A review by abbimmorgan
The Barrens by Joyce Carol Oates

dark slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

2.0

I really had to convince myself to finish this book. It’s hard to believe a woman wrote this because of the uncomfortable and unnecessary descriptions of women’s bodies, sex, desire, and sexual assault. It’s on one hand a murder mystery but on the other a really weird love story? The main character honestly sucks and would probably be diagnosed with a mental illness today. The plot was confusing, no character growth, and I didn’t feel like there was much resolution.

I give it 2 stars because the concept is interesting. Could’ve been done so much better though
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