Zero-Sum

Joyce Carol Oates' Zero-Sum is a collection of short stories that explore erotic obsession, thwarted idealism, and ever-shifting identities. The stories are provocative and stunning, reinforcing Oates' standing as a literary treasure and an artist of the mysterious interior life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Oatess Imagination: A Vivid Dystopian Tapestry

In her captivating collection, Zero-Sum, Joyce Carol Oates unveils a dystopian imagination that is as unique and vivid as Lewis Carrolls Rose Tremain. These arresting stories are played out for lethal stakes, showcasing the author's exceptional talent for crafting intricate narratives.

A World of Erotic Obsession and Thwarted Idealism

Within the pages of Zero-Sum, Oates creates a world of erotic obsession, where characters are entangled in intricate relationships that blur the lines between love, desire, and manipulation. The stories explore the complexities of human emotions, revealing the darker side of human nature and the consequences of our choices.

Ever-Shifting Identities

Oatess characters are defined by their ever-shifting identities, reflecting the fluid nature of contemporary society. They navigate a world where societal norms and expectations are constantly in flux, and their sense of self is constantly evolving. This exploration of identity adds depth and complexity to the stories, making them relatable to readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Provocative and Stunning

Zero-Sum is a provocative and stunning collection of stories that holds a mirror up to our time. Oates challenges societal norms, explores the darker corners of human nature, and offers a thought-provoking commentary on the human condition. The stories are filled with vivid imagery, intense emotions, and unexpected twists, leaving readers captivated and pondering long after they have turned the last page.

Joyce Carol Oates: A Literary Treasure and Artist of the Mysterious Interior Life

With Zero-Sum, Joyce Carol Oates reinforces her standing as a literary treasure and an artist of the mysterious interior life. Her ability to delve into the depths of human emotions and create characters that are both flawed and relatable is a testament to her talent as a storyteller. Oates' work is a testament to the power of literature to explore the human experience and shed light on the complexities of our world.

Critical Praise

The collection has received widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers praising Oates' exceptional storytelling and her ability to create a world that is both captivating and thought-provoking. The Times has described her as a master storyteller, while the New York Times has praised her feminist horror and her ability to create a world that is both alluring and dark. The New Statesman has praised her alluringly dark and spiky writing, and A. K. Blakemore, author of The Manningtree Witches, has hailed Zero-Sum as brilliant, bloodied, and breathless. The Daily Mail has praised Oates' inspired writing and her formidable psychology, while the Independent has praised her as an inspired writer and a formidable psychologist.

In conclusion, Joyce Carol Oates' Zero-Sum is a captivating collection of stories that showcases her unique dystopian imagination and vivid storytelling. Through her exploration of erotic obsession, thwarted idealism, and ever-shifting identities, Oates creates a world that is both provocative and stunning. Her work reinforces her standing as a literary treasure and an artist of the mysterious interior life, and it is a must-read for anyone who appreciates fine literature and thought-provoking storytelling.

Weight: 466g
Dimension: 160 x 244 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008609764