tildafin16's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
That was some book ! It will stick with me a long time - maybe Oates‘ third book? A bit bloated esp the final third but powerful and immersive. A great exploration of psychosis, trauma and religious fervour
libellus's review against another edition
3.0
Full review here!: https://libellus.weebly.com/blog/review-son-of-the-morning
Son of the Morning is my second Joyce Carol Oates book this year, and while I was going to give her the benefit of the doubt after disliking the first one, I have come to the realization that her novels are just not my cup of tea. SotM had a promising premise that could have brought us both interestingly twisted characters and a plot full of suspense and jump scares. Unfortunately, she only managed to deliver on the former.
Indeed, we do encounter some colourful characters, especially Nathan. Oates does a good job at making demented people seem normal, almost believable. Therefore, if you are expecting a freaky kind of twisted à la Stephen King, this is not it. Instead, the “freak” aspect comes from how normal everything seems to be. Even when there were some more shocking moments (I could count two, including the ending), it was treated banally.
The plot itself was fine, but could have done with a lot of editing. This book was over 400 pages and, as I said, only two big twists happen. Hence, by combining her approach of “normal characters” and a slow plot, it all gets boring quickly. If you are a particular fan of psychological novels with lots of self-reflection, then you may be fine with this. However, for me, it just combined to a painfully slow reading experience.
Son of the Morning is my second Joyce Carol Oates book this year, and while I was going to give her the benefit of the doubt after disliking the first one, I have come to the realization that her novels are just not my cup of tea. SotM had a promising premise that could have brought us both interestingly twisted characters and a plot full of suspense and jump scares. Unfortunately, she only managed to deliver on the former.
Indeed, we do encounter some colourful characters, especially Nathan. Oates does a good job at making demented people seem normal, almost believable. Therefore, if you are expecting a freaky kind of twisted à la Stephen King, this is not it. Instead, the “freak” aspect comes from how normal everything seems to be. Even when there were some more shocking moments (I could count two, including the ending), it was treated banally.
The plot itself was fine, but could have done with a lot of editing. This book was over 400 pages and, as I said, only two big twists happen. Hence, by combining her approach of “normal characters” and a slow plot, it all gets boring quickly. If you are a particular fan of psychological novels with lots of self-reflection, then you may be fine with this. However, for me, it just combined to a painfully slow reading experience.
nunnuanne's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
nikkigee81's review against another edition
3.0
Creepy and intriguing. This book has all the things one has come to expect from Oates (if one is a fan): the otherworldly in the realistic, rich language, even slight goriness.
Son of the Morning is about a man by the name of Nathan Vickery, who comes into the world by unfortunate circumstances. From an early age, he is blessed by God; some go further and claim that he is the manifestation of Christ, reborn into human form. He has his demons, like all the rest of mankind, however, and confronts them one by one.
The title refers to a Biblical passage dealing with Lucifer. Take from that what you will. Oates definitely has the evangelical patter to a science. Fascinating fiction.
Son of the Morning is about a man by the name of Nathan Vickery, who comes into the world by unfortunate circumstances. From an early age, he is blessed by God; some go further and claim that he is the manifestation of Christ, reborn into human form. He has his demons, like all the rest of mankind, however, and confronts them one by one.
The title refers to a Biblical passage dealing with Lucifer. Take from that what you will. Oates definitely has the evangelical patter to a science. Fascinating fiction.
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