Helpful Score: 5
Joyce Carol Oates is a writing genius. She writes from different points of view, different eras, ages, genders...all with (in my opinion) perfection. This is a short book that packs a punch. I like it very much and it remained with me for days. I recommend this book and any other book that she has written for those that wish to really think about the book that their reading.
Helpful Score: 4
A very short but powerful book. I couldn't stop reading it once I started. Definitely not what I expected, but I thought it was beautifully written...
Helpful Score: 2
It is a very good book, very emotional. However, i didnt like the ending at all.
Helpful Score: 1
Joyce Carol Oates knows how to captivate the reader, and this novella really lives up to her reputation. Even though I'd read or seen enough stories about rape, this story provides a point-of-view few ever consider.
Helpful Score: 1
As a great fan of Joyce Carol Oates style of writing, I was very skeptical of the size of this book when it arrived. While it is not considered a short story, it is very short, especially in comparison to some of the author's other books. However the emotion that is felt while reading this book seems to come from between the lines and doesn't need to be spelled out in actual words.
I am from the WNY area and love seeing how my birthplace frequently plays a big role in her books. This book takes place mainly in the Niagara Falls area andthere were parts of the story that I was almost able to picture.
I loved the depth of the story being layed out by so many different characters' perspectives. However I do think it ended somewhat abruptly. The details of the climatic events are so well visited, but once we moved on to the next series of events I found myself searching for more. That in itself proves what a great read this book is.
I am from the WNY area and love seeing how my birthplace frequently plays a big role in her books. This book takes place mainly in the Niagara Falls area andthere were parts of the story that I was almost able to picture.
I loved the depth of the story being layed out by so many different characters' perspectives. However I do think it ended somewhat abruptly. The details of the climatic events are so well visited, but once we moved on to the next series of events I found myself searching for more. That in itself proves what a great read this book is.
Helpful Score: 1
Very difficult subject matter. JCO approaches this story from many angles, and there is not a happy ending. It was a very fast read, and it could be very intense at times. I found myself getting furious in some places, and very sad at others. I didn't hate this book, but I didn't love it either. I don't suppose it is the type of book that you are supposed to "love", but it will definitely trigger many emotions.
A very quick read. ( only 154 pages) I read it in 2 hours.
Its told mostly by the victims 12 year old daughter ,who witnessed her mothers gang rape.
I'm not sure what to think about it ,although it kept me interested. Never read this author before.
Its told mostly by the victims 12 year old daughter ,who witnessed her mothers gang rape.
I'm not sure what to think about it ,although it kept me interested. Never read this author before.
Very different-sad but true what happens to a woman after such an horrific crime. Victims become targets, lives are shattered, people changed forever.
I don't usually read these type of books (I tend towards horror, paranormal, and cozies). I read the review on the home page of this book and thought I would go outside my comfort zone and give it a try. I found this book very gripping and hard to put down. I read it in one day even though I was supposed to be unpacking. I can't rave about it enough. It's hard and raw at times. I will definately be checking out more of this authors books.
