Dolores Claiborne was originally published in November of 1992.Warning, the following review does contain spoilers.
The book begins with Dolores Claiborne being questioned about the murder of her employer, Vera Donovan. Dolores was Vera's housekeeper and caretaker later in life. Vera was mean at times and the two fought, but it is clear that the two women loved each other.
Dolores does, however, confess to the murder of her husband, Joe St. George. He was an abusive man that loved his drink. Dolores learned that he had begun to abuse their daughter, Selena, and that convinces her to plan his death. She waits until the eclipse and then carries out her plan to kill him.
This book is probably the least likely of King's novels to be classified as a horror novel. It is more psychological suspense than horror. The entire book is a narration from Dolores and King absolutely nails the woman's voice. I found myself forgetting that this was a Stephen King novel at times. But never fear, his unique style is still woven throughout the story.
The horror in this novel is realizing the life that Dolores has lead. Her strange relationship with her employer and her frightful marriage bring about sympathy for her. But there is hope and strength as Dolores finds a way to make the cards she is dealt work somehow.
The movie version of this novel was very good in my opinion. Kathy Bates was perfect for this role. As with all movies, there are some differences between movie and book, but the movie captured the major themes and emotions from the novel and that made it good for me.
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