Reviews

Wild Nights!: New Stories by Joyce Carol Oates

katepowellshine's review against another edition

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5.0

If you're looking for a positive portrayal of these authors, this is NOT the book for you.

spicy_koala's review against another edition

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3.0

Eerie & unsettling, but not quite horror.

laeti's review

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challenging dark emotional
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

cwscott27's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced

1.0

daniem's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

sarjsch's review against another edition

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2.0

All the stories were definitely creepy but it made me want to learn about what really happened to each of these authors. I thought she did a great job of imitating the writing styles.

martha_schwalbe's review against another edition

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4.0

I think these stories will only be appreciated by readers who are familiar with the lives and works of the authors. I don't know as much about James as I did about the other authors so didn't enjoy "The Master at St. Bartholomew's Hospital" as much as I enjoyed the others.

opusfra's review against another edition

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4.0

Oh how I love the wailing reviews of Goodreaders who dismiss this book because it's a challenge to read. It's an experimental work which is pulled off with great skill, particularly the Henry James story, and is always readable. The Poe story is a reach, for sure, but it is meant to be and I found it ultimately rewarding.

rainbowbookworm's review against another edition

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2.0

My favorite by far was the story about Dickinson. The one about Hemingway is genius because Oates mimics his style perfectly. The others are good, but not great.

verystarry's review against another edition

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1.0

I don't know why, but I do not like her short stories. I have only read a handful of books she's written and I am always underwhelmed. This is only the second book in about fifteen years that I haven't finished nor had the desire to. Her writing does nothing for me and I feel so alone in my dislike of her since she is such an acclaimed author. I really don't find her gothic or creepy at all. Thanks but I'll take Richard Matheson.