Disappointing addition to the best shockers that Oates has produced in the past. Where to start? Probably with the lurid title that detracts from Oates' reputation as a National Book Award winner and takes her out of the running (once again) for a Pulitzer. The cat is out of the bag before the "Editor's Note." It's almost impossible to design a book cover in the 21st century that one hasn't encountered before. But enough of that. I thought the novel dragged along to an unsatisfactory ending that fairly shouted what to expect next. In between, I was overly exposed to the usual unexposed in the female anatomy. Not what I expect of a "serious" writer. If I could describe the novel in one word, I would only have to add the letter "D" to the protagonist's surname. (read less)

Disappointing addition to the best shockers that Oates has produced in the past. Where to start? Probably with the lurid title that detracts from Oates' reputation as a National Book Award winner and takes her out of the running (once again) for a Pulitzer. The cat is out of the bag before the "Editor's Note." It's almost impossible to design a book cover in the 21st century that one hasn't (read more)