rosie absolutely kicked ass in the second half and Norman was absolutely diabolical the whole way through. I just didn't come to adore Rose as much as I anticipated, which makes me sad and I found most of the secondary characters quite flat.
That being said, MVP goes to Gertie. Her triumphant takedown of Norman had me cheering outloud! She's hilarious and badass!
I wanted this to be up there with Dolores Claiborne and Gerald's Game, yet I found it didn't hold the same power.
The supernatural element was pretty neat, but I'd have to say Duma Key does the haunted painting in a more effective manor and Lisey's Story has a more intoxicating "dream" world.
The last act of this book was a thrill ride, and redeemed my previous boredom. Although things seemed to line up almost too perfectly, I found this section tense and emotional.
Rose Madder is worth the read and has a brave message for anyone going through or who has survived abuse, it just landed middle of the road King for me.
*I also mention devices used in Duma Key & Lisey's Story
I really wanted and expected this to zoom into my Top King's. I originally claimed a five star rating, but I have to admit it wasn't a perfect read.
Firstly, I found the pacing to be really uneven. Being a Constant Reader I'm all for slow burns, however this one started off hot and lost its way, getting a little boring honestly, before finding itself again in the second half.
Lastly, I found most of the characters fairly one dimensional, especially for the first half of the book. Rosie absolutely kicked ass in the second half and Norman was absolutely diabolical the whole way through. I just didn't come to adore Rose as much as I anticipated, which makes me sad and I found most of the secondary characters quite flat.
That being said, MVP goes to Gertie. Her triumphant takedown of Norman had me cheering outloud! She's hilarious and badass!
I wanted this to be up there with Dolores Claiborne and Gerald's Game, yet I found it didn't hold the same power.
The supernatural element was pretty neat, but I'd have to say Duma Key does the haunted painting in a more effective manor and Lisey's Story has a more intoxicating "dream" world.
The last act of this book was a thrill ride, and redeemed my previous boredom. Although things seemed to line up almost too perfectly, I found this section tense and emotional.
Rose Madder is worth the read and has a brave message for anyone going through or who has survived abuse, it just landed middle of the road King for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Racism, Rape, Sexism, and Murder