Joyce Carol Oates Libros

Nikki Eaton, single, thirty-one, sexually liberated, and economically self-supporting, has never particularly thought of herself as a daughter. Yet, following the unexpected loss of her mother, she undergoes a remarkable transformation during a tumultuous year that brings stunning horror, sorrow, illumination, wisdom, and even—from an unexpected source—a nurturing love.

Focusing on the moral decline of a once-powerful individual, the narrative delves into the complexities of ambition and the consequences of unchecked desires. Through vivid character development and intricate storytelling, it explores themes of corruption, guilt, and the fragility of human integrity. The protagonist's journey serves as a cautionary tale about the seductive nature of power and the inevitable fallout of one's choices.

On a February morning in 2008, Joyce Carol Oates drove her ailing husband, Raymond Smith, to the emergency room where he was diagnosed with pneumonia. Both Joyce and Ray expected him to be released in a day or two. But in less than a week, Ray was dead from a hospital-acquired virulent infection, and Joyce was suddenly faced with the stunning reality of a life absent of the partnership that had sustained her for nearly half a century.

Set in the Great Lakes region of upstate New York, this dark and romantic tale weaves a captivating narrative that explores complex themes and relationships. Joyce Carol Oates draws readers into a story filled with emotional depth, reminiscent of her previous bestseller, The Gravedigger's Daughter. The rich setting enhances the unfolding drama, inviting readers to experience the intricate dynamics of the characters' lives.

Set in 1965, the narrative follows neuroscientist Margot Sharpe as she encounters Elihu Hoopes, an amnesiac known as the "man without a shadow." Struggling with a severe infection, Elihu's memory is limited to just the last seventy seconds, making him a unique subject for study. Their interactions delve into the complexities of memory and identity, exploring the profound impact of amnesia on both Elihu's life and Margot's research.

This collection features a selection of Joyce Carol Oates' finest short stories, showcasing her signature style and thematic depth. Alongside the established favorites, it introduces nine new stories that further explore her exploration of the human experience. Readers can expect a rich tapestry of narratives that delve into complex characters and poignant themes, making it a must-read for fans and newcomers alike.

I Am No One You Know contains nineteen startling stories that bear witness to the remarkably varied lives of Americans of our time. In "Fire," a troubled young wife discovers a rare, radiant happiness in an adulterous relationship. In "Curly Red," a girl makes a decision to reveal a family secret, and changes her life irrevocably. In "The Girl with the Blackened Eye," selected for The Best American Mystery Stories 2001, a girl pushed to an even greater extreme of courage and desperation manages to survive her abduction by a serial killer. And in "Three Girls," two adventuresome NYU undergraduates seal their secret love by following, and protecting, Marilyn Monroe in disguise at Strand Used Books on a snowy evening in 1956. These vividly rendered portraits of women, men, and children testify to Oates's compassion for the mysterious and luminous resources of the human spirit.