Book Review: Dolores Claiborne

Reviewed By: Fiona Walker

Dolores Claiborne     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Stephen King
Class/Genre:   Fiction   Horror   Movie Related
New English Library, 1992,307pp

When Dolores Claiborne’s elderly employer dies, she is taken in for questioning by the police…with them, events don’t sit awfully comfortably…

So, Dolores is taken in and forced to explain herself. In doing so, to prove herself innocent, she must tell her haunting life story, and reveal the darkest secrets of her past. Dolores Claiborne has a tale to tell. And you’d better listen up…

This may be one of King’s shorter books, but no one can deny that it has immense substance. This one ain’t a horror novel, so if you’re only a fan of his horror books, come to this with caution. However, if you’re just a fan of King, this book should please you immeasurably. It’s narrative drive is incredibly quick and very very powerful. The reader is pulled along on King’s forceful, yet smooth, tide of prose, and is treated to a brilliant human story of endurance, and how much people can really endure before they are forced to do something about it. Dolores tells her story marvellously, and even if I did find her vivid colloquialisms annoying (but then, I always find colloquialisms annoying) they certainly add loads of colour and further authenticity to the story.

Among King’s immense portfolio, this one is completely individual. It’s a simple story, told in a compelling and original way, and which is completely satisfying. Dolores is a brilliant character, and a brilliant narrator.

Fiona Walker

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Fiona Walker