Cujo by Stephen King

“Cujo” is a horror novel written by Stephen King, first published in 1981. The story is centered around a rabid St. Bernard dog named Cujo and the people whose lives become entangled with the animal’s violent and terrifying behavior.

The novel is set in the fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine, a common setting for many of King’s stories. It follows several interconnected characters, but the primary focus is on Donna Trenton, a mother who is struggling in her failing marriage. Donna and her young son, Tad, are forced to visit a remote farmhouse to have their car repaired. Unbeknownst to them, Cujo, the friendly St. Bernard who resides there, has contracted rabies, turning him into a deadly and unpredictable menace.

As the novel progresses, Donna and Tad find themselves trapped in their car, trying to survive while Cujo terrorizes them from the outside. The story delves into the characters’ psychological and physical struggles as they are pushed to their limits.

“Cujo” is known for its intense and suspenseful storytelling, as well as its exploration of the primal fear of being trapped and hunted. It’s not only a tale of a rabid dog but also a character study of the people affected by the situation, and the breakdown of their lives under extreme stress. The novel has been adapted into a film, released in 1983, which further popularized the story. “Cujo” remains a classic in the horror genre and is one of Stephen King’s most recognized works.