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: Nicely phrased, but too long
Summary: 3 Stars
Oates deserves her reputation as a wordsmith. She writes so well and its a pleasure to read. The slow, and at times very uninteresting, plot at times overshadows her fine phrasing. Most of the time I didn't mind the overblown scenes because the writing was so nice. Still, the plodding plot did cause me to knock it down a star. The worst part of the book, however, was the epilogue. It was much too long and served no purpose. That brought the book down another star. Oates is certainly one of the most talented writers of our time, but this was too much of a good thing.Book Review: Good, but not great
Summary: 3 Stars
I did enjoy this book, but I think the author got a little lost towards the end and didn't know how to finish the story. I almost didn't finish it because it just got kind of boring and pointless. I also had trouble believing that the main character would end up so cultured and refined after coming from that horrible background. I know that people can overcome adversity and "live the American dream," so to speak, but this was almost hard to believe.
Overall, I think it is an interesting story and character study, but not one of my favorites.
Book Review: Strength within
Summary: 4 Stars
Initially I thought this was just an average book with interesting observations, but as I read on, the characters and their stories grew so alive and intimate that I felt as if I really had been on their journeys. I have read many books with the similar themes and premises, and have been disappointed. But in this book, the insight into the perils in a young woman's life and the inner strength and determinations for her survival is written in a very cerebral, controlled way, void of emotional manipulation. Joyce Carol Oates is just amazing.Book Review: An American classic
Summary: 5 Stars
We all know Joyce Carol Oates is a fabulous writer. This is a fabulous book, written by a fabulous writer. It had the quality of a Theodore Dreiser, an American story of lower class people, and one breaking out of it. It took a while and a number of pages, but when I did get hooked, I could not put it down. Such a heroine surviving such obstacles, making decisions for survival that few of us have to make, and making good decisions although seemingly intuitive ones! A wonderful read for people who love beautiful writing.Book Review: joyce carol oates
Summary: 1 Stars
First of all, I was pleasantly surprised at the condition of this book, never having made a purchase of a used book before.
As far as the book is concerned, it reinforced my resolve not to read Joyce Carol Oates books ever again.In my opinion her over the top negativity and histrionic writing borders on the bizarre.
I belong to a monthly book club and two of our members could not even manage to get through this book. Case closed.