I read one King book a month in my journey through all his books, June’s choice was Dolores Claiborne.
Book Description
Dolores Claiborne has a story to tell.
But not quite what the police had expected.
Dolores Claiborne has a confession to make…
She will take her time. Won’t be hurried. Will do it her way, sparing neither details nor feelings. Hers or anyone else’s.
Dolores Claiborne has a story to tell and you’d better pay attention – or else.
My Thoughts
With Dolores Claiborne, King showcases what an expert storyteller he is. He has written a novel with no chapters and just woman’s narration, and it’s a raging success! Full of vivid colloquialisms and Claiborne’s unique way of telling her story, you’re hooked from beginning to end. Interested in all that Dolores has to say, the lack of chapters doesn’t matter because you don’t want to stop reading!
King has always been known [to me] as an author who introduces way too many character way too quickly (he pulls it off), but here, you have just one main character – Dolores. Yes, you have secondary characters, but such is the force of Dolores, that everything else is secondary to her words. Once I began reading this book, it didn’t feel like King had written this novel, but that Dolores was a real person and these were her words, the story of her life, such was the strength of her character. I think that speaks volumes for King’s ability to craft characters you believe in. This is essentially one woman’s monologue; Dolores hasn’t had an easily life, and I’ll include no spoilers, just know that you’re #TeamDolores, and respect that she does whatever she needs to protect those she loves.
“Everything I did, I did for love…”
I purposely read this novel after Gerald’s Game because of the reference to that novel featured in this one. One of the joys of reading King’s entire backlog is spotting the references to previous novels, how he weaves in events from previous books, linking his works together. It’s an added perk to reading his books, along with the illustration that some editions have!
Dolores Claiborne is a book I recommend without hesitation!
This is book is available to buy from Amazon UK / Book Depository
Find a list of King’s entire backlist, including my reviews, here.
Every now and then I encounter a Stephen King book I’ve never heard of – this is one of them. And it sounds like I’m missing out by not reading it. Great review!
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Thank you! I wasn’t aware of it until I decided last year to read his entire backlist, this is definitely an underrated one!
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Fab review! It’s such a great story, one of my favourites. I might have to re-read it! ❤️
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Thank you! I loved it, I want to upgrade my paperback to a hardback edition. Definitely one I will reread in the future!
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Excellent review, Janel! I saw the movie years ago.
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Thank you! I want to watch the movie – I imagine a lot of it is told in flashbacks?
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It’s been years so memory fails.
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I admit I hadn’t heard about this particular King before! And you definitely made me want to read it now. Fab review! xx
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Thanks, this is definitely one of his underrated ones, and it’s not too long either, so perfect to slip into your tbr 😉x
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Done. 😉 xx
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This is one of my favorite books by King. I’m not a huge fan of his later works but his first books are in my top listings. I also adored the movie – also a fave. Great review. I’m glad you discovered it.
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Thank you!! I’m currently working my way through his books and, bar a few exceptions, I’m finding I really love his older books. I just finished Salems Lot and loved that one too!
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I loved DOLORES CLAIBORNE 🤗
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So good right, I wanna watch the movie now!
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I rewatched it recently, Kathy Bates at her best!!!!
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