Rose Madder by Stephen King (1995, Hardcover)

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.