The journey continues with Oates' third book and second collection of short stories! There was a quirk in getting this, so I'm "behind" by about 5 stories. But fear not! We press on! I haven't decided whether I want to recap every story in this, or wait until the end...I guess you'll just have to wait and find out. Also ? that this is in better shape than By The North Gate (poor lil book...). #jcojourney
so-soJCO's first novel was much like her first collection of short stories: mixed. The story is thin, there are too many digressions, and I'm not sure what it's trying to say *thematically.* But the writing, the emotions, the immersive, dream-like nature of it all is quite gorgeous! If you enjoy Megan Abbott or Emma Cline, you might like this one. Just keep in mind that it is very much a first novel! #jcojourney
so-soThe first stop is finished! Like most collections of short stories, this one was uneven but there were also some real gems. The collection's biggest issue is with race, and I'm still trying to work out how I feel about Oates' portrayal of POC characters here. I'll be curious to see which stories make it into a future collection. Next up is her first novel, With Shuddering Fall. #jcojourney
