A review by charlottekaas
A Book of American Martyrs by Joyce Carol Oates

5.0

Holy cow, why the heck didn't I start reading Joyce Carol Oates sooner?! Her ability to handle heavy and/or controversial topics like abortion, religion, capital punishment, loss, grief etc. in such a nuanced and compassionate manner... I'm just blown away. Each side of the very current abortion debate is portrayed so unbiased and, well, human. This isn't a book about politics, but about the human perspectives and I will forever be impressed by Oates' ability to realistically portray such different people, views and beliefs. Sure, there is little doubt what her own standpoint is, but JCO still manages to make very character complex, rich and sympathetic in some way - even the murderous, religious fanatic! She must have empathy coming out her wazoo. Add to that her incredible writing and you may have one of the best authors writing today.
I'll have to read every single of her books now.