The Gravedigger's Daughter: A Novel (P.S.)
by Joyce Carol Oates
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Book Reviews of The Gravedigger's Daughter: A Novel (P.S.)
Book Review: famous writer but a pulp solution to the problem
Summary: 2 Stars
My teacher friends liked to relax with Danielle Steele, who is easy to read and no one is going to give her a literary award I suppose. The heroines are all poor but beautiful and uncompromising in character, just like: TA DA this one. Well, and all problems are finally solved by the appearance of an amazingly RICH man who for no obvious reason disdains the wealthy women of his social group and marries down and rescues our heroine with all his handy dough. Otherwise, Rebecca would still be showing folks to their seats in the movies and brushing her hair till it shines, whatever that means, and little Zack would have to practice piano at home on the table instead of in a mansion. I think I prefer Danielle Steele because I am not obliged to Search For A Message in all this soap opera. Wait for the movie, if there is one.Book Review: Grim, Dark Misery
Summary: 1 Stars
Despite the supposed quality of the writing, I can't get past the content of this book. It's disgusting; no lightness, joy, goodness of human nature here. Sorry, but if I wanted to wallow in misery, it would hardly be in a novel.
The hovel they live in with "death leaking downwards" from the graveyard typifies the type of miserable grayness in this awful book. I finally have thrown in the towel after about 120 pages and am sorry that awfulness is in my mind. Violence, blood, cruelty, crassness, obscene, with no redeeming qualities. I don't know one person like any of the characters and am thankful for that.
There is no nobility in this book, no kindness, no caring; nothing but the worst of humankind and despicable people. What a world to inhabit...
Book Review: She gets award, so it must be good! Right?
Summary: 1 Stars
I can't believe anyone who has received so many awards and has written all their life still can't write well.
The world "chore" comes to mind every time I pick up one of her bricks, and her unnatural style and characters make me realize what is wrong with her and Updike and Tyler and Proulx and Russo and Roth....I can't stand anyone in their books and wish them all a quick death.
Is it because they don't meet real people? The ones J-Co creates are stiff, wooden, one-dimensional, and I could care less what happens to them. They are as miserable as she must be, but if I wrote this bad I'd be miserable too.
On the other hand, all those awards....
Book Review: Perfect Read for Cold Winter Nights...
Summary: 4 Stars
Oates's newest offering follows the life of Rebecca Schwart, aka Hazel Jones, as she overcomes a legacy of despair and hate to claim her rightful place as a worthy part of society. Rebecca is born in New York Harbor aboard the ship on which her parents had escaped the Nazis. Her childhood is shadowed by her gravedigger's father's hatred and bitterness, which culminated in the ultimate destruction of her family. Rebecca is now free to cast off the demons that haunted her family and reinvent herself as Hazel Jones, embarking with her son on a journey of self discovery that finally leads her to respect, love, and finally, an acceptace of the past she sought to leave behind.Book Review: Amazing Again
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a big fan of Ms Oates and have read most of her novels. This is one of her best. Oates is a master with the finesse and timing that matches the greatest novelists. Other recent novels have been a little hard going, but the Gravedigger's Daughter is one of those unforgettable journeys that blends thematic elements (the holocaust experience, physical abuse, musical genius and its hurdles) into a marvelous experience. Hard to imagine how other reviewers here have disparaged this award winning book. Joyce Carol Oates is not for everyone, but for me her style and expertise are always refreshing and inspiring.