"An American masterpiece . . . Oates' sprawling novel is the definitive history of an era."--James Atlas, Vanity Fair "A fierce vision of Am...
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reviews
Nov 27, 2011
Mason
rated it: 
Oh, Joyce. Joyce Joyce Joyce. This was my first JCO novel, and what I got out of it was this; as a prose stylist, the woman's highly overrated, cribbing from Faulkner and Hemingway like nobody’s business--note her use of stream of consciousness techniques that seem awful familiar and you've seen them before havent you now? And also the declarative sentences. They ring a bell. Then again, if you’re going to steal, steal from the best, I suppose. However, she’s a solid developer of character, and
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Aug 13, 2010
courtney
rated it: 
This is one of the best books I've read in recent memory. JCO's prose is so accessible her writing is easily digested by younger readers and oldies but goodies alike. The wonderful thing about that is - her writing's simplicity is perfectly layered, and when it's working, it creates a diaphanous veil of beautiful words, compelling characters, and a gripping plot line. This story in particular is a theme that one could call a favorite of JCO's - a complicated family in the 1950's. A man in lo
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May 29, 2009
Heather
rated it: 
Inherently depressing but well written, switching between perspectives of the main characters with ease and surprising clarity. Set in post-war 1950s, in an era of H-Bomb scares and moral conformity, no character is happy, clear, or blameless. Centered around an incestuous love affair between uncle and niece, the other characters float in and out adding historical dimensionality and providing a religious, political, and ethical compass. Per usual, I enjoyed the narration from multiple perspectiv
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Feb 10, 2009
Meagan
rated it:
If it were possible, I would rate this at 3.75 stars, but I didn't want to round up. The characters and their interactions are amazing in this; that's what makes the book for me. The historical knowledge gained was much appreciated too; before reading this I had no clue as to what life was like amongst the politics of the 1950's. The novel lags and gets a little lost in the details of, well, the details. There's lots-o-sex, which is surprisingly well written. Oh, if you don't like boxing, there'
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Apr 04, 2011
Ingrid
rated it:
A sprawling, intricately woven tale of a family in the 1950s. The narrative flows from family member to family member--with the main focus on Enid and Felix. Beautifully written. This was my first time reading a book by Joyce Carol Oates, and I'm glad I did.
I suppose I was offended by those who said this novel did not capture their attention, and those who said it was "creepy.' I think readers who've said the latter entirely missed the point. It is not creepy--even though the c More...
I suppose I was offended by those who said this novel did not capture their attention, and those who said it was "creepy.' I think readers who've said the latter entirely missed the point. It is not creepy--even though the c More...
Sep 13, 2010
Loretta
rated it:
I need one of two things to pull me into a book: a compelling plot; or interesting, compelling characters. I have read really great books that only had one of those, but there has to be at least one - plot or character.
For the first 100 or so pages, this book had neither to me. I almost gave up on it, which I very rarely do. But I persevered, and when the book finally got into Warren, the oldest brother of this messed up 1950's family, I finally had a character I was interested in a More...
For the first 100 or so pages, this book had neither to me. I almost gave up on it, which I very rarely do. But I persevered, and when the book finally got into Warren, the oldest brother of this messed up 1950's family, I finally had a character I was interested in a More...
Sep 12, 2011
Amber
rated it: 
Embarrassingly 70s? I could not relate. None of the characters were likable, and the ones that were really really bad didn't suffer enough.
I absolutely hated the way the author used the word <spoiler> heat. Body still heated from sexing. Heated blood. Her hot face. UGH double UGH.</spoiler>
Same with <spoiler> wetness and moisture. Look, Oates, wetness is not synonymous with blurry, and a wet smile != a weak or 'watery' smile. Things get 'watered down' in a literal More...
I absolutely hated the way the author used the word <spoiler> heat. Body still heated from sexing. Heated blood. Her hot face. UGH double UGH.</spoiler>
Same with <spoiler> wetness and moisture. Look, Oates, wetness is not synonymous with blurry, and a wet smile != a weak or 'watery' smile. Things get 'watered down' in a literal More...
Apr 02, 2009
Erik
rated it: 
Because she's so highly regarded by so many people whose opinion I respect, I'm trying. I'm really, really trying. But like my previous two attempts at an Oates novel, I was bored, bored, bored, and as regards her style, to crib from Capote, I'm suspecting more and more that she's not writing as much as she's just typing. Still, I will attempt another novel or two soon.
Mar 27, 2009
Robyn
rated it:
Joyce Carol Oates just holds no punches. Ever. Her books will rip your guts out. She's an incredible writer - and although I don't find her stories pleasant or enjoyable, really, I find myself drawn to the darkness and complexity of them. I'm not sure what that says about me.
Jan 24, 2011
Michael
rated it:
This is a captivating story of people stuck in lives of quiet desparation unable to change either from bad luck, bad choices or bad intellect. The text is sad, and it is at times difficult to read. But the challenge is well worth it.
Feb 08, 2009
Rebecca
rated it:
Not something I would've read without a recommendation from a friend whose judgment I respect. Was very glad I did. Moving and poignant evocation of post-WWII, McCarthy-era life along with wrenching family story.
Mar 15, 2011
Jessica
rated it:
This novel's major plotline is probably the most taboo story I've ever read. I think the manner in which Joyce Carol Oates' writes the characters, displaying and describing their feelings, but not entirely judging them (with some authors it's obvious they like this character, they don't like this one - not with Oates), made me perfectly uncomfortable, and also embroiled in their decisions. I can't stop thinking about this novel, and the characters, and the era it takes place (1950s). The descrip
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Mar 10, 2010
A visitor left this book behind and I don't know whether to assume it's an anonymous recommendation or excess luggage!?
Rebecca was it you?
It's next on my list.
Feedback shall follow.
Rebecca was it you?
It's next on my list.
Feedback shall follow.
Aug 20, 2009
Adriana
rated it:
My favorite JCO book (and I've read a lot of them!) The story is masterfully written, the characters are full of energy and mystery, and who knew that I would learn something about boxing?
Apr 19, 2010
Lynne
rated it:
400 pages of gloomy people in a gloomy world. I found it way too easy to anticipate correctly what each character was going to do. Ms Oates did not hit the mark with this one.
Jul 05, 2011
Samantha
rated it:
I did not like this book at all. I started the book and got about half way through and couldn't finish. As a parent I found the subject matter very hard to read.
Jul 19, 2011
Kiessa
rated it:
Ms. Oates, YOU must remember this: There is such a thing as incest. And it is illegal. Not remotely romantic. Disgusting.
Apr 19, 2010
Erika
rated it:
Really incredible story and so real, so true and so honest. This is the novel that makes her an all time favorite and powerhouse.
Feb 01, 2009
Charlie
rated it:
Unbelievably vivid. Don't think I've ever read an author who brings characters to life as well as she did in this one.
Jul 29, 2011
Marcos
rated it:
Starting out slow for the time being; however, I love Oates and her way of writing violent eroticism.
May 04, 2009
This one is sort of weird. Only reading it because I had nothing else and the library was closed.
Nov 10, 2010
Donna
rated it:
Captivating story of yet another family in crisis without them really knowing they are in crisis. Oates really draws the reader in quickly and keeps you "in" the story thoroughout.
Feb 12, 2012
Anne
rated it:
At moments so disturbing that I had to put it down and take a breath! But I loved it and I love how she writes. I am now very interested in reading some of her short stories.
Jan 21, 2010
Rachel
rated it:
If you like moderately depressing mid 1900s tales of incest, suicide and general family dysfunction mixed in the historical facts, you'll love this book. Honestly, I'm surprised I finished it.
Mar 09, 2009
Dennis
rated it:
This wasn't any easy read, minly because everyone was so miserable with their lives, but it wasn't incredibly engrossing and well-written. I'm looking forward to reading other books by Joyce Carol Oates now but I need a rest from this kind of misery and intensity for a while!
