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Book Review of Marya: A Life

Marya: A Life
Marya: A Life
Author: Joyce Carol Oates
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
reviewed on + 379 more book reviews


Marya's life is described in chapters dealing with a traumatic childhood, religious observations, college experiences, a career in academia, and relationships. Throughout it all, the overwhelming feeling is one of loneliness and a life lived searching for a sense of belonging. The chapter dealing with thoughts on religion reminded me of Flannery O'Connor. The abrupt ending, although disconcerting, is probably intentional. I think this book is brilliantly written, and perhaps gives us more of an insight into JCO as a person than most of her fiction.