Top Retellings of Classic Tales
Tina asked this question about Bag of Bones:
The first (and last?) Stephen King book I have read. I gave this book one star because the story pivots on a vicious gang-rape and murder that King describes in detail. Ruined the whole book for me; I cannot bear to read or watch anything with sexual abuse/molestation. Do all of King's books have graphic sex? What about Rose Red, or Needful Things?
Dave I agree that the scene you mentioned was very disturbing, and it's not entirely unique in Stephen King books. There is a rape scene in Under the Dome …moreI agree that the scene you mentioned was very disturbing, and it's not entirely unique in Stephen King books. There is a rape scene in Under the Dome that felt (to me) to be somewhat gratuitous and entirely unnecessary. That being said, as others have mentioned, Stephen King is known best for writing horror, and horror is the genre that most challenges social taboos.

If you want to read more King books, but don't like reading about sexual violence, there are still plenty of really good ones to check out. The Shining and 'Salem's Lot immediately come to mind. You might be okay reading IT, though that book does contain many allusions to sexual violence, even if it isn't outright shown.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about a specific book. I've read most of King's work and would be happy to let you which books contain specific triggers and which do not.(less)
flag
More questions about Bag of Bones…
Image for Bag of Bones
Bag of Bones
by Stephen King (Goodreads Author)
Rate this book
Clear rating
1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more