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technomage's review against another edition
4.0
Brilliant, never read anything by this author before and it was only the title that caught my eye that made me pick it up. I will definitely be looking out for more by her.
Unfortunately I can't tell you anything about the four stories in this collection as it would be too easy to give something away
Unfortunately I can't tell you anything about the four stories in this collection as it would be too easy to give something away
anahodges94's review against another edition
1.0
I only read one of these stories, but those 130 pages ought to be counted.
I did not like.
I did not like.
eliese's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
redcoatmom's review
3.0
I'd never read any of JCO's books but kept hearing her name pop up in articles, Jeopardy, and crosswords.
I checked this out from a library display centered around "mystery and suspense".
I personally don't think of these stories in this collection as mysteries, per se. They are more like psychological suspense? I'm not sure what to compare them to.
Honestly, they were good stories...a bit weird and atmospherically creepy. Not my usual thing but I gave it 3 stars for the writing, which was excellent, and plots, which were unique.
The first novella could easily have been developed into a larger book. I'm wondering if it wasn't, possibly, the writer's intention to do just that but she changed her mind. There are so many characters in it that could have been fleshed out more, adding some layers to the suspense.
The other novellas one can ascertain that she intentionally wrote them as novellas. Their subject matter was disturbing and dark. Not my cup of tea.
If one is into Koontz, one might like these stories. They are similar but without full-on horror. Creepy is the only word I, personally, can describe them as.
I checked this out from a library display centered around "mystery and suspense".
I personally don't think of these stories in this collection as mysteries, per se. They are more like psychological suspense? I'm not sure what to compare them to.
Honestly, they were good stories...a bit weird and atmospherically creepy. Not my usual thing but I gave it 3 stars for the writing, which was excellent, and plots, which were unique.
The first novella could easily have been developed into a larger book. I'm wondering if it wasn't, possibly, the writer's intention to do just that but she changed her mind. There are so many characters in it that could have been fleshed out more, adding some layers to the suspense.
The other novellas one can ascertain that she intentionally wrote them as novellas. Their subject matter was disturbing and dark. Not my cup of tea.
If one is into Koontz, one might like these stories. They are similar but without full-on horror. Creepy is the only word I, personally, can describe them as.
siushi's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Eerie feminist tales! If this is a genre, it’s my favorite.
nurtu's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
bookteastic's review against another edition
1.0
[DNF]
I have a question to ask.
what. in the absolute fuck. was this?
I literally cannot find a polite way to say that this book was absolute trash and I'm kind of concerned for the writer's sanity, NOT A SINGLE novel in this made SENSE. The first one was the most socially acceptable, but truly was a waste of time because wtf is that ending. The second one, better than the first, but come on- a serial killer cat? The third one, you lost me at the smut with the teacher, read the ending directly... yeah no thanks. I don't even want to know about the fourth one.
The content was lacking, the characters were bland, every single man was a piece of trash/abuser/animalistic and in the whole, it was unnecessarily crude. The only good thing I have to say about... this fucking thing... is that it's well written, and that may be why I couldn't make my mind about this book until now. Definitely not my cup of tea.
I have a question to ask.
what. in the absolute fuck. was this?
I literally cannot find a polite way to say that this book was absolute trash and I'm kind of concerned for the writer's sanity, NOT A SINGLE novel in this made SENSE. The first one was the most socially acceptable, but truly was a waste of time because wtf is that ending. The second one, better than the first, but come on- a serial killer cat? The third one, you lost me at the smut with the teacher, read the ending directly... yeah no thanks. I don't even want to know about the fourth one.
The content was lacking, the characters were bland, every single man was a piece of trash/abuser/animalistic and in the whole, it was unnecessarily crude. The only good thing I have to say about... this fucking thing... is that it's well written, and that may be why I couldn't make my mind about this book until now. Definitely not my cup of tea.
betweenbookends's review against another edition
4.0
Cardiff, by the Sea is a collection of 4 suspenseful, atmospheric, gothic novellas by Joyce Carol Oates, previously unpublished, and now put together in this new collection. The thematic link tying all four novellas are the protagonists, vulnerable young women, coerced or under the control of men, compromised in some way or the other and trying to defend themselves against threats known and unbeknownst to them. Oates style is quite sparse, spare and sharp, adding to the tenseness of the narrative. The narration is in the third person but you are often privy to the inner dialogue and thoughts of the central character, and you find yourself trapped in their heads, just as much as the character is trapped in an uncomfortable, threatening situation.
In the title novella, Cardiff by the Sea, a young woman is bequeathed a mysterious inheritance that gradually throws light on the very shadowy, violent and traumatic past of her family. In Miao Dao, a young girl struggling to fit in finds companionship with a wild feral cat that ultimately becomes her saviour and protector. In Phantomwise: 1972, a brilliant and studious university student has an unplanned pregnancy and takes comfort and refuge in the care of a much older male professor. In the closing story, The Surviving Child, a young woman marries an older widower with a young son, while the memories of the first enigmatic wife who took her own life, plague and haunt her. It reads like a rework of Rebecca with a fairytale twist but completely original and mysterious in its own right.
JCO is a truly prolific writer, having just recently learned that she has authored 70 works. 70 works! So she certainly has a huge catalogue to choose from. There might be other works that might be a better introduction to her work, but I started here and I really liked it. I would highly recommend it, particularly for later on in the year, if you want something atmospheric and gothic for dark autumn nights, this would be perfect.
In the title novella, Cardiff by the Sea, a young woman is bequeathed a mysterious inheritance that gradually throws light on the very shadowy, violent and traumatic past of her family. In Miao Dao, a young girl struggling to fit in finds companionship with a wild feral cat that ultimately becomes her saviour and protector. In Phantomwise: 1972, a brilliant and studious university student has an unplanned pregnancy and takes comfort and refuge in the care of a much older male professor. In the closing story, The Surviving Child, a young woman marries an older widower with a young son, while the memories of the first enigmatic wife who took her own life, plague and haunt her. It reads like a rework of Rebecca with a fairytale twist but completely original and mysterious in its own right.
JCO is a truly prolific writer, having just recently learned that she has authored 70 works. 70 works! So she certainly has a huge catalogue to choose from. There might be other works that might be a better introduction to her work, but I started here and I really liked it. I would highly recommend it, particularly for later on in the year, if you want something atmospheric and gothic for dark autumn nights, this would be perfect.
vlynch5's review against another edition
4.0
Cardiff, by the Sea was so good for my Haunting of Hill House, Ratched, Ruth Ware, B.A. Paris, The Conjuring love soul, I kept trying to slow myself down while I was reading it so that I could really savor the book. The book is a collection of novellas that are compulsively readable and definitely worth taking the time to really enjoy.
In the first book, the spotlight novella, we meet a disconnected young academic. She’s adopted and kind of a loner. Really, she just seems to lack verve for life. But, when she comes into an unexpected inheritance, she starts to learn for the first time in her life where she came from, and why she has such a hard time forming human connections.
The last three stories are just long enough to keep the ready thinking while the stories unfold in unlikely ways. Oates’ writing style is impeccable, even poetic at times. And while formal, still, someone very approachable.
If you love a good, dark, spooky tale. If you love a mystery that kind of still somewhat remains a mystery after the last page, this collection is for. Not every mystery can be quickly tied up with a bow. And sometimes, figuring out the mystery, leads to a much bigger one.
Special thanks to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for an advanced e-galley in exchange for my review. This one is out now! Perfect for curling up with under a blanket on a dark and stormy night.
In the first book, the spotlight novella, we meet a disconnected young academic. She’s adopted and kind of a loner. Really, she just seems to lack verve for life. But, when she comes into an unexpected inheritance, she starts to learn for the first time in her life where she came from, and why she has such a hard time forming human connections.
The last three stories are just long enough to keep the ready thinking while the stories unfold in unlikely ways. Oates’ writing style is impeccable, even poetic at times. And while formal, still, someone very approachable.
If you love a good, dark, spooky tale. If you love a mystery that kind of still somewhat remains a mystery after the last page, this collection is for. Not every mystery can be quickly tied up with a bow. And sometimes, figuring out the mystery, leads to a much bigger one.
Special thanks to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for an advanced e-galley in exchange for my review. This one is out now! Perfect for curling up with under a blanket on a dark and stormy night.
aliceewilkinns's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5