Rose Madder

"Rose Madder" is a psychological horror novel by Stephen King, published in 1995. The story follows the life of Rose Daniels, an abused wife who finally leaves her husband, Norman, after years of physical and emotional torture. As she starts her new life, she discovers a painting called "Rose Madder" that seems to have magical powers.

The painting transports her to another world, where she meets a woman named Dorcas, who helps her overcome her fears and trauma. Meanwhile, Norman, a psychotic police officer, is obsessed with finding and killing Rose. He tracks her to a women's shelter where she hides, but she manages to escape with the help of a new friend, Bill Steiner.

As Rose becomes more involved with the painting, she discovers that it is a portal to a parallel universe. She travels through the portal to a place called "The Territories," where she meets the heroic figure from the painting, a man named Roland Deschain. Roland helps Rose overcome her fears and face her husband once and for all.

Throughout the book, King explores themes of domestic abuse, trauma, and the power of imagination to heal. Rose's journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, as she learns to take control of her life and confront her past. The character of Norman is a chilling portrayal of an abuser, and King's descriptions of the violence he inflicts on Rose are both graphic and disturbing.

The novel has been praised for its strong female lead and its sensitive handling of difficult subject matter. It is also notable for its connections to King's "Dark Tower" series, with Roland Deschain making an appearance as a major character.

Overall, "Rose Madder" is a gripping and suspenseful read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Its exploration of important themes and its memorable characters make it a standout in King's vast bibliography.