A review by jordan_garno
Expensive People by Joyce Carol Oates

dark mysterious slow-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? Yes

5.0

Oates writes with an Ellison-esque bravado that is poignant, prophetic, and profoundly American. Expensive People's critique of the 1960's American Ideal is uncanny to America's current political and socioeconomic landscape. Richard's anxieties--sexual and social--reflect society's loss-of-self found in America's middle class. Each character experiences angst by attaining things they thought they would love. 

Oates' prose is incredible and her insight eerily precise. I could not recommend this novel highly enough!