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lizakessler's review against another edition
1.0
This book was truly ok. There was nothing terribly wrong with it, but I got bored and stopped about half way through.
I find I give up on books a lot easier in January than other months. I think after the holidays and all the real and assumed stress they bring, I need mindless books.
I find I give up on books a lot easier in January than other months. I think after the holidays and all the real and assumed stress they bring, I need mindless books.
the_sassy_bookworm's review
1.0
100 pages in and this is just not capturing me, so going to set it aside!
spygrl1's review
The rare case when I decided not to finish a book. The concept intrigued me -- when a woman is murdered in a small town, suspicion falls on her estranged husband and one of her lovers. How does this cloud of suspicion affect the two men and their families? The book begins from the perspective of Krissie Diehl, who clings to an Elektra-intense affection for and faith in her suspected father. It's promising in theory, but Krissie's narration goes over the same ground and developments (either of plot or character) are scant. I kept nodding off.
I usually like Joyce Carol Oates, at least her short fiction, but this wasn't my cup of tea.
I usually like Joyce Carol Oates, at least her short fiction, but this wasn't my cup of tea.
lnatal's review
4.0
This is the story of two American families - the Crullers and the Diehls, living in Sparta, New York. Their lives will be intertwined by the brutal murder of Zoe Kruller which will have two suspects: her husband, Delray and one of her lovers, Eddy Diehl. As one the consequences of this mysterious death, Aaron Kruller and Krista Diehl will become obsessed withe at other, trying to find the Zoe's killer.
In this novel, the author magnificently describes the American style of living in a small town which is troubled by this unsolved crime. By the end of the book, a final revelation will show the real criminal and this fact will join Aaron and Krista once again.
3* Missing Mom
4* Carthage
4* Little Bird of Heaven
TR Marya
TR Bellefleur
TR Jack of Spades
TR We Were the Mulvaneys
TR The Falls
TB Blonde
TR The Accursed
TR Black Water
TR The Virgin in the Rose Bower
TR A Garden of Earthly Delights
In this novel, the author magnificently describes the American style of living in a small town which is troubled by this unsolved crime. By the end of the book, a final revelation will show the real criminal and this fact will join Aaron and Krista once again.
3* Missing Mom
4* Carthage
4* Little Bird of Heaven
TR Marya
TR Bellefleur
TR Jack of Spades
TR We Were the Mulvaneys
TR The Falls
TB Blonde
TR The Accursed
TR Black Water
TR The Virgin in the Rose Bower
TR A Garden of Earthly Delights
anndouglas's review
4.0
I am simultaneously reading a short story collection by the same author (I Am No One You Know and Other Stories). What struck me, as I finished this novel, is what similar worlds Joyce Carol Oates and Stephen King write about. I'm sure some people will be shocked that I wrote that because Oates is a much more literary writer than King, but, when you consider the subject matter that they write about (deeply troubled souls who often meet with grim fates and/or lead tortured existances), there is a surprising amount of common ground.
This novel examines the effects on the next generation of having a father who is wrongfully accused of murder. The theme of being wrongfully accused is also picked up again in Krista (the female protagonist's) choice of career in adulthood. (She defends the wrongfully accused.) The story reeks of injustice and missed opportunities. Even the end of the story provides a less than happy ending for both characters, but one that is strangely satisfying to the reader because it is realistic.
The novel is intriguing and complex; and the writing is lyrical and multi-layered. Highly recommended.
This novel examines the effects on the next generation of having a father who is wrongfully accused of murder. The theme of being wrongfully accused is also picked up again in Krista (the female protagonist's) choice of career in adulthood. (She defends the wrongfully accused.) The story reeks of injustice and missed opportunities. Even the end of the story provides a less than happy ending for both characters, but one that is strangely satisfying to the reader because it is realistic.
The novel is intriguing and complex; and the writing is lyrical and multi-layered. Highly recommended.
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