Review: Cujo by Stephen King

Title: Cujo
Author: Stephen King
Published: September, 1981
Paperback: 432 pgs

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Outside a peaceful town in central Maine, a monster is waiting. Cujo is a two-hundred-pound Saint Bernard, the best friend Brett Camber has ever had. One day Cujo chases a rabbit into a bolt-hole - a cave inhabited by sick bats. What happens to Cujo, how he becomes a horrifying vortex inexorably drawing in all the people around him makes for one of the most heart-stopping novels Stephen King has written.

FYI -- before I tell you my thoughts on the book, I want you to know that I have never seen the movie. I had zero ideas on what to expect, except that it had something to do with an evil dog.

In so many ways...this book will MESS YOU UP.

I already had a little fear when it came to dogs, but now I am downright terrified! Especially because when we first meet Cujo, he is the sweetest dog you could ever imagine. He's a gentle giant, in every sense of the word, and no one would ever suspect the horror he could unleash. And as a reader, we feel genuinely sorry for Cujo. Stephen King is simply THE master at that --  he is the Director of our emotions. He makes you fall in love with Cujo. He makes you feel sorry for Cujo. And even after all is said and done, you still can't help but wish that someone had just helped that poor dog.

In a nutshell: Cujo is accidentally infected with rabies after he chases a rabbit down a rabbit-hole filled with bats. It's not his fault at all. But then it makes you wonder -- well who's fault is it? Who can we blame it all on? And the beauty of it all is that you can take your pick. Donna Trenton, who cheats on her husband and ends up fighting for her life? Yep, some fault lies with her. Joe Camber, Cujo's owner and a wife abuser? You can definitely blame some on him. Almost every single side character can hold some of the blame and it is literally one of those unfortunate circumstances that simply could not be avoided.

Another reason this book will mess you up: the ending. I don't want to give it away. I want you to read it for yourself. But I promise you, it will torture you long after you've turned the last page. I actually closed the book angry with Stephen King for this one.

Incredibly suspenseful page-turner. Well worth a read!

5 out of 5 stars.