Rose Madder

**kfoisey** · February 25th, 2009

I was very surprised to hear that Rose Madder is not a popular King novel! It is definitely in my "top ten" and I make a real effort to re-read it every few years. The story is universal, something we all have thought about at one time or another (I refer to the domestic abuse, not the painting, though as I child I often wished to "escape" into various paintings, fabric patterns and books) and it's execution is flawless! In past years I have hooked many friends on this book and will continue to do so even as it gets harder and harder to find.

**Ravenreader** · February 25th, 2009

I just finished this one myself and second your confusion. If I can find any fault in Rose Madder, it is that the "world of the painting" concept is too familiar to me after having read Duma Key recently---but even that is an unfortunate coincidence for me, not a fault of Rose Madder's, since it came before DK.

One other thing---the state of affairs between Rosie and Bill at the end of the novel was perhaps a little too pat for my taste.

But all in all a very strong book, seems to get a bad rap on the boards, I agree.

**staropeace** · February 26th, 2009

It was a wonderful book...I loved every minute of it. Uncle Steve got her down pat with this one...been there....done that...also worked in that environment...very realistic with this one...

**tiger67** · February 26th, 2009

I couldn't agree more - I've re-read Rose Madder probably more than most - It drew me in from the first page (as most of SK's do I have to say), I loved the strong characters, hated Norm with a vengeance and loved it when he got his come-uppance. Also a great insight into domestic violence/abuse and obviously very well researched.

**JohnDalglish** · February 26th, 2009

Originally Posted by staropeace

It was a wonderful book...I loved every minute of it. Uncle Steve got her down pat with this one...been there....done that...also worked in that environment...very realistic with this one...

Hi,

Couldn't agree more, and I think the incident with the tennis racquet is one of Sai King's most horrific scenes, mirrored by (Lisey's Story spoiler)

Marvellous and much under-rated book, even though Sai King isn't that keen on it, describing it as a 'stiff, trying-too-hard novel' (On Writing).

Long days and pleasant nights

**crazycrashink** · February 26th, 2009

I thought this book was excellent. I can't recall her name, was awesome! I definitely need to pick this one up and re-read it!

**Ravenreader** · February 26th, 2009

Crazycrashink, you mean Gert? Or Cynthia?

**crazycrashink** · February 26th, 2009

[QUOTE=Ravenreader;270219]Crazycrashink, you mean Gert? Or Cynthia?

I think Gert is who I was thinking of Thanks! I am definitely getting this on my library trip tomorrow!

**coolambindang** · February 26th, 2009

Hell yeah, The women in this book are so realistic and even though some don't start out they all end their lives as strong women. I love this book and am always shocked to hear so many do not! I wish I could pee on them! But really I liked the imagery so much that when Cemetery Dance offered personal, original drawings from Glen Chadbourne of any SK book you wanted I choose Rose Madder. Check out my profile page to see it! It hangs in my house and scares my kids!Hehehehehehhooohhheheheh!Evil smile!

**Presque Vu** · February 26th, 2009

Originally Posted by coolambindang

Hell yeah, The women in this book are so realistic and even though some don't start out they all end their lives as strong women. I love this book and am always shocked to hear so many do not! I wish I could pee on them! But really I liked the imagery so much that when Cemetery Dance offered personal, original drawings from Glen Chadbourne of any SK book you wanted I choose Rose Madder. Check out my profile page to see it! It hangs in my house and scares my kids!Hehehehehehhooohhheheheh!Evil smile!

Pee on them! Hahaha, that made me laugh like crazy! This book is definitely one of my favourite, I read it three times so far. I think Sai King might be too critical of this one, since it's really a gem.