Dolores Claiborne by Stephen King Book Review & Reaction | Maybe His Most Well-Rounded Protagonist

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hey Constant Readers! I don't know why I said 1995 in my intro. This was clearly 1992. I must have been on another Path of the Beam this day. I cry your pardon.

[@dsly4425]

1995 was the movie release year I’m pretty sure.

[@EndlessLaymon]

So happy to see Mike delving back into the multiverse

[@andrealee8561]

I'm in late 30s This movie is one of my favorites n the first time i saw it @ 10 yrs old n still never forget about this movie.

[@Karlipagemaster]

Dolores Claiborne and Gerald's Game are my two favorite King books. Kind of sad that they're both so underrated.

[@marianemes72]

I think Dolores is a contemporary masterpiece.

[@angelaholmes8888]

Yes it is but it's so underrated

[@Atzael-media1117]

You are the greatest intro maker in Booktube history. In the top ten, you are so ahead of the game, that they will need your blueprint to reach the right future of mankind.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha. You're far too kind.

[@alexthiebaut2195]

I'm so glad you're continuing this series. Please continue and do all of them

[@BelminHxC]

Have this on my shelf but haven't gotten around to it yet. Thanks for the review, love the King content!

[@matthewlee7842]

Hey Mike, Ive been watching your channel for about a year now and youve recently inspired me to do my own Into the multiverse read. In the last month (thanks to a back stock of audible credits) I've finished salems lot, it, the shining and doctor sleep (which is my favorite king book so far) and the stand. Can't wait to do this one soon!

[@nikkivenable3700]

Mike, you are always a joy to listen to. I love your King reviews!

[@TheHumbleRoots]

Great video. Made me want to do a reread. Thank you.

[@wanghiskhan7345]

About to watch the movie, just finished the audiobook, the narrator is incredible, that was super entertaining.

[@KcannyTBO]

This sounds great, I'll add it to my TBR! I'm really intrigued by the "uncomfortable" parts of this story. Thanks for the review!

[@paperbackstash7267]

I love this book - and the movie. I'm a big Agatha Christie fan, and I think King paid homage to Agatha Christie's 'And then there were none' in this book. In 'And Then There Were None,' they are on an island in isolation and being judged for crimes they got away with, usually years ago, where people suspected them but they were never charged. Some of the characters had their lives shaped by regret or experiences. With Dolores Claiborne, you also have the character Vera. In 'And Then There were None', one of the main characters is Vera Claythorne (similar sounding last name to Claiborne). That character was judged with a death of a child, and Dolores Claiborne focuses on Dolores doing actions for her child, and Vera with her children and choices against her husband (when Vera in And Then There were none based her choices on what she did for her love interest toward a child and the bad results of that.) You had the judge character and also the religious Emily Brent, with the detective in Dolores Claiborne basing much of his views on Old Testament Christianity and being a judge. Anthony Martson in 'And Then There Were None' had the crime of killing two children with a car. He also named the Island in Dolores Claiborne as Little Tall Island, and the poem in And Then There were None were "Little Indians or Little Soldier Men" depending on which version you're reading (the title history of this book, yech). Could be coincidences, but I don't think so.

[@unlimitedreads]

Great review, Mike! Haven't read it for years and saw the movie I think about 4 times, must go back to it one day :)

[@jayspeijer614]

Hey Mike, great review. I’ve read a lot of King and this one of my favourites, definitely up there in quality alongside some of his great classics from his earliest period. I thought the movie adaptation was excellent as well; Jennifer Jason Leigh and Kathy Bates really nailing it.

[@brentasmith]

One of the few King books I haven't read, but I have seen the movie. Even so I remember very little so when I pick this up at some point it will be brand new.

[@lisac1619]

I read this book years ago but had forgotten it was so short as so much happened in it. I really enjoyed it so will have to reread soon. I've been listening to Misery on Audible and it's one of the best audiobooks I've ever listened to. Like you, I struggled with audiobooks too but someone suggested only listening to books I've already read. That was the key for me.

[@SpartnMarine823]

Back to the multiverse!! This is one I’ve been looking forward to

[@lisaANDjared]

I absolutely love Dolores Claiborne - it's on a short list of books I have actually reread. I still need to read Gerald's Game, but I have seen the movie. As always great video, Mike!

[@BaldBookTuber]

I am anxious to get to this one. I recently re-watched the movie and loved it.

[@tortalinejones1038]

just finished this book tonight and WOW it so a masterpiece, didn't know what to expect going into it because of how underrated it is. I was shocked on how everything ties together so perfectly, S.K is truly a genius!!!!

[@angelaholmes8888]

It's such a great read

[@maureenkurtz6658]

Thanks for the informative review, Mike! As I so often do after your reviews, I've added this to my library checkout list. I read Gerald's Game years ago and it was scary as s***. I looked up the Dolores Claiborne movie, and wow, fantastic cast! So that's on my list too.

[@curtjarrell9710]

I hope to read this one in the second quarter of this year. Thanks Mike!

[@nicolebegovic1483]

I’m so excited for this video! I haven’t watched it yet, lol just had to add that

[@justkarly7768]

Dolores Claiborne is one of my favorite books by King! I liked the unique way the whole story is just a long one-sided conversation... It's been awhile but I don't think there were even chapters, right? I've never read anything quite like that before, makes for a quick read for sure. Heck you might even be able to call this one of Stephen King's "short stories".

[@mariafriflet9082]

Just reread it and correct, no chapters, not even double space between paragraphs. And it really is a great book

[@supernorry3847]

I have never heard of this book. It sounds great i am kinda intrested in this one. I am very excited for your Insomnia review btw. It was a slower book but i enjoyed it so much.

[@angelaholmes8888]

I absolutely enjoyed the adaptation of Dolores Claiborne I watched the movie when I was a kid

[@Johanna_reads]

Great review, Mike! I loved hearing the background story about how this book was a response to King being criticized for his female character work. You just added to my Stephen King TBR!

[@lexi_sciace90]

I can still remember reading this in 2011 and really enjoying it 😊 definitely a good quick read 🙂

[@globulr3246]

holy sh*t, this music for the intro is so cool !

[@LI.Agentio]

1 of our favorite movies. The acting is superb from everyone, the cinametography is so realistic. The theme music from Danny Elfman is incredible. No one is better than Kathy Bates and Judy Parfit.

[@jctmanu]

One of my favorite King books. For those who like audio books look for the version read by Francis Sternhagen. So GOOD. She gives an amazing performance

[@esliet]

Yesss! Mr. King , this one is one of my favorites

[@surajsingrajput7512]

Mike back in multiverse!!!!

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

I got this one and im hoping to read it sometime this year

[@SuperStrangSshadow]

I read it the first time last year without being excited for it even though I loved the movie and King is my fave author., but I was very surprised how much I liked it. The book and the movie is amazing.

[@maxkronader5225]

One of the things most impressive about King in his prime was that he could get a great basic idea, then get multiple ideas on how to develope it into a complete story. Other authors do that too, but King was able to turn each story line into an equally entertaining novel.

[@pattic6077]

I received a first edition copy for Christmas and can't wait to read it!

[@carlagrubbs6392]

Thanks Mike

[@miiisssssyyyy]

“my first time reading this i was 17” me watching this reading the book for the first time at 17

[@theskyisteal8346]

I loved this book. It was tough for me to put it down because of the lack of chapter breaks but also just because it gripped me. It's unbelievable to me that there was ever a time when people thought King couldn't write women: he nailed the rambling stream of conciousness from a lonely old woman (who also happens to be a murderer).

[@NandosN0W]

When I was 12-13 I was given a show box full of Stephen King books and Dolores Claiborne is the first one I read. Going from Goosebumps to this was a whole different world and I was hooked on his books

[@bookbooksbookish]

Fantastic video!!! I picked up Dolores Claiborne in a 2nd bookshop while I was travelling around Australia last year. 45 years old and never read a Stephen King novel 😳. Your review has made me want to pick it up after my current read. Thank you again for posting this review.

[@teksnotdead902]

I saw the movie first and I'll never picture anyone else but an angry Kathy Bates as Dolores Claiborne...and i love it.

[@teksnotdead902]

The connections to Geralds Game are cool too.

[@angelaholmes8888]

Yes kathy bates was perfect in the role of Dolores 💯👍

[@GiSoxfan]

That opening music... Now I have to jump to Mr Ballen's channel. Following this video of course.

[@paulcain548]

Little Tall Island. Ahhh. Andre Linoche had a blast there during the Storm Of The Century 😉

[@benwayman2478]

finished this book 5 minutes ago, i enjoyed it so much more than i thought i was going to. last 10-15 pages caught me totally off guard and sealed my love for this book i think

[@apollonia6656]

Only ever read 3 novels by Stephen King: 1 Dolores Claiborne 2 Misery 3 Shawshank Redemption Just finished Dolores Claiborne and loved it....give it 5 out of 5. The three main characters are so interesting that what makes them even more so is the fact the main character is describing everything that happens. Superb. I am not a horror fan and can only comment on how King grips you in a non-horror novel do much that you cannot put the book down; Dolores did that. Wonderful idea of having just Dolores telling us what happens. WOW!

[@moonbot7613]

I’m 40 and I’ve yet to read any King novels lol. I definitely want to read a bit of his stuff just not sure when

[@montoyastevenjsm31]

This is the first King book I read, technically I read ‘Thinner’ first but as far as him writing as King, Dolores Claiborne was a great read. Misery is next up for me and I’m excited about it.

[@tylerblack301]

I finally started my first King book last week! Got 3/4 through Salem’s Lot before I had to go back to work. Can’t wait to keep working through the Multiverse.

[@angelaholmes8888]

I'm so glad I decided to read the book a few months ago I absolutely enjoyed it definitely one of my favorite books of kings and of 2022 ⭐😊

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

I haven't read it yet, but have seen the movie. I plan on reading it later this year.

[@gracephyllis4032]

Dolores Claiborne is the only King book I've read so far and I loved it!

[@andreamiller3578]

Saw the movie and really liked it. It made me pick up a King book for the first time.

[@theuntimelyhippo7232]

I just found this and geralds game hardcovers at a local thrift shop, can’t wait to read them!

[@on1230]

A long waited video about Mr King's universe.

[@nicolebegovic1483]

This audiobook is SUPERB!

[@paperbackstash7267]

It really is. I reread it that way last year and the narrator was great.

[@juliusrandle2733]

There is also a reference to the 3 bald Doctors from Insomnia

[@sosoul21206]

Life stories are SOOO fascinating. The craziest shit happens to people in real life, and I'm like: "This happened to you IN REAL LIFE??? This aint a book bitch?!" TF

[@chrisconnors7418]

I haven't read Dolores Claiborne; or Gerald's Game. From your previous videos, I decided I would read Gerald's Game, but haven't done so yet. But, this year I'll get to both.

[@jakehensley1210]

Great video Mike and an awesome prologue. A couple of years ago I tried reading DC and stopped around page 40, For some reason, the way she talked made it impossible for me to continue. Maybe it’s because I’m from New England and it seemed wildly exaggerated to me. The equivalent would be like reading a full novel in the voice of Detta Holmes, difficult (at least for me). I’d be willing to try again but there are other King books in front of that one on my list.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I just assumed King being from Maine, this was as real as it got. Ha.

[@jakehensley1210]

I mean, maybe some part of Maine I’ve never been to😂, but we definitely don’t talk like that down in Mass, which is the worst of the accent.

[@alphinchris25]

ur the GOAT mike

[@matthewganong1730]

I lived in Machias, Maine for about 7 years in my 20’s before moving back to Pennsylvania, and I have a lot of family there. It’s actually a beautiful place with some very friendly people, but Stephen King does go a long way towards capturing the atmosphere of the area. Little Tall Island seems to be located just off the coast of Machias and I think it’s inspired by the actual Beal’s Island near Machias, which is a very close-knit community and not terribly welcoming of outsiders.

[@CrapSandviche]

Yes!! There’s a multiverse that can be explored at The Bearded Fox…. Beers await

[@andrealee8561]

Its Steven king lol I live n Massachusetts n have family in Maine Besides the snow The people are nice n its very peaceful.

[@DaveShaves44]

just finished this book. was wanting more creep and horror, it's definitely not that. but for what it is it is excellent. just not what i was looking for or wanting. just a good, average book from king imo. i do consider geralds game one of kings most underrated books. that book really creeped me out when i read it years ago and has a few of the creepiest scenes in all of his literature.

[@kylerieman221]

I think this is going to be my King read after I read Firestarter and Rose Madder.

[@atom0191]

🤩🤩🤩

[@JasonRobertSnyder86]

Yes! More SK!

[@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD]

👏👏👏👏

[@gavvo-7640]

Yay! Back into the multiverse at last!! Great novel, amazing movie adaption! Are you ever going to finish your delve into Four Past Midnight though? Eagerly awaited The Library Policeman and The Sun Dog but you seem to have skipped these? :(

[@jamiecarlin111]

I just finished the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. One thing that stuck out and it might be a reach but I think has ties to The Dark Tower, in particular The Thinny. Pg 183 right when Dolores has her first vision she says "the light in the dooryard had gone from the strong afternoon yellow it has in July to a kind of faded Rose, in the shadow of the house laying across the driveway had taken on a funny thin kind of look I'd never seen before and never have since" It would explain the connection between both characters and the books. Just a thought, what do you think?

[@justinvoye8967]

My god how I’ve missed into the Multiverse!

[@tamarabrouwer342]

Read this last year, and it has stuck with me ever since. I wholeheartedly agree that it is a great book, and underrated. It is in my King top 10.

[@alynam82]

I don't even have much to comment on because it's been so long since I read this. But I ought to give it a re-read because I know I enjoyed it before. I remember some of the "shit" that the bed-ridden woman had put Delores thru...

[@kaylaowens8168]

so I've been a long time king lover but every time I read a new (to me) King book I watch your videos (if you have one) and 1- you almost always say everything I'm thinking 2- I would just LOVE to talk to you some day. and 3- I am soooooo intimidated by the Dark Tower and haven't started it. I've read almost everything else. I don't have a love for fantasy and I started Gun Slinger and didn't like it at all but I want to read them.

[@danecobain]

I loved this one but it's been a heckin' long while, so I might be about due a re-read.

[@jeffschaible]

Happy for another Into the Multiverse. Surprised no mention of Storm of the Century.... same island (Little Tall), right? But then again, you're probably doing book connections only.

[@JonathanRossignol]

@0:07 It has its pros and cons. #LFLR "VBW"

[@kabiansadi]

Impossible to not watch the opening and not look to buy the book immediately

[@mikesbookreviews]

Always what I like to hear 😃

[@dpeady78]

One of his I have never read - I should change that

[@dpeady78]

I changed it So damn good

[@djredpants4116]

Multiverse connection: Isnt the island the same island from Storm of the century?

[@mikesbookreviews]

Oh, dammit. Yes! I totally missed that one.

[@djredpants4116]

@@mikesbookreviews All good bro, catch it up next time. Your doing an awesome job

[@jermaineperry8860]

This book showcase of misfortune love murder and unlikely friendship with two strong compassionate but different personal plus one appear be mean spirited uncaring but some situation and fear of death for her way person

[@jeffreypryor4549]

1993..

[@tiananesbitt7156]

😚

[@michaelvcelentano]

It’s kind of a commitment, but you should check this out! Tobias Picker, who is a super prominent contemporary composer, wrote an opera of this book! Would love your opinion on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5PHaoimo9SmiNU

[@NamasteBbooktube]

Great review, but gimme ghosts.