The Frenzy, by Joyce Carol Oates

 

The Frenzy, by Joyce Carol Oates, is a collection of short stories that are nuanced and memorable. I am fascinated both with the storytelling and the fact that this author can keep me engaged both in novel and short story forms. 

The first three stories seem to focus on life decisions that have profound consequences. For instance, The Bicycle Accident introduces us to a mother who chooses not to examine the relationship she has with an older friend, or her daughter's feelings about him, in part because he has been financially generous. The consequences of this mother's neglect are tragic. The Fear is a story about a young woman who lives to regret the way she has treated a cousin, once so close and dear to her, in a time of need. The ending reminded me of a Twilight Zone episode: creepy and atmospheric.  And the title story, The Frenzy, ended with a satisfying and humorous comeuppance for a delusional, self-centered man. A story which appears later in this collection, Refuge, depicts a very young woman named Lorene who slowly learns that she must climb out of a dangerous early decision. This one is suspenseful and riveting. 

Most of these stories, though, involve events that are out of anyone's control.  The loss of a loved one and illness happen to everyone. Women become widowed, and their outside and inner lives change dramatically. A couple of these tales are also ghost stories. I appreciated Night Fishing at Antibes for its well-developed characters, and also ending with laughter and flowers. 

Thank you so much to Random House and Netgalley for this experience, I enjoyed it immensely and will recommend it.