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A review by thebigemmt505
The Evil Eye by Joyce Carol Oates
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Evil Eye contains four novellas that explore the more unsavory sides to love. Joyce Carol Oates has a prose that’s endearing, although difficult to grasp at first. The stories are all unique with thematic links that are dark and thought-provoking. Notably, in a feminist way, this book explores women’s strength and passivity in love and how damaging both can be. It’s a well-written thematic collection of stories, even if there are flaws.
Evil Eye: The first novella, while it sets up the themes of the collection well, is the least interesting story-wise. It’s ending and reveal come abruptly and awkwardly. There’s a strange, mutedly sexual dynamic between the two wives that didn’t have much build up. That being said, Mariana’s choice is left up to interpretation which is a nice touch.
So Near Any Time Always: So familiar is this story to those who have dealt with obsessive male behavior. The story gets points off for the beyond cliché dog death (I take stars off every piece of media that includes dog death, not for its cruelty, for it’s overuse as a trope and easy shock value.) . Overall, though, there’s an interesting exploration of obsession in this story.
The Execution: Frat dudes be like that, enough said. In all seriousness the entitlement of the son and the fierce, pained denial of a mother blinded by her instinctual love is striking in this tale. The nuances of court cases are also well explored here. That said, the story is somewhat clunky and there are points that are repeated various times unnecessarily.
The Flatbed: My favorite of the short stories, The Flatbed expertly explores the emotional burden of a sexual abuse victim and the frustrating physical anguish that accompanies trauma. The love between Cecilia and N. is not deeply explored but the implications of its heroic yet twisted nature are alluring to the reader. The idea that her sexual reticence resolved after the murder of her grandfather is a bit frustrating, though. Although perhaps the suddenness is intentional.
Evil Eye is a great collection of stories for anyone who wishes to read about the dark side of love. I would recommend this novel!
Evil Eye: The first novella, while it sets up the themes of the collection well, is the least interesting story-wise. It’s ending and reveal come abruptly and awkwardly. There’s a strange, mutedly sexual dynamic between the two wives that didn’t have much build up. That being said, Mariana’s choice is left up to interpretation which is a nice touch.
So Near Any Time Always: So familiar is this story to those who have dealt with obsessive male behavior. The story gets points off for the beyond cliché
The Execution: Frat dudes be like that, enough said. In all seriousness the entitlement of the son and the fierce, pained denial of a mother blinded by her instinctual love is striking in this tale. The nuances of court cases are also well explored here. That said, the story is somewhat clunky and there are points that are repeated various times unnecessarily.
The Flatbed: My favorite of the short stories, The Flatbed expertly explores the emotional burden of a sexual abuse victim and the frustrating physical anguish that accompanies trauma. The love between Cecilia and N. is not deeply explored but the implications of its heroic yet twisted nature are alluring to the reader. The idea that her sexual reticence resolved
Evil Eye is a great collection of stories for anyone who wishes to read about the dark side of love. I would recommend this novel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Child death, Death of parent, Sexism, Murder, and Child abuse
Minor: Pedophilia, Car accident, and Violence