A review by saposebruxas
Cardiff, by the Sea: Four Novellas of Suspense by Joyce Carol Oates

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

The style of the first novella was certainly interesting, it really transmits the sense of confusion and urgency. As for the other three,  overall too much SA and grooming of female characters portrayed as weak and helpless to the men around them. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Misogyny, Gaslighting, Child death, Suicide, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Grief, Toxic relationship, Sexism, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Rape, Pregnancy, Physical abuse, Murder, Abortion, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, Body horror, Sexual assault, Self harm, Medical content, Domestic abuse, Pedophilia, Panic attacks/disorders, Miscarriage, Animal death, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Death, Child abuse, and Animal cruelty