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Dolores Claiborne (1993)

Before reading: This one has me very intrigued. Initially, I knew nothing about this story. I vaguely knew of the movie but had no idea that it was based on a Stephen King novel. Now that I'm deep into Stephen King lore and the community, I have learned more things about this novel. First and foremost, I am aware that it exists. However, I also know that it is related to Gerald's Game, I know that it is somewhat kind of related to one of the short stories I just read in Nightmares and Dreamscapes, I know that it is yet another story from a woman's perspective (90's SK is a feminist), and I know that the movie seems to be a fan favorite and King readers are fans of both the book and the movie. I basically know nothing about the plot but I'm excited! I think this is going to be a good one. I don't want to type anymore I just want to start reading so bye!

After reading: First time in a while finishing a King book has given me that post-read slump feeling. Finishing a really good book is the worst. To drive the point home...this was a really good book. It was also a very short book so, even though it was, wait for it...really good, I don't have too too much to say. I kinda just want to sit in silence and stare at a wall and be sad that it's finished. 

Most importantly, this book was very different from anything else I've read from King. The entire format and style was one that I have not seen before from him. At first I was a little wary of this but I warmed up to it pretty quickly. It also feels very different from King's other work. It was really raw and deep. This book came with a lot of feelings. It was not a horror story by any means but at the same time it was horrific. I saw someone else describe the book as being about hell in the form of another person and I think that is a fitting description. While it is not presented as a horror novel, you still go through hell. I feel like I'll never be able to accurately get it across how good this book was. Just trust me. 

I can't discuss this book without talking about Gerald's Game. They are companion pieces in such a unique and important way. You can read Gerald's Game without reading Dolores and you'll only be a little confused about one part. You could probably read DC without reading GG and only be a little more confused. I didn't love GG and I don't think I'd ever read it again, but I can't imagine reading this story and not having the background information of Gerald's Game. Right off the bat we are reminded of Jessie and it is obvious that the stories are connected. We were first introduced to Dolores in GG, but we didn't know who she was, yet. Important parts of both stories happen at the same time and Dolores is very tuned into Jessie throughout. The way these two stories are intertwined is actually so profound. King really did something here, something that I've never experienced before. The comparison between Jessie and Selena is so heartbreaking. This, and Gerald's Game, are really sad stories at the end of the day. You can't help but wonder how different Jessie's life would be if Dolores was her mom, but then you see how Selena ends up and you can't help but wonder if it would have even mattered. The juxtaposition between what is happening to both Jessie and Dolores during the eclipse...wow. If you only read DC, you really miss out on the importance and depth of the connection between the two stories. Knowing Jessie's story makes Dolores' more gut wrenching. These two stories, especially this one, are really special. 

I guess that's all I have to say. I absolutely recommend this one. I would recommend reading Gerald's Game beforehand so you can get the full experience. For all the same reasons I said that GG should come with a trigger warning before you dive in blind, this story needs them, too. It is some real deep and emotional content. I don't know what King was doing but he did good. 

I did not take this short and less than 250 page book for granted because up next we are reading Insomnia and I'm going to need to have insomnia to get through it because it is over a thousand pages...oof. 



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