Rose Madder (spoilers)

[Clairegriff]

Just finished re-reading and thought I'd share my thoughts.
I really enjoyed it overall, I thought the description at the beginning of how Rose was coping with her life and then her 'awakening' was fantastic. I'm lucky enough not to have been in anything like this position, but it just felt really real when I was reading it, I can imagine that is exactly what it is like. I loved her starting her new life, and I especially liked the Norman chapters - getting into his head made it so much more interesting! The only slight criticism I have is the whole entering the painting bit. I realise that without that part Rose may not have been strong enough to fend Norman off, but to me it did feel a bit 'extra' as if it was put in because SK is a 'supernatural' writer and therefore had to put something 'supernatural' in it. I think the book would have been just as good without all that, and that Rose may have found the strength to defeat Norman on her own. And I didn't really like the way her character changed in the last couple of chapters - it didn't sit right with the rest of the book. Just my humble opinion!!
Still totally loved the book though, and am looking forward to starting on Desperation next!!
Claire xx

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Welcome to the MB, and keep posting BTW.

I'm re-reading it at the moment and I can see exactly what you mean although I think it's superb just as it is, but it could well have appealed to a more mainstream market without the supernatural elements, although I love those personally.

And I like the stories about 'magic' paintings - Duma Key, The Road Virus.

When it first came out it polarised opinion among fans and I nearly came to blows with an old friend, a stalwart Stand fan, who absolutely hated Rose Madder, and I think it heralded a 'new' era for SK's writing.

And it was responsible for my only case of sun-stroke, from lying out in the sun all day reading it.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Clairegriff]

LOL at sunstroke!! My usual one is staying up til a ridiculous hour and then wondering why I'm so knackered the next day!!
Despite what I said, I also thought it was superb, and I also like the supernatural elements - I wouldn't be an SK fan if I didn't! Just got a funny feeling with this one that it wasn't necessary.
Thanks for responding, it's so nice to have discussion with other people about books!
xx

[blunthead]

When it first came out it polarised opinion among fans and I nearly came to blows with an old friend, a stalwart Stand fan, who absolutely hated Rose Madder, and I think it heralded a 'new' era for SK's writing.

I like the new era. Here, I can't help being reminded that when Dylan started playing rock n roll, his die-hard Folk contingency went up in arms.

[GLewman]

Just got my copy in the mail....I'm still about a month out from re-reading it, but I'm very curious if I will like it better now than I did then ...Duma Key was an excellent book JohnD...I've already read it three times

[GNTLGNT]

And it was responsible for my only case of sun-stroke, from lying out in the sun all day reading it.

That explains some things John...

It took me a few WTF's when I first read it...then re-read it...and finally the little refrigerator light over my head flickered on and I was like "Eureka, I finally get it!"...then I drank paint thinner

[nate_watkins]

Just finished re-reading and thought I'd share my thoughts.
I really enjoyed it overall, I thought the description at the beginning of how Rose was coping with her life and then her 'awakening' was fantastic. I'm lucky enough not to have been in anything like this position, but it just felt really real when I was reading it, I can imagine that is exactly what it is like. I loved her starting her new life, and I especially liked the Norman chapters - getting into his head made it so much more interesting! The only slight criticism I have is the whole entering the painting bit. I realise that without that part Rose may not have been strong enough to fend Norman off, but to me it did feel a bit 'extra' as if it was put in because SK is a 'supernatural' writer and therefore had to put something 'supernatural' in it. I think the book would have been just as good without all that, and that Rose may have found the strength to defeat Norman on her own. And I didn't really like the way her character changed in the last couple of chapters - it didn't sit right with the rest of the book. Just my humble opinion!!
Still totally loved the book though, and am looking forward to starting on Desperation next!!
Claire xx

I agree with you on the subject of 'supernatural' in this story. It doesn't seem to belong, but I still really like this book exactly how it was written. I also agree with you on Rosie's changes towards the end of the book.

I'm sure you'll enjoy Desperation, as it's also a great read!

[SharonC]

This is one of my favourite SK books. I loved the changes in Rose and her journey to discovering her inner strength and independence. The supernatural element, in my opinion, was essential to the story's development.

[hexentier]

even though i respect your opinion, i have to disagree. in fact, the entering the painting thing is what really did it for me. Rose's means of getting rid of Norman for good was the painting. if SK had let her take care of him herself, it wouldn't be a SK book, it would be a Thriller without the SK horror/weirdness that most readers want when they pick up a SK book in the book shop.
i pick up books from certain authors because of their genre. if i wan to read a fantasy novel i pick up a Robert Jordan for example. if i want a romantic comedy i pick up a Sophy Kinsella or if i want to read about randy cavemen i pick up Jean Auel (i've read her 5 books). if i picked up a book from one of those authors expecting fantasy, romantic comedy or well, i don't quite know what genre Jean Auel fits into, anyway, if i picked up a sophy kinsella expecting romance and open the book to find it's a horror, chances are it would be a long time before i would pick up one of her books again.
so when i pick up a SK book, i expect horror and weirdness. if i just got a plain everyday thriller i would be reluctant to buy it in case what i get isn't what it says on the tin.
most readers are the same as me, and authors "have to" keep this majority happy.
that's what i think anyway. may well be way off. LOL.
glad you enjoyed this book in spite of this little hickup, though. it is one of my favourites!

[deathislife]

I have to say that I was really put off when I first read this book. It took me forever to really get into the story, which only happened at the parts through Norman's point of view. I read Insomnia just before I read this, so I was pretty disappionted with this. And the ending, when they went in the painting, I hated how Rose was acting, and I hated how that woman with the disease was portrayed.

Besides all that, it was an ok book, I guess, but it'd probably be in my bottom ten of his books.