Rose Madder by Stephen King (1995, Hardcover)

The main character of this story is a woman who has suffered years of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her husband (who is also a hypocritical, bigoted, racist, law breaking police officer). When she finally gets the courage to leave him, he mercilessly attempts to track her down and punish her disloyalty. I believe the mindset of both of these characters (the abused and abuser) are portrayed in a very realistic manner and King really lets you get into both of thier heads, which is very chilling and scary at times. These are the things I liked about this book. I was disappointed by the way the book ends, however. I found it to be rather predictable and anticlimactic and again, as is common in many King storylines the supernatural element goes a little too far in my opinion.

In my Top Ten Favorites by Stephen King, lies this book, Rose Madder. King depicts the struggle of abused women quite well in this book. Having know a few, I have seen in them what King depicts in Rose, the lead female in this book. Most of the book flashes between two perspectives: Rose in her new life, and Norman, her husband, on her trail (he is a cop after all!). I sometimes found it hard to get through parts of Norman's view, not because it was done poorly, but because it was done so well. King made Norman a hateful, racist, wife beating loser, and made him well. While reading his thoughts through out the book, I often became enraged, hoping Norman would get his in the end. It just goes to show the power King often yields! Good writting is not just about a good plot, it's also about making your readers really feel for the people and events. Rose's story will definately make you feel something and I recommend it for anyone who is looking for an emotional ride.

I've been reading this book since 1997. I have bought seven copies of this book and I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stephen King really out did himself with this suspense thriller. Rose Madder gives you an inside look in to the mind of an abused wife and her abusive husband ( a cop no less . I have read almost every Stephen King novel and this one really too me by surprise. If you are looking for a page turner that you just can't put down, Rose Madder is the book for you.

Rose Madder is based on a woman who leaves an abusive marriage after 14 years and tries to live a new life without beatings. However, when her husband Norman realizes she left (and with his bank card!) he becomes furious and sets out to find her, and "teach her a lesson".

Stephan King intertwines the stories of both characters; Rose and Norman, and brings readers through a creepy tale that will make you wonder if it is in fact reality or not. Although it is a bit over drawn, and we could have let go of 100 pages, it is a great story.

I love this book. It is full of suspense and excitement! It is
one of my top 3 favorite Stephen King books!!