Tuesday 9 December 2014

Book Review: Rose Madder by Stephen King.

So I haven't done a book review in what seems like forever due to the fact I've had to do a lot of other reading for university. But, I've managed to sneak in a bit of my own preferred reading and finished off Rose Madder by Stephen King for about the third or fourth time. Stephen King is my favourite author and his book Misery is one of my most loved books of all time so it's no surprise that another one of my favourites of his is Rose Madder. 

Firstly I must warn you, this book is pretty graphic at times and it isn't for the faint-hearted. Known for his horror, Stephen King's Rose Madder follows the same theme with elements of the supernatural and involves plenty of domestic violence as its heroine Rose Daniels suffers 14 years of violence and abuse from her husband, Norman who is a policeman. She finds the strength to leave him after she spots a one drop of blood on the bedsheets she is changing that came from another brutal violent attack from her husband. She steals a bankcard they both share and boards a bus to her new destination while her husband plans to hunt her down and kill her by using his police skills.

Although it's a very dark novel, it's a great tense game of cat-and-mouse with a relentless pace. The reader is taken in almost instantly as you become heavily involved with Rose's problems. The supernatural aspect of the book doesn't enter until quite late into the book, allowing King to build up the characters, Rose and Norman. Using horrifying imagery and unbelievable graphic details, he sets the tone for what you feel for them both; pure horror for Norman and desperate sympathy for Rose.

It's a book full of suspense, horror and fear. He takes us through how Rose begins to change and take back her identity by first of all, changing her surname back to her maiden name; Rosie McClendon which I thought was so empowering for her that I felt like cheering for her. Not only that, he shows us how cunning, smart and messed up Norman is by telling us his thoughts, plans, words throughout the book. He also introduces a new love in Rosie's life; Bill which creates even more tension because you become terrified of what Norman would do if he ever got his hands on him. I also think the paranormal element of the book wasn't really central to it and I think the novel would've worked just as well without it. But the description of Rosie's 'dream' is so beautiful and well-written that you can actually think up the scenes for yourself as well as the ending.

The only criticism I have is how fast Rosie and Bill fall in love after literally about two weeks. I wouldn't of thought a woman who'd been in an abusive relationship for 14 years would be able to move on and accept a new, fresh bond with someone so quickly. Also, she does tell Bill about EVERYTHING Norman's ever done to her and he seems to accept it without questioning very much which I don't think would be the same in reality. However, I can ignore this because the way Stephen King writes it makes you feel so happy for her and you can bypass the fact it's so quick.

However I think it's a great, thrilling book which would be a good read for you for over the Christmas period. It's one of my favourite books and I always recommend it to anyone who needs a riveting read. 

What do you think of it if you've read it too?
Any recommendations for me?

Thankyou for reading.
Laura.

55 comments:

  1. sounds like a really good read, I get what you mean about the falling in love very fast !
    http://whenshewrites-theblog.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. It was a little bit ridiculous! But thanks for reading my post x

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  2. This actually sounds so good. Just love thrilling books that keep you interested! :) Great review!

    http://floralsandsmiles.blogspot.ca/

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    1. Yep, me too! Thankyou for reading, girls! x

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  3. You can never go wrong with a Stephen King book! Would you like to follow each other on GFC!? Let me know and follow me on my blog - I will follow you right back on both GFC and Bloglovin!
    xx
    Annie
    www.the-lostangeles.blogspot.com

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  4. This must be so exciting to read! A compelling story!
    XO
    Jeanne
    http://www.fashionmusingsdiary.com

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  5. It looks really amazing to read......xoxoxo....:)

    http://mariahussain.blogspot.com/

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  6. I've been looking for a few books to read for quite some time but nothing quite stood out for me. This is DEFINITELY a book that I want to read. Thank you for the review and recommendation :) X

    THEFASHION-JUNKIE

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    1. Aw I'm glad you think so! You're welcome. Thanks for reading x

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  7. Thanks for sharing it to us !! Laura ! I would love to read this book !!

    Check out My blog
    http://www.corinnemolly.blogspot.com

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  8. That sounds so scary! Stephen King is a genius

    COOCOO FOR COCO

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  9. I've never read a Stephen King book before, but have wanted to for ages. I may have to start with this one, I just wish I had more time to read!

    The Velvet Black // UK Style & Beauty Blog

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  10. I have a lot of friends who are crazy about Stephan King - I am yet to read any myself but I have only heard good things about it. Thanks for sharing :) xx

    www.lulabelloves.com/blog

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  11. I would recommend Fevre Dream by George R.R. Martin....I've read it recently and really loved it...I only read one book by Stephen King...and I guess it's time for another so your recommendation won't be wasted on me;)

    http://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/

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    1. Oh thankyou for the recommendation! I'll be sure to check that out. Hope you enjoy it x

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  12. This sounds like such a good read! x

    Beauty Soup || UK Beauty Blog

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  13. Misery has got to be my all time favourite book! I'm actually reading it now and I'm gripped! I love this book review - sounds excellent! Have you ever read IT by Stephen King? it's amazing too. x x

    www.beyondthevelvet.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. I love Misery so much! I've never read It actually but I'm going to eventually! Thanks for reading x

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  14. The Mr. is a big Stephen King fan and I don't think he has read this one! It sounds like a page turner! Thanks for sharing your book review! Have a great weekend!

    Jill
    www.dousedinpink.com

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  15. thanks for visiting lovely blog <3 http://shizasblog.blogspot.com

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  16. Anything horror always keeps me entertain! I love watching horror/scary fils or tv series like American Horror Story etc. I would give it a shot with this book! Thanks for suggesting! x

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  17. Sounds really interesting and complex, but I must confess I prefer not to read authors like Stephen King - having bad dreams for nights afterwards......

    Rosa

    Styleyourselfinstyle.blogspot.com

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    1. Ahh I see, well that's a shame. Thanks for reading anyway x

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  18. I've been meaning to read Stephen King, I should pick up his latest! Great blog :)

    Sarah
    sarahjustinestyle.blogspot.com

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  19. nice book and you have a very nice blog ;)
    If you want come to visit the new post on my fashion blog, here: http://honeyandcotton.org/random-photo-instagram/
    Kiss from Italy.
    Nunù.

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  20. This sounds like a really interesting book and actually something that I would really enjoy reading. I am going to add this to my list of books to buy on kindle. Thanks for the great tip. I have actually never read any Stephen King, but I have watched some of his book-to-movies like Misery and thought it to be fantastic.

    rae of love from berlin

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  21. I love Stephen King books! Even though I'm not usually a fan of his endings, his stories are usually fab and this sounds like a great read too.

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

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    1. Yes I agree, I've never really liked the ending of this book but the rest of it is pretty good . Thanks for reading x

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  22. great post! i hope you're having a lovely day :D

    mfashionfreak♥blog

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  23. Fab review! Have added this to my list, thanks for sharing :)

    Style Sunrise ☀

    :)
    x

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  24. hmmm, I'll have to get this book on my kindle. love Stephen King! great review

    www.ohmissjackie.blogspot.com

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    1. Hope you enjoy it if you read it. Thankyou very much for reading x

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  25. I think I love all Stephen King books lol so I'm not surprised this is a good read. Thanks for the recommendation :)

    The Fairytale Pretty Picture

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    1. Yeah I love pretty much all of them too haha. You're welcome, thanks for reading x

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  26. I'm not really a fan of Stephen King books, but Rose Madder is great! I loved your review, really hit the nail on the head.

    Jegz xo
    jegz-loves-tea.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. I understand he's not everyone's cup of tea I suppose. But glad you like this one! Thanks for reading x

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