This unique collection of short stories is a raw and emotional expression of the human condition. From sex to drugs to death and everything in betweenThis unique collection of short stories is a raw and emotional expression of the human condition. From sex to drugs to death and everything in between this collection challenges stereotypes and pulls the curtains down on themes often kept in the dark. Sluts and Whores will make you shift in your seat at times, uncomfortable, or leave you in shock and awe but I highly recommend you challenge yourself to get through this book. There is so much beauty and truth hidden in this collection amongst the disturbances, this is as close to reality as metaphors can be.
Thank you for providing me an advanced review copy for me to read and give my honest feedback. I am so thankful to have had the chance to experience this book....more
Publishers Synopsis: Amid a starkly beautiful but uncanny landscape in New Mexico, a married couple from Cambridge, MA takes residency at a distinguishPublishers Synopsis: Amid a starkly beautiful but uncanny landscape in New Mexico, a married couple from Cambridge, MA takes residency at a distinguished academic institute. When the husband is stricken with a mysterious illness, misdiagnosed at first, their lives are uprooted and husband and wife each embarks upon a nightmare journey. At thirty-seven, Michaela faces the terrifying prospect of widowhood - and the loss of Gerard, whose identity has greatly shaped her own.
Review: "Nothing matters except: he must not die. He must breathe. He must not cease breathing. He is neither fully awake nor is he unconscious...You are alert and alive as you have rarely been in your life determined that your husband breathe. Pleading in desperation. In childish hope. Begging your husband Breathe! Don't stop breathing! "
This is our greeting into this hauntingly tragic story of one decision; One instant that you will focus on where everything seemed to change You will drive yourself mad wondering if things could have been different, if only things could have been different. Then Michaela would not be gripping the cool limp hand that once gripped hers back firmly, repeating that you're there and that you love him. "What you love most, that you will lose. The price of your love is your loss" and so it goes on, we sit watch as Michaelas husband dwindles physically, as does Michaela as a result of worrying over him and trying to support him. However, Michaela declines mentally as well, dipping into dark territories as she watches the cancer eat away at once was her husband.
Joyce Carol Oates paints a disturbingly authentic picture of what it's like on the inside of one watching their loved one slowly slip away. Her prose is beautiful, urgent and striking. At times I must confess to catching myself holding my breath, tears streaming down my face as I read along, feeling every ounce of pain and fear that waxes and wanes throughout the months. This surprised me as I am not a crier, more a quiet mourner but oh! the brilliance between these pages wrapped themselves around me and before I knew it, I was crying and pleading right along with Michaela.
After we watch her fall apart, we must watch what follows as she tries to move act normal, keep herself pulled together, a facade that may save her as she has nothing left. Everywhere she goes though she feels the loss.
This book is one you need to read when you are not distracted by family members running around or the tv playing. Every single word of this demands to be fully understood, fully felt which takes turning away from outer distractions for a brief time but OH, will it be worth it!
It is true that Joyce Carol Oates is a master story teller encompassing a wide array of styles and techniques in each of her stories, each unique in themselves yet unmistakably hers. Breathe is a masterpiece that will not disappoint. Part love story part horror that is terrifying beyond belief because it is the horror many of us either already know, or will one day know all too well; and nothing, nothing will prepare you for that absurdity that is the last moment. the end. If there is an end. Joyce Carol Oates has taken a topic that is ugly, disturbing with an air of being unapproachable in conversation and exposes is in an equally disturbing yet beautiful way.
I feel as though I could go on for days about the beauty of Breathe, though I could never say enough. This is not a story that is easy to describe beyond a fairly simplistic synopsis it's the beauty between the pages that no one can expect to accurately describe except perhaps, Joyce Carol Oates herself.
I strongly recommend you pick this up, whether you relate to the storyline, need a good cry, or are simply a fan of brilliant literature this book has something for you. Don't miss it.
4.5 out of 5 stars is the rating I would choose given the choice of half star ratings.
Thank you to netgalley and the wonderful Joyce Carol Oates for providing me an advanced e-copy to read in exchange for this honest unprompted review. I was thrilled beyond words when the approval came in, and I cannot thank you enough for bringing Breathe to the public....more
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