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A review by meetmeinmalkovich
A Fair Maiden by Joyce Carol Oates
5.0
In every book there is a beginning, a middle, and a twist. This little novel definitely had a twist to it, and one I certainly didn't expect. No spoilers I promise! However, I feel in order to truly appreciate this seemingly dull book, you have to understand JCO and her writing style. A story about manipulation is actually much deeper than that, in my opinion. Katya is a lost girl seeking attention in any way she can, and instead of appreciating herself, she falls into a trap. If I had read this when I was younger I wouldn't have liked it, for I wouldn't have grasped the writing between the lines.
I knew Marcus Kidder wasn't the most upstanding man, considering he was prowling after a sixteen year old girl, but all things considered, she didn't do much to prevent what was happening to her. I am DEFINITELY NOT saying she deserved this treatment (the whole thing left me feeling uncomfortable even though I knew what was going to happen from the very first sentence) but throughout the book I found myself shouting internally at her, begging her to turn around and not to engage this much older man. The ending was sad, but not in the teary-eyes sort of way. More of a pitying sadness for both parties involved.
I knew Marcus Kidder wasn't the most upstanding man, considering he was prowling after a sixteen year old girl, but all things considered, she didn't do much to prevent what was happening to her. I am DEFINITELY NOT saying she deserved this treatment (the whole thing left me feeling uncomfortable even though I knew what was going to happen from the very first sentence) but throughout the book I found myself shouting internally at her, begging her to turn around and not to engage this much older man. The ending was sad, but not in the teary-eyes sort of way. More of a pitying sadness for both parties involved.