Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Viking Adult (1993), Edition: 1, 320 pages
Description
Suspected of killing Vera Donovan, her wealthy employer, Dolores Claiborne tells police the story of her life, harkening back to her violent husband, disintegrating marriage and the suspicious death of Joe Claiborne thirty years earlier. Dolores also tells of Vera's physical and mental decline and of her loyalty to an employer who has become emotionally demanding in recent years.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Bookmarque
I hadn’t read DC since 1993 when it was first published and luckily I didn’t remember much about it. Luckily because I think my age made it a better and more memorable novel than the first time around. Mainly it’s the years that have gone by and how they make the characters easier to relate
Some will say this is out of the ordinary for King, but it really isn’t at heart. So many of his books are about strong women and this is about one of the strongest. Every time I read a review saying King can’t write women (or can’t write at all) or that he doesn’t like women I have to laugh. If you read enough of his work you see he more than likes women; he reveres them. Starting with his mother, Ruth and moving on to his wife, Tabitha, you can see by his writing he fits women into his consciousness as whole and evolved people, not just objects or roles. Don’t take my word for it though, check this out –
Carrie – teenage girl finally snaps and kicks ass
The Shining – Wendy doesn’t give up, ends up ok
The Stand – Frances, Naomi, Mother Abigail are all stand-up girls
Firestarter – a little girl who can control the world if she wants
Cujo – woman v. rabid dog, not everything turns out well, but she doesn’t crumple like a flower
Christine – ok, this one is a stretch, but the car was female…yah yah, forget it
IT – not too long on girls, but Bev finally gets some of her own back
Misery – again, a stretch, but a psycho woman was still kind of a novelty to write back then
Tommyknockers – I always admired how Bobbie lived life on her own terms despite what she did to Peter
Gerald’s Game – at first you’re not sure what to make of Jessie, then she puts the hammer down
DC – of all the put upon women of the world, DC is right up there
Needful Things – has a good mix of female characters, strong, weak and shades in between
Rose Madder – abused wife gets out from under
Lisey’s Story – wife in the shadows gets her shit together
Full Dark, No Stars – rape victim does not lie there and take it, like I Spit on Your Grave in words
If I’ve left any out it’s because I can’t remember enough of them. Ditto with the stories, but you get the idea. King admires women as people, not as women overcoming their gender.
After a while Dolores’s abrasiveness wore away and I began to sympathize with her. She never had much of a chance, but she did the best she could with the cards she was dealt. Even Vera lost some of her ‘high riding bitch’ veneer and got some sympathy from me and I could see why D stayed with her so long. Neither of them had anyone else and they didn’t know how to be different with each other. There’s comfort to be had in long habit. Also I think enduring becomes a habit as well.
Some will say that Joe’s death was Dolores’s revenge, but it wasn’t. It was protection. There wasn’t anything else she could do to protect her kids in the present (surely he would slip and ‘get at’ Serena again) and in the future (the dwindling college money). I liked the planning D put into it though; first with the diversion of the eclipse itself then with what to lure Joe into chasing her to the well. Perfect. She paid a price though; a steep one. I think that plus D’s circumstances showcase how well women are built for suffering.
Writing and style are strong in this one although I don’t know if a New Englander would say warsh; isn’t that more of a mid-west thing? Still, the writing in dialect didn’t bother me in this book like it has in others. King really showcases his talent as a character writer by sticking to Dolores and all that makes her tick. An amazing feat. I didn't catch one false note during the whole thing. And the fact that there are no chapters or breaks of any kind emphasizes that D narrated this whole story in one go; with the cops and Nancy the stenographer from Kennebunk. That they let her off for Joe’s murder is a bit of a stretch, but forensically the case against her for Vera wouldn’t have held up so that one is more understandable. Still the ending is a bit, oh, I don’t know, unreal. After what had gone before being intensely real, it was a bit jarring.
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to. Seriously, how much perspective can a 20-something have about life? Some, but not enough. Not that I compare my relatively easy life with Dolores’s or Vera’s, but it hasn’t been all smooth and so I can empathize more than I must have been able to in 1993.Some will say this is out of the ordinary for King, but it really isn’t at heart. So many of his books are about strong women and this is about one of the strongest. Every time I read a review saying King can’t write women (or can’t write at all) or that he doesn’t like women I have to laugh. If you read enough of his work you see he more than likes women; he reveres them. Starting with his mother, Ruth and moving on to his wife, Tabitha, you can see by his writing he fits women into his consciousness as whole and evolved people, not just objects or roles. Don’t take my word for it though, check this out –
Carrie – teenage girl finally snaps and kicks ass
The Shining – Wendy doesn’t give up, ends up ok
The Stand – Frances, Naomi, Mother Abigail are all stand-up girls
Firestarter – a little girl who can control the world if she wants
Cujo – woman v. rabid dog, not everything turns out well, but she doesn’t crumple like a flower
Christine – ok, this one is a stretch, but the car was female…yah yah, forget it
IT – not too long on girls, but Bev finally gets some of her own back
Misery – again, a stretch, but a psycho woman was still kind of a novelty to write back then
Tommyknockers – I always admired how Bobbie lived life on her own terms despite what she did to Peter
Gerald’s Game – at first you’re not sure what to make of Jessie, then she puts the hammer down
DC – of all the put upon women of the world, DC is right up there
Needful Things – has a good mix of female characters, strong, weak and shades in between
Rose Madder – abused wife gets out from under
Lisey’s Story – wife in the shadows gets her shit together
Full Dark, No Stars – rape victim does not lie there and take it, like I Spit on Your Grave in words
If I’ve left any out it’s because I can’t remember enough of them. Ditto with the stories, but you get the idea. King admires women as people, not as women overcoming their gender.
After a while Dolores’s abrasiveness wore away and I began to sympathize with her. She never had much of a chance, but she did the best she could with the cards she was dealt. Even Vera lost some of her ‘high riding bitch’ veneer and got some sympathy from me and I could see why D stayed with her so long. Neither of them had anyone else and they didn’t know how to be different with each other. There’s comfort to be had in long habit. Also I think enduring becomes a habit as well.
Some will say that Joe’s death was Dolores’s revenge, but it wasn’t. It was protection. There wasn’t anything else she could do to protect her kids in the present (surely he would slip and ‘get at’ Serena again) and in the future (the dwindling college money). I liked the planning D put into it though; first with the diversion of the eclipse itself then with what to lure Joe into chasing her to the well. Perfect. She paid a price though; a steep one. I think that plus D’s circumstances showcase how well women are built for suffering.
Writing and style are strong in this one although I don’t know if a New Englander would say warsh; isn’t that more of a mid-west thing? Still, the writing in dialect didn’t bother me in this book like it has in others. King really showcases his talent as a character writer by sticking to Dolores and all that makes her tick. An amazing feat. I didn't catch one false note during the whole thing. And the fact that there are no chapters or breaks of any kind emphasizes that D narrated this whole story in one go; with the cops and Nancy the stenographer from Kennebunk. That they let her off for Joe’s murder is a bit of a stretch, but forensically the case against her for Vera wouldn’t have held up so that one is more understandable. Still the ending is a bit, oh, I don’t know, unreal. After what had gone before being intensely real, it was a bit jarring.
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LibraryThing member BookConcierge
5***** and a ❤
The entire novel is told by Dolores Claiborne in her sworn statement to the investigating police. Her employer of 40 years has died in a tragic accident … or did Dolores kill her? Dolores doesn’t pull any punches, she tells us on page two that she did not kill Vera Donovan
King is a master plotter and he moves the story along at a fair clip. Slowing down at just the right places to let the reader catch his breath. Scaring you the next minute with the horrors of human meanness. Making you laugh at the ridiculous things people do. And letting you into Dolores’s mind – a nearly 66-year-old woman who has had a hard life and who isn’t about to suffer fools gladly. She’s tired and ready to get everything off her chest.
Dolores has spent her life on Little Tall Island. She’s worked hard, keeping house for rich Mrs Donovan, and caring for her in her senility. She’s raised three children without much help from Joe, a no-good alcoholic husband who beat her one time too many. But you need to get the whole story straight from Dolores.
I first read this in 1997. What really impressed me was that King manages to write in a thick Maine accent you can “hear” on the page. (And the audio book, narrated by Frances Sternhagen, is nothing short of wonderful!) Dolores will stay with you for a long time. King has managed to write a character who is not very likable, but whom I just fell in love with. Bravo!
The entire novel is told by Dolores Claiborne in her sworn statement to the investigating police. Her employer of 40 years has died in a tragic accident … or did Dolores kill her? Dolores doesn’t pull any punches, she tells us on page two that she did not kill Vera Donovan
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(though Vera deserved killing, more than once … she was a high-riding bitch). No, Dolores did nothing to hasten old Mrs Donovan’s ending … but she did kill her husband, Joe St George, twenty-nine years ago. King is a master plotter and he moves the story along at a fair clip. Slowing down at just the right places to let the reader catch his breath. Scaring you the next minute with the horrors of human meanness. Making you laugh at the ridiculous things people do. And letting you into Dolores’s mind – a nearly 66-year-old woman who has had a hard life and who isn’t about to suffer fools gladly. She’s tired and ready to get everything off her chest.
Dolores has spent her life on Little Tall Island. She’s worked hard, keeping house for rich Mrs Donovan, and caring for her in her senility. She’s raised three children without much help from Joe, a no-good alcoholic husband who beat her one time too many. But you need to get the whole story straight from Dolores.
I first read this in 1997. What really impressed me was that King manages to write in a thick Maine accent you can “hear” on the page. (And the audio book, narrated by Frances Sternhagen, is nothing short of wonderful!) Dolores will stay with you for a long time. King has managed to write a character who is not very likable, but whom I just fell in love with. Bravo!
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LibraryThing member Chellsway
For those Stephen King fans who haven't read Dolores Claiborne and for those of you who don't normally listen to books on tape the Audio version of Dolores Claiborne is not to miss. It is absolutely SUPERB! Because the book is written in a first person narrative it is perfect for audio. And Frances
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Sternhagen reading as Dolores Claiborne nailed the role. Her accent is right on and through 9 hours she doesn't miss a beat. While this IS somewhat off the beaten path for Stephen King it still keeps you on road the edge of your seat. So--if you have a long trip coming up get Dolores Claiborne and a thermos of hot tea and enjoy! Show Less
LibraryThing member bobbolls
I have to agree with Chellsway's comment. I listened to this audio book and found Frances Sternhagen's delivery superb. What a great story and the narration, accent and pacing were excellent.
LibraryThing member jseger9000
Dolores Claiborne is at the sheriff’s office. She’s been accused of two murders, but will only confess to one. The entire book takes the form of a single, uninterrupted monolog as Dolores tells the police a tale spanning thirty years of her life. King uses this book to celebrate tough women as
The book is more a drama/mystery than anything else, but King adds in enough suspense to make the book a page-turner. Dolores narrates the story herself, jumping backwards and forwards in time, piquing your interest with a shocking, offhand comment here and there that will only be followed up pages later. The fact that there are no chapter breaks also encourages you to keep reading ‘just a few more pages.’
King does a good job of using dialect without overdoing it. I’m not an audio book listener usually, but I am thinking twice about this one. Dolores’ voice is just such a strong part of the story (and I bet the narrator of the audio book, Frances Sternhagen does a bang-up job of it).
So an excellent, exciting read. The strength of Delores' narrative just adds to what is already an excellent book. Highly recommended.
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he details the intertwining lives of Dolores and Vera Donovan, two women who soldier on through some very hard times.The book is more a drama/mystery than anything else, but King adds in enough suspense to make the book a page-turner. Dolores narrates the story herself, jumping backwards and forwards in time, piquing your interest with a shocking, offhand comment here and there that will only be followed up pages later. The fact that there are no chapter breaks also encourages you to keep reading ‘just a few more pages.’
King does a good job of using dialect without overdoing it. I’m not an audio book listener usually, but I am thinking twice about this one. Dolores’ voice is just such a strong part of the story (and I bet the narrator of the audio book, Frances Sternhagen does a bang-up job of it).
So an excellent, exciting read. The strength of Delores' narrative just adds to what is already an excellent book. Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member Carol420
The evil in the story does not come from beyond the grave or from a dark force. Instead, it is a very common evil that an ordinary human being is capable of inflicting on another over and over again over the years, in a very cruel, consistent and at times, deadly silent manner. I would give this
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book 5 stars and 2 thumbs up! Show Less
LibraryThing member santhony
As with many of King's works, I find his books that deal with real people to be far scarier and more entertaining than the books that involve supernatural (and many times silly) monsters and beings. Gerald's Game, Dolores Claiborne, The Shining, Misery are terrifying without being ridiculous.
LibraryThing member Raven9167
Dolores Claiborne is an exceptional piece of modern fiction. Structured as one long monologue from the title character confessing to the murder she's committed (and more importantly, explaining that she hasn't committed another murder), King takes you into the heart of Dolores in a way few authors
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do with their characters. Knowing she's telling the absolute, unvarnished truth throughout creates a portal into the character's soul that shows just how far a mother's love will go. What I enjoyed most was that Dolores felt like a real person, warts and all. I know that some of King's fans don't love this book because it doesn't involve his trademark horror, but I personally found it to be King stepping outside his comfort zone in a way that shows he's not just a wonderful horror writer, but a great writer in general. Show Less
LibraryThing member Edward.Lorn
I managed to reread Dolores Claiborne in under 24 hours. I was thirteen when I first read it, and even then it only took three days. With no chapter breaks and one of the best vernacular-heavy voices King's ever taken on, this book's engine very nearly purrs. Dolores Claiborne is, in my opinion,
Normally, I suggest reading King's books in chronological order, but I believe Gerald's Game and Dolores Claiborne should be read in reverse order. Gerald's Game was released first, but you get a better experience reading these twin novels if you read Dolores Claiborne beforehand. And in case you're wondering what I mean by "twin novels", I'll explain: Both of the aforementioned books connect in the middle, kinda like siamese twins. The main characters of both books share a psychic link that has absolutely nothing to do with either story. For some reason, they are able to see one another for a short period of time. It's fucking odd, so be prepared. If you do not know about it going in, it can be jarring because it is completely out of place. King fans won't mind because we know it's just par for the course with him, but new-to-King readers will definitely be asking themselves WTF? when they reach the end and none of these shenanigans are explained.
Obvious Tie-ins:
Gerald's Game
Hidden Gems:
I believe Dolores sees the Beam at one point, as does Jessie Burlingame (the MC from Gerald's Game), and that's how both women are able to see each other through the eclipse.
Notable names:
Andy Bissette (various books throughout the King-verse; most small mentions)
In summation: If you don't like horror, this is the King novel for you. His literary novellas are outstanding, too, as are some of his future novels, but I would start here. Damn good character writing. Some of the best I've ever read.
Final Judgment: Eclipses the rest.
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Stephen King's most well-delivered story. There's zero filler, and that's unheard of where King's concerned. The book is so succinct that the movie version actually had to add more content instead of cutting content to make it fit. To give you an example of how rare that is, no other King book has ever been extended for film. His short stories and novellas have, but never one of his novels. Normally, I suggest reading King's books in chronological order, but I believe Gerald's Game and Dolores Claiborne should be read in reverse order. Gerald's Game was released first, but you get a better experience reading these twin novels if you read Dolores Claiborne beforehand. And in case you're wondering what I mean by "twin novels", I'll explain: Both of the aforementioned books connect in the middle, kinda like siamese twins. The main characters of both books share a psychic link that has absolutely nothing to do with either story. For some reason, they are able to see one another for a short period of time. It's fucking odd, so be prepared. If you do not know about it going in, it can be jarring because it is completely out of place. King fans won't mind because we know it's just par for the course with him, but new-to-King readers will definitely be asking themselves WTF? when they reach the end and none of these shenanigans are explained.
Obvious Tie-ins:
Gerald's Game
Hidden Gems:
Notable names:
Andy Bissette (various books throughout the King-verse; most small mentions)
In summation: If you don't like horror, this is the King novel for you. His literary novellas are outstanding, too, as are some of his future novels, but I would start here. Damn good character writing. Some of the best I've ever read.
Final Judgment: Eclipses the rest.
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LibraryThing member rsplenda477
Stephen King does it again. I swear, this man knows how to write, and he can write ANY genre. Dolores Claiborne is a rare departure from King's normal horror stories. However, I would suggest that this novel is as horrifying as any of his novels. This story of a hard-working, down-on-her-luck
King tells the entire story with no breaks. It is set in a police station where Dolores tells her entire adult life story. Again, a common theme with King seems to be the breakdown of the American/nuclear family, but he keeps finding new ways to tell that story in very effective ways each time. He also is able to strike a very feminist tone with this novel, and rightfully so as he shows the horrors that women have been subject to in this country for decades. In this sense, Dolores Claiborne can be seen as a piece of American history told in fictional style.
I highly recommend this book to King lovers and fiction lovers in general. You will be surprised at how quickly it reads, and it will not disappoint.
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housemaid and her problems was gut-wrenchingly painful to read at times.King tells the entire story with no breaks. It is set in a police station where Dolores tells her entire adult life story. Again, a common theme with King seems to be the breakdown of the American/nuclear family, but he keeps finding new ways to tell that story in very effective ways each time. He also is able to strike a very feminist tone with this novel, and rightfully so as he shows the horrors that women have been subject to in this country for decades. In this sense, Dolores Claiborne can be seen as a piece of American history told in fictional style.
I highly recommend this book to King lovers and fiction lovers in general. You will be surprised at how quickly it reads, and it will not disappoint.
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LibraryThing member Djupstrom
Another goo strong woman main character. A good morality tale about abuse.
LibraryThing member sarradee
Read by Frances Sternhagen who does an absolutely fantastic job of capturing the atmosphere of this book. I think I enjoy listening to Stephen King's novels more than I do reading them.
LibraryThing member Virtual_Jo
The first King novel I read, this is the best. Narrated by the powerful voice of Dolores as she confesses to the murder of her brutal husband, this is hard to put down.
LibraryThing member crazy4reading
This was my first Stephen King book and I have to say I was quite pleased with the story. I have heard how scary his books are and that has been one of the reasons I have avoided reading his novels. I am glad that I finally took the time to give Stephen King a try.
Dolores Claiborne is the story of
Dolores was straight forward and very blunt when she spoke, which I found very entertaining. I found myself not wanting to put the book down. The only thing I didn't care for about the book was the fact that there were no chapters so it was difficult to find a good place to stop while reading the book.
Dolores Claiborne is the story of
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a woman who reveals the truth about her husbands death years latere because the woman that she has been caring for the past years dies and people in the town start talking about her having murdered the woman. Dolores is a very interesting character in the novel. As I was reading the story I could actually hear her voice in my head just by the way the story was written.Dolores was straight forward and very blunt when she spoke, which I found very entertaining. I found myself not wanting to put the book down. The only thing I didn't care for about the book was the fact that there were no chapters so it was difficult to find a good place to stop while reading the book.
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LibraryThing member Anagarika-Sean
Dolores was one mad lady. She's a wonderful character.
LibraryThing member PhoebeReading
How the hell does Stephen King create such sympathetic, multifaceted, complex and wonderfully written sixty-year-old women?I initially found myself extremely annoyed by the lack of chapter breaks. This is my problem, really, not King's, because I don't have the self control to stop reading without
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a discernible break in the action. But there is no break here, and that's the point--Dolores' four hundred page monologue sweeps the reader rapidly through a rather ugly life. By the time we get to the horrific act itself, she feels like an undeniably real woman, a consciousness as concrete as our own. I think I like King best when he's closest to reality--here, the supernatural is only delicately hinted at. What's horrific about the killing of Joe St. George isn't that there are supernatural spookies behind it, but that it's realistic, disgustingly so. The ending is a bit neat for my tastes, but after we've been so thoroughly convinced that Dolores Claiborne is worth cheering for, it's hard not to feel satisfied at her triumph. Show Less
LibraryThing member SuzannaR
This book was no disappointment, like always, Stephen king has wrote another great book. He makes it seem like you are in the book feeling the adrenaline rush through your blood, and pump through your heart. A book that keeps you wondering what Stephan will do next.
LibraryThing member bhowell
This is classic Stephen King, domestic violence, as terrifying as any police procedural. And who can forget the brilliant performance of Kathy Bates in the movie.
LibraryThing member wonnie71
This is my favourite King book by far, I read three times within 1 year in 1994. I was touched by Dolores's love for her children, uneducated but very fair and intelligent way of thinking. The movie was not as interesting but the book is excellent.
LibraryThing member LynnB
I've avoided reading Stephen King because I don't like horror or ghost stories. But someone said I should try this one and I'm glad I did.
Dolores Claiborne is accused of killing her demanding employer, Vera. In the course of that investigation, Dolores' past comes up: did her husband Joe really die
Mr. King has done a credible job of writing from the perspective of a woman and I was drawn into the story and had a lot of empathy for Dolores.
Dolores Claiborne is accused of killing her demanding employer, Vera. In the course of that investigation, Dolores' past comes up: did her husband Joe really die
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an accidental death? The plot unfolds as Dolores tells her story to the police -- the whole story, for the first time in her life. Mr. King has done a credible job of writing from the perspective of a woman and I was drawn into the story and had a lot of empathy for Dolores.
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LibraryThing member buffalogr
Excellent Stephen King murder mystery. I liked it a lot.
LibraryThing member BookBindingBobby
Stephen King. How do you perceive him? Well, forget about all that, because in Dolores Claiborne, we find one of the richest, beautiful stories ever told. And it isn't even horror. Stephen King shows us his talents like never before, with a book that is told as a monologue, about a grouchy, loving
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mother named Dolores, seeking revenge against her abusive husband Joe. A few uncomfortable scenes are present, but they add to the story. Another hit by King. Show Less
LibraryThing member briannad84
It's been a while since I've read a Stephen King book and this one was on my list for awhile. I saw the movie with Kathy Bates way back when I was a little kid and for the longest time had been trying to find it cause I didn't know the title. I don't remember how I found out it was Dolores
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Claiborne. Anyway it was a good book - a bit different than others I've read by King, but I liked the way it was all written like it was an interrogation or interview. I loved the mouth on her! Very funny! Show Less
LibraryThing member srboone
King's experiment in having no chapter/section breaks makes for a near-breathless narrative. His love for the New England dialect is evident and he creates a most memorable character in Delores Claiborne. But, in the fanal analysis, the predictability of the scenario and an heavy dose of tired
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horror convention make this the weaker of his two eclipse novels. Show Less
LibraryThing member dickmanikowski
Stephen King is often at his best in novels lacking any supernatural content. This was actually a fairly weak book by his standards, but it was still well worth reading. Very interesting exploration of two characters bound in an exceptionally convoluted relationship.
Subjects
Awards
Locus Award (Nominee — 1993)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1992-11
Physical description
320 p.; 20 inches
ISBN
0670844527 / 9780670844524