Rose Madder: Thoughts after a re-read

[Doc Wilson]

Well its been about 15 years since it came out, so it was high time for a re-read. I recall not being impressed with this novel when it first came out, but now I can't imagine why.

This time I loved it, really struck a chord with me. It hit all the right notes, featured one of his best villains, and finished with one of the most satisfying endings of any King novel.

I think it was the symbolism that was a stumbling block for me last time. For some reason this time I resonated with it, the first time it all seemed forced and hokey. Same with the dark tower references. This time they actually made me contemplate the idea of re-reading DT.

So far in my roughly chronological re-read, the only other book that rose so much in my esteem was Desperation, so its interesting to me that the two share a supporting character.

[GNTLGNT]

Sometimes life experience plays a huge role in the enjoyment of a novel...

[Doc Wilson]

Yeah I was wondering if it were RM or me that improved so with age

[Jack Roman]

Sometimes people's taste change over time. I know mine have.

[nate_watkins]

I definitely enjoyed it my first time reading it.

[ginapenn]

I've always enjoyed it. I think it's a helluva lot better than people give it credit for. I own the hardback (purchased when it was first released) and just recently bought the audiobook version and SK himself reads the Norman Daniels chapters (which is kind of odd-I don't associate a kindly man like SK to a crazed, psychopath like Norman). It's a good one.

[Agincourt Concierge]

I just reread this after 15 years too....

And I found I could relate to things about Rose.... I enjoyed it the first time... and I enjoyed it again... from a little different perspective this time...

only thing... I'm not sure I understand why Rose got a little bit of a mean streak in her towards the end... especially towards a wonderful man...

any thoughts out there peeps ??

[nate_watkins]

I don't remember the 'mean streak' very well, maybe she's just standing up for herself better.

[Moderator]

It's been a long time since I read it, but I think it might have been because until she buried the seeds, she was still feeling a lot of rage inside over what had happened. Too often we lash out at those who are close to us, not because we're angry with them but we're projecting our anger and frustration and we feel safer doing that with someone we know loves us even when we're not being lovable.

[wally wonder]

maybe cause she hadn't yet placed the ring and the seed in the ground? after that...?