Reviews for Stephen King's Cujo are mixed. Readers praise its intense suspense and deep character development, particularly the realistic portrayal of fear. However, criticisms include a slow start and occasionally meandering narrative. Overall, it's recognized for its ability to evoke terror but may not appeal to those seeking a more consistently fast-paced thriller.

Readers who revel in suspenseful horror novels with psychological depth will enjoy Stephen King's Cujo. Fans of Pet Sematary or William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist will appreciate the intense atmosphere and character-driven tension. Ideal for those intrigued by how ordinary settings become arenas for extraordinary fear.

In Cujo by Stephen King, the small town of Castle Rock, Maine, faces terror during the summer of 1980 when a friendly St. Bernard named Cujo contracts rabies and becomes a menacing threat. As Vic Trenton leaves town for a business trip and a marital crisis looms, his wife, Donna, and their son, Tad, find themselves trapped in their broken-down car at Cujo’s owner’s yard, fighting for survival against the rabid dog. The novel contains explicit acts of violence and refers to death by suicide.

Dark / Unnerving / Suspenseful / Emotional / Gritty

- Stephen King has stated that he has no memory of writing Cujo due to being in a battle with alcoholism and drug addiction at the time.
- The novel is mentioned in King's book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft as a "radioactive" book, reflecting a dark period in his life.
- Cujo was inspired in part by a real-life incident where King’s motorcycle broke down, and he had a frightening encounter with a dog at a mechanic's shop.

**Donna Trenton**  
Vic Trenton’s wife and Tad’s mother, Donna struggles with personal and family issues following their move from New York City to Castle Rock, Maine. Her encounter with Cujo is central to her storyline.

**Cujo**  
A beloved family dog who contracts rabies and becomes a deadly threat. Cujo's illness and transformation play a pivotal role in the novel's events.

**Vic Trenton**  
An optimistic man who runs an advertising business called Ad Worx and faces significant personal and professional challenges throughout the story. He is Donna’s husband and Tad’s father.

**Tad Trenton**  
The four-year-old son of Donna and Vic, who has a close bond with his father and harbors fears of monsters. Tad's belief in his father's comforting words features in his storyline.

**Charity Camber**  
Joe Camber’s wife and Brett’s mother, she seeks a better future for herself and her son amid difficult family dynamics. She shares ownership of Cujo.

**Joe Camber**  
Charity’s husband and Brett’s father, Joe is a mechanic who loves his dog Cujo. He operates a car service yard which becomes central to the novel’s setting.

**Brett Camber**  
The 10-year-old son of Joe and Charity, Brett loves Cujo and must navigate his parents’ contrasting influences. His decision regarding Cujo’s illness has a significant impact on the story.

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