My Heart Laid Bare

The Gothic Saga #4

by Joyce Carol Oates

Chronicles the endeavors of the Licht family--a clan of cheats, murderers, and con men--from the late eighteenth century through the 1930s, and details the moral consequences of their crimes and transgressions.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Gothic, Literary Fiction, Historical, Novels, American

532 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Joyce Carol Oates is an American writer. Oates published her first book in 1963, and has since published 58 novels, a number of plays and novellas, and many volumes of short stories, poetry, and nonfiction. Her novels Black Water (1992), What I Lived For (1994), and Blonde (2000), and her short story collections The Wheel of Love (1970) and Lovely, Dark, Deep: Stories (2014) were each finalists for the Pulitzer Prize. She has won many awards for her writing, including the National Book Award, for her novel Them (1969), two O. Henry Awards, the National Humanities Medal, and the Jerusalem Prize (2019).
Oates taught at Princeton University from 1978 to 2014, and is the Roger S. Berlind '52 Professor Emerita in the Humanities with the Program in Creative Writing. From 2016 to 2020, she was a visiting professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where she taught short fiction in the spring semesters. She now teaches at Rutgers University, New Brunswick.
Oates was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 2016.
Pseudonyms: Rosamond Smith and Lauren Kelly.

Reviews

[Jovana Autumn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Volim da čitam o antiherojima, porodičnim romanima, kada se u centru dela nalazi društvena kritika ali ne volim kada se roman rastegne do beskraja. Mislim da bi ovo "bolje funkcionisalo" kao duologija jer je poduhvat pročitati ovu knjigu odjednom, bez pauza koje bi trajale par dana između čitanja.
Da li te u potpunosti unese u život likova porodice Liht? Da.
Da li se priča o temama koje su i danas relevantne, (rasizam, materijalizam, pohlepa, kritika temelja ametičkog društva) kao što su bile prvih decenija dvadesetog veka za porodicu Liht? Da.
Da li čitalac mora izdvojiti par nedelja svog života gde će svoje čitalačko vreme u potpunosti, sa punom pažnjom posvetiti ovom romanu? Pa, možda i ne, ali u ličnom iskustvu, itekako da.
Solidan gotički roman koji će se svideti ljubiteljima žanra i biti zadovoljavajući svim ostalima.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Heart Laid Bare is a creation from an epic imagination — what a beautiful thing for a writer to enjoy, especially to use it to produce something so grand is a labor of love. Joyce Carol Oates is quite the creative dynamo — I’ve lost count of how many stories she’s written, and I have yet to buy let alone read all of them. One thing for sure, she loves words, she comes out to play with them; part of her process is becoming possessed by the story that she must tell — wringing out every last ounce of the tale tucked deep in the darkest corners of her mind. Writing like this is an exhausting and exhilarating process (not for the faint of heart) and at times can be the same exhausting and exhilarating experience for the reader. The books of the American Gothic Saga series never cease to amaze me with their complexity — they are larger than life stories chock full of larger than life characters — the head shaking unbelievable meshed with the head nodding believable. Abraham Licht’s family of My Heart Laid Bare is one of notorious distinction; seductive connivers, charming chameleons — they are perfectly flawed, blessed and damned — dichotomies of grotesque beauty — I could go on, but I will leave it at that—I don’t want to spoil it with details. As with any book from this series, it is best to approach these pages with an open mind and a sense of humor — for to take it too seriously (or literally) will only lead to vexation — the Gothics are unlike the rest of her fiction — yet where they diverge in their unique qualities, they complement each other too. This novel possesses a life of its own; the charisma of the characters makes this book so — evocative — macabre — dazzling — emotionally intense. Oh, I was sad to see it end. I love it for its lush writing style, daring to be gluttonous with its descriptions and it’s absolutely dripping with atmosphere — the American Gothic Sagas are my guilty pleasure. This book is the fourth out of five in the series — I’m glad there is one more left to read! The Accursed release date is March 2013...

[Dave Szostak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exacting, exasperating, essential Oates. A sumptuous, meticulous historical through Progressive Era America, filled with graft, fraud, imposture, and murder. An acidulous skewering of American religious, political, social, and racial foibles. And, quite funny.

[Jennine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This tale of the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century escapades of a family of con artists is a departure for Oates in terms of its setting, if not its theme and tone. More known for tough, tragic stories set in the contemporary world or the recent past, Oates takes advantage of the sweep and turbulence of the decades on either side of 1900 to address classic themes: love, loss, ambition, envy, loyalty, betrayal, and the myriad other forces that draw families together and pull them apart.

This is largely a well-executed novel, with colorful characters who stand up to and attempt to take every advantage of their rapidly changing times. Oates' prose is exquisite, as always, although I found the way that some of the internal/psychological/magical imagery was employed served more to pull me out of the story than to enhance it. I wasn't entirely satisfied with the way some characters' storylines developed, either, finding that several of them feel rather truncated. I would've been quite happy to have had a longer, truly epic novel about this family, which demonstrates the strength of the characters and story, despite the novel's flaws.

[Blanche Konieczka · Rating 2 out of 5]

During the first chapter I began to question whether or not to continue reading. The author babbles on and on and on, 22 pages describing the setting (a horse race) and the people attending all in painful, verbose detail. Almost put it down again when she takes six loonngg paragraphs describing a swamp and she uses the same words over and over-a place where this, a place where that-a place where they...until you're ready to scream "Oh come on! Enough is enough!" She seems enamored of repetition throughout the entire book and beats you over the head with ridiculous, repetitive details. Hey Joyce, look up the word succinct, learn it-live it-use it PLEASE! The story itself is interesting but is often lost in the sauce of wordy details. The book is 607 pages and would have been more enjoyable if she'd cut at least 200 pages of repetition and details. Not sure if I'll bother finishing it. I've frequently tossed it aside and said, "Oh for goodness sake, put a cork in it and get to the point!" Not impressed.

[Sandra]

I can't give it a proper synopsis because I read it quite some years ago. However, it is my favorite book ever. I concede that the first few chapters are hard to get through because they seem so disconnected. Everyone I've given it to I advised to just try to get through to chapter 5 and you will be hooked. It was such a sweeping, epic novel and the intricacies of all the family members was astounding. Such a fantastic book! It really should be on required reading lists, if not in high school, then college courses, for sure!

[row row · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compelling story about a family of con artists and what happens to them as they’re caught up in the patriarch’s “Game.” I really liked this story, and I was invested in the Licht family’s various schemes and plots. The family ties and bonds were what made the story most interesting, and seeing how each of the children ended up while under their father’s thumb made me sad at times. There was emotion involved in this story that I felt clearly on the page, and it has the similar JCO writing style that I’ve gotten used to. I felt attachments to certain characters and members of the Licht family. The concept of this novel was what I liked most of all - a family of master manipulators and actors, con artists and scammers, pulling off schemes for years and years, at first a united front but eventually each member of the family ending up on their own path, for better or worse. Still have more JCO novels on my shelf to get through, but out of the ones I’ve read so far, this one ranks high!

[L.K. Merideth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! I not only enjoyed the process of reading this book, but the story was fantastic as well! The use of language and word craft was spectacular. In one passage, describing a swamp, the author slings out a few 150 word sentences. The reader is forced to take in the description of the surroundings all at once - and is left somewhat breathless.

The story of the confidence artist and his family was so engaging. By the middle of the book, I couldn’t help wondering where they would turn up next! But I was enjoying reading the book so much; I was a bit sad that I was halfway through! The characters run their cons on many layers of society and over vast geographic areas - which made the book very interesting to read. The use of the main character’s children and many wives as playing pieces in the con games, produced memorable characters and a plot that certainly kept me turning pages.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first introduction to Oates. It is a period piece set in the early 1900's. I'm hoping she purposely chose to write in a style that was indicative to the times. If this is how she normally writes I'm going to have a tough time with her other books.
The book is about a family of con-artists that stumbles through life hoping to achieve infinite wealth and stumbling along the way. They are never honest with anyone or even themselves making the title ironic. Their plots and schemes are certainly interesting and written with a great level of detail, however, it's a bit too much. Each scheme could be a novel in and of itself. The whole book is rather lengthy. That coupled with the stylistic writing made it quite monotonous. It was a hard long read. Those that are attracted to historical fiction would surely love it. I think I will avoid it in the future.

[Rowena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a feeling Joyce Carol Oates doesn't have a very high opinion of society. Her characters (across many of her novels) tend not to be likable but that's what makes them so realistic. She delves deep into their inner monologues, revealing their most heinous and perplexing thoughts. I love it. Combined with a damn good story (a family of con artists in the early 20th century), this is easily my favorite Oates novel. Even despite the number of times she utilizes the word "breathless." Seriously, it's her favorite word ever.

[Peter Corrigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long, rambling and incredibly 'wordy'. At times brilliant, at times absurd and even a little irritating. All families are dysfunctional, yet the Licht 'family' transcends that meme in ways that are perhaps more memorable than most you may encounter in fiction. Is there something she wants to say about human nature or the family? The Lichts are a bizarre vehicle for that muddled message and not always convincing. Nor are the Gothic and mystical overtones particularly effective and are abandoned for vast swaths of the novel. I think ultimately she fails to lay 'bare' the heart of any of her protagonists, they remain bizarre victims of an unidentified pathology of the spirit. Still, there are moments of sheer JCO brilliance in her characterizations and dialog and her dissection of the social order of the time. But these excursions are forced to compete with long passages rather more mundane and detailed to the point of exhaustion (for the reader). Her portrait of late 19th and early 20th century America at the birth of the Modern age is a rather more convincing effort and maybe better than the story itself. Yet hers is an unremittingly dark vision of that America, one of mostly unalloyed greed, rampant racism, classism, corruption, duplicity and cynicism culminating in (deserved?) War and Depression. Yup, countries are dysfunctional too, just like families.

[V · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am officially over J.C. Oates's lengthy, repetitive passages of quasi-poetic word salad.

This book is classified among Oates's "Gothic" novels. Technically, it probably is, but the tone of My Heart Laid Bare is not what one would expect from a Gothic novel. The subject matter is, at least superficially, a little Dickensian (con artists) but the Lichts are not merry pickpockets--they're a family cult who become less and less charming and intriguing as the story progresses. Or maybe it is the story itself that becomes less intriguing, starting with a family origin story involving an ancestress who was a petty criminal and met her putative end fleeing into a mysterious swamp, having been shot for horse thievery. The story ends with a paranoid old man with dementia who has been plotting revenge on JP Morgan and others for causing the crash of '29. I'm sure Oates had a good reason to let all the magic slowly leak out of the story but it felt like a letdown.

But I will be thinking about this story for some time to come.

[kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

While wandering around my roommate’s hometown of Northampton, Massachusetts, we stopped in a bookstore called “The Raven” and I bought this book. Following the long, sordid history of the Licht family, My Heart Laid Bare was absolutely captivating. I love mysteries and scandals and crimes, so this family of con men (and women) held my full attention. This book is one of those where it is glaringly clear that the author is also a poet. The prose is gorgeous but intentionally confusing, and it’s easy to miss hints about what’s going on, especially because every character has a series of aliases. I really need to read more of Oates’ poetry. My one critique of this book is that the beginning was stronger than the end. I appreciated the collapse into insanity that Abraham faced towards the end, but I missed the convoluted tales of “The Game” from the earlier chapters. I’m still trying to figure out why this book struck such a strong chord with me, but I’m glad it did.

[Brandon Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know if it’s because I’ve just become accustomed to Oates’ writing style as I’ve been reading these or if it’s because I’ve found the secret narrator of my thoughts, but I found this to be the most accessible out of Oates’ gothic series thus far. It took about a week for me to read, and that was more to do with my work schedule/other books I’m reading, than not being invested in the story. Even though this does deal with some heavy topics (race relations in the early 20th century, child abuse/neglect, disgusting misogyny) it was surprisingly light and playful in tone. I actually found myself routing for the Lichts (except Harwood and eventually Abraham as the novel progressed). It was also lovely to read the sections featuring the musical prodigy Darian. It’s rare to find an author who accurately portrays what musicians go through and Oates does this beautifully.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. This book. This. Book.

This book is AMAZING, but I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I wouldn't say, "You should read this." Because it's hard, it's thick with stylistic goo (oftentimes tasty, other times too much), and it's dark. The title is apt. This story is raw and gorgeous, so many layers. It's rough on the spirit, rough on the eyes (truly, it's a bit too long), rough on the brain... I physically squirmed at times, and my brow was often furrowed, I'm told. But damn, if you're feeling masochistic, go for it.

I could have used a little more light (have mercy, JCO... show a little mercy on your characters AND readers), and 1/4 fewer pages. That's why 4 stars. It's still amazing.

Holy shit, someone hand me the latest chick lit bestseller. I need to decompress.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Think of this book as a less dramatic version of the movie Parasite—we have a money-hungry family playing a “game” in which they scam the rich out of millions. The main ingredient missing from these interesting characters and their ambitious schemes was any kind of culmination, climax, or resolution. It feels like JCO’s characters just sprang from her head and she let them roam 500 pages without knowing where to take them. I don’t think there is any thematic gift for readers here.

A couple of book club members suggested the story would have been better told through an unreliable first person memoir style, and I agree. That could have added a deeper thematic dimension to make everything cohere.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with many of Ms. Oates novels, this was a lengthy family saga .A family of American shysters, who play The Game to survive. I have a great love for Ms. Oates's novels because they are many times outside the box of " normal" family situations. Written in the late 90's, the political atmosphere of the 1920's, as Ms. Oates writes bears a distinct and disturbing sameness to today in terms of the political corruption so rampant then and now. And past president Harding, a real and frightening sameness of personality to our current president. A fascinating read!

[Una · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written, biblical in its scope and poetic in nature, My Heart Laid Bare is unforgettable. I can't comprehend why so many reviews complain of the characters being "unlikeable"-- that's the whole point! The scheming, deceitful Lichts draw you into their game, making you feel one with its players, as though "in" on their little secrets. I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 just because I think JOC could have easily cut 100 pages from it. Otherwise, a mesmerizing read! Can't wait to explore the other books from her Gothic Saga.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

It may be too soon to say, but I think I am falling in love with Joyce Carol Oates books. While I am reading them I can't always tell if I love them or I hate them. There is something so dark, so American, so tragic, and so beautiful about the ones that I have read. It's all our best and worst qualities on display. It holds a mirror up to the american psyche, which can be at times so painful. Heartbroken and beautiful I often can't wait for the next one in my queue.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

This was at heart a book about identity. Abraham Licht changes the identity of not only himself, but that of his children in the blink of an eye to con whomever they can. The only people who know themselves well enough to stay true to who they are are the children that weren’t suited to “the game.” The best part was seeing what schemes they came up with next and how long they could play them out.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

The literary excellence that Oates brings to the table every time is clear in this sprawling, persistent, and always interesting examination of personality, character, identity, and family trust. A bit of a satire on a certain subset of the American population and a bold examination of the American Dream turning sour.

[Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times, very engaging, but I struggled with some of the characters. Well written and encompassing many events of American history from the late 1800’s through early 20th century as a family of con artists makes their way in the world. The characters I was most interested in, unfortunately disappear mid way through the novel.

[Mary Hultquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

have always meant to read her and a bunch of her books. this is a start. slow start but then really good. 3.5. took a week to read though

[Judy Lackner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to get more insight in case, but poorly written.

[Rosie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not get interested and stopped reading.

Very odd ..jumping here and there.

[April Raine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Masterpiece

[Melanie Kuhar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very odd book. I was motivated to finish it. The book's eccentric characters kept me reading, but.... so strange.

[HIMAIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is definitely amazing.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 2 out of 5]

not a fan. She confuses me because I think some of her works are really good but some of her works are awful and this is one of them

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't have a lot of deep thoughts about this book because it wasn't a deep book. This is purely plot and character building for the sake of telling a story, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked the swampy mysticism, I liked the close-knit dysfunctional family, I liked the creative way of introducing characters through cons. Overall, I just really liked it.

However, the ending definitely felt like a let-down considering all the build up of family strife, near-Biblical mythology, and criminal mishaps. I do wish there had been more fireworks at the finale.

I will make one more caveat, and say that I agree with other book club members that racial aspects of this novel are not always handled with care, but there's no real malevolence on the part of JCO. Instead, it seems she might have slipped into using stereotypical Black stories and experiences a little too freely considering that this is purely a work of entertainment and doesn't have anything important to say on the subjects.