Rose Madder
Ratings108
Average rating3.5
Rose Madder was one of my earliest King reads, after Carrie, but before It. I was 12-14 at the time, and my mom, also a King fan (Pet Semetary was a family favorite), but I recall Rose Madder being the only King book on her shelf. It was a battered copy with the ‘96 Signet cover. Ugly, but oddly poignant.
Even though it's been well over 20 years since I've read it, I was surprised by how much I'd forgotten. I just remember it being a heavy and traumatic read, since my mom had a bad track record with men. Most of her boyfriends back then were abusive, and she married the worse of the lot, who was her own personal Norman.
It all hit pretty close to home, and I can see why she held onto her copy for so long. The one complaint I have about it are some of the more fantasy elements, but that final reveal of Rose Madder’s true form was perfect horror.
I'm also glad I experienced the second read in audiobook format, as the contrasting narrators added more to the experience. And I'm not good at making suitable voices in my head. My inner voice sounds like Jason Mantzoukas, which doesn't suit the vibe at all.
Rose Madder was one of my earliest King reads, after Carrie, but before It. I was 12-14 at the time, and my mom, also a King fan (Pet Semetary was a family favorite), but I recall Rose Madder being the only King book on her shelf. It was a battered copy with the ‘96 Signet cover. Ugly, but oddly poignant.
Even though it's been well over 20 years since I've read it, I was surprised by how much I'd forgotten. I just remember it being a heavy and traumatic read, since my mom had a bad track record with men. Most of her boyfriends back then were abusive, and she married the worse of the lot, who was her own personal Norman.
It all hit pretty close to home, and I can see why she held onto her copy for so long. The one complaint I have about it are some of the more fantasy elements, but that final reveal of Rose Madder’s true form was perfect horror.
I'm also glad I experienced the second read in audiobook format, as the contrasting narrators added more to the experience. And I'm not good at making suitable voices in my head. My inner voice sounds like Jason Mantzoukas, which doesn't suit the vibe at all.
