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Extenuating Circumstances
A collection of twenty-two disturbing tales of crime and suspense from literary icon Joyce Carol Oates, author of Blonde and 'America's preeminent fiction writer' (New Yorker).
Two hitmen in a depressed rust belt town struggle with a job gone wrong. A girl witnesses a horrifying accident and carries it with her for the rest of her life. Medical students bring a severed foot to a college party. Five-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Joyce Carol Oates has made a career of exploring the forbidden corners of human experience, and the stories collected here, spanning her first three decades as a writer, are among her most unsettling and unforgettable works to date.
Originally published in long out-of-print volumes, these tales have not appeared in any form this century - until now. They show a writer boldly engaging with disturbing truths and terrifying possibilities, and deconstructing the tropes and expectations of traditional prose writing as she does so. But beyond their stylistic ingenuity, these are creepy, suspenseful stories that cut straight to the bone; their darkness will linger long after the final page is turned.
Two hitmen in a depressed rust belt town struggle with a job gone wrong. A girl witnesses a horrifying accident and carries it with her for the rest of her life. Medical students bring a severed foot to a college party. Five-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Joyce Carol Oates has made a career of exploring the forbidden corners of human experience, and the stories collected here, spanning her first three decades as a writer, are among her most unsettling and unforgettable works to date.
Originally published in long out-of-print volumes, these tales have not appeared in any form this century - until now. They show a writer boldly engaging with disturbing truths and terrifying possibilities, and deconstructing the tropes and expectations of traditional prose writing as she does so. But beyond their stylistic ingenuity, these are creepy, suspenseful stories that cut straight to the bone; their darkness will linger long after the final page is turned.
517 pages, Paperback
First published May 10, 2022
153 people are currently reading
692 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Carol Oates
854 books9,639 followersJoyce 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 11, 2022
“Extenuating Circumstances includes 22 short stories…mostly crime and suspense.
They are a combination dark, gothic, and unsettling, violent, and suspenseful…..
There’s a wide variety of character types-from ‘Jeremiah’, 34 years of age dropped out of school by 7th grade….
or ‘Sweet Gum’ was 20 years of age who decided against the army because he didn’t like like seeing so many men with black skin…..
There were crime jobs — there were teenage girl runaways - a story about being a witness in an accident —
There were stories about marriage- family - divorce- a scary vacation -
…From conflicts to resentments…
…To sophisticated willies & shivers…
…To spooky, sinister, creepy and mysterious…
…With self-deprecating characters…
Joyce Carol Oats (who writes in many varied genres: family sagas still being my favorites)….can hold her own next to Stephen King when it comes to tales-of-horrors.
Although some stories I liked more than others — JCO’s has overflowing prolific talent — a master storyteller ….a phenomenally gifted monarch ….. an author I still enjoy and admire.
Read her work long enough - and eventually we’ll experience every human emotion …..be it haunting….heartbreaking….or inspiring.
I’m ‘not’ a reader who has tossed Joyce Carol Oates aside. I get value from her work. I love how she intrigues my own thoughts about life….from every imaginable different points of view.
They are a combination dark, gothic, and unsettling, violent, and suspenseful…..
There’s a wide variety of character types-from ‘Jeremiah’, 34 years of age dropped out of school by 7th grade….
or ‘Sweet Gum’ was 20 years of age who decided against the army because he didn’t like like seeing so many men with black skin…..
There were crime jobs — there were teenage girl runaways - a story about being a witness in an accident —
There were stories about marriage- family - divorce- a scary vacation -
…From conflicts to resentments…
…To sophisticated willies & shivers…
…To spooky, sinister, creepy and mysterious…
…With self-deprecating characters…
Joyce Carol Oats (who writes in many varied genres: family sagas still being my favorites)….can hold her own next to Stephen King when it comes to tales-of-horrors.
Although some stories I liked more than others — JCO’s has overflowing prolific talent — a master storyteller ….a phenomenally gifted monarch ….. an author I still enjoy and admire.
Read her work long enough - and eventually we’ll experience every human emotion …..be it haunting….heartbreaking….or inspiring.
I’m ‘not’ a reader who has tossed Joyce Carol Oates aside. I get value from her work. I love how she intrigues my own thoughts about life….from every imaginable different points of view.
July 24, 2022
Mysterious Press has given Joyce Carol Oates fans a real treat. With the publication of EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES, we are gifted a collection of short stories by the five-time Pulitzer Prize finalist that spans the length of her illustrious writing career, going back to the early 1960s. Originally published in long out-of-print books, these tales have not appeared in any form this century --- until now.
This weighty volume clocks in at well over 500 pages. It would take far too long to cover each story here, so instead I have selected five that were clear standouts for me. I encourage you to dive in for yourself and see which ones are your favorites.
“The Death of Mrs. Sheer” (1964). Two hitmen --- Jeremiah, a grizzled veteran, and Sweet Gum, a wet-behind-the-ears newbie --- are on an assignment to take down a man named Motley. Their target is able to pay his way out of getting offed as the hit goes sour, but that is not the point of the story. It is more about the reckoning between Jeremiah and Sweet Gum, and where they end up. The noir-like language that Oates hits us with at the start of her career is what makes this tale so enjoyable.
“The Revenge of the Foot, 1970” (1970). The “foot” of the title refers to an actual cadaver foot. Elinor cannot tell if it belonged to a man or a woman, so she spends time pondering this question. She steals the foot and keeps it in her bag, not knowing what she is going to do with it. However, she is confident that the opportunity for its proper usage will present itself. When she is at the home of her lover and his wife, she just may have an answer.
“The Doll” (1980). For her fourth birthday, Florence was given an exquisite dollhouse set. It was incredibly realistic, and she treated it as such, even naming the family that lived there the Bartholomews. Nearly four decades later, while driving through Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for a work event, Florence is stopped in her tracks by a house that is the actual life-sized replica of her dollhouse. She stands at the front door and thinks about ringing the bell. No one is there, but when she returns, she is welcomed by the homeowner. What will she say, and how will she justify her visit?
“Haunted” (1987). Haunted and forbidden houses have always intrigued Melissa and Mary Lou. As best friends, they are inseparable and often talk about scaring each other. They believe that they have the ability to conjure up their own dark magical powers due to their strong bond and love of the occult, and they actually take credit for one of their teachers leaving their school. However, they meet their match when they visit an abandoned house where a man allegedly took his own life. What they experience there will be totally unexpected, and now the tables will be turned on them.
“The Hand-Puppet” (1995). This bizarre story is about a lonely girl who creates her own hand puppet to keep herself busy. The puppet has a big, ugly, bald head that looks very human and a voice that does not sound at all like the 11-year-old who made it. It loves to utter strange phrases like “H’LO MISSUS! G’MORNIN’ MISSUS! WHAT’S TO EAT MISSUS!” or “MISSUS I BEEN HERE BEFORE YA! AN’ I GONNA BE HERE WHENYA GONE!” Tippi, who everyone assumes is providing the odd voice, grows increasingly attached to her new creation and gets more contorted each time it speaks out loud.
Joyce Carol Oates is an American institution. These stories have a little of everything and do such a fine job representing her style of writing, which can be best described as surprising, unsettling, disturbing, unique and never predictable.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
This weighty volume clocks in at well over 500 pages. It would take far too long to cover each story here, so instead I have selected five that were clear standouts for me. I encourage you to dive in for yourself and see which ones are your favorites.
“The Death of Mrs. Sheer” (1964). Two hitmen --- Jeremiah, a grizzled veteran, and Sweet Gum, a wet-behind-the-ears newbie --- are on an assignment to take down a man named Motley. Their target is able to pay his way out of getting offed as the hit goes sour, but that is not the point of the story. It is more about the reckoning between Jeremiah and Sweet Gum, and where they end up. The noir-like language that Oates hits us with at the start of her career is what makes this tale so enjoyable.
“The Revenge of the Foot, 1970” (1970). The “foot” of the title refers to an actual cadaver foot. Elinor cannot tell if it belonged to a man or a woman, so she spends time pondering this question. She steals the foot and keeps it in her bag, not knowing what she is going to do with it. However, she is confident that the opportunity for its proper usage will present itself. When she is at the home of her lover and his wife, she just may have an answer.
“The Doll” (1980). For her fourth birthday, Florence was given an exquisite dollhouse set. It was incredibly realistic, and she treated it as such, even naming the family that lived there the Bartholomews. Nearly four decades later, while driving through Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for a work event, Florence is stopped in her tracks by a house that is the actual life-sized replica of her dollhouse. She stands at the front door and thinks about ringing the bell. No one is there, but when she returns, she is welcomed by the homeowner. What will she say, and how will she justify her visit?
“Haunted” (1987). Haunted and forbidden houses have always intrigued Melissa and Mary Lou. As best friends, they are inseparable and often talk about scaring each other. They believe that they have the ability to conjure up their own dark magical powers due to their strong bond and love of the occult, and they actually take credit for one of their teachers leaving their school. However, they meet their match when they visit an abandoned house where a man allegedly took his own life. What they experience there will be totally unexpected, and now the tables will be turned on them.
“The Hand-Puppet” (1995). This bizarre story is about a lonely girl who creates her own hand puppet to keep herself busy. The puppet has a big, ugly, bald head that looks very human and a voice that does not sound at all like the 11-year-old who made it. It loves to utter strange phrases like “H’LO MISSUS! G’MORNIN’ MISSUS! WHAT’S TO EAT MISSUS!” or “MISSUS I BEEN HERE BEFORE YA! AN’ I GONNA BE HERE WHENYA GONE!” Tippi, who everyone assumes is providing the odd voice, grows increasingly attached to her new creation and gets more contorted each time it speaks out loud.
Joyce Carol Oates is an American institution. These stories have a little of everything and do such a fine job representing her style of writing, which can be best described as surprising, unsettling, disturbing, unique and never predictable.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
December 24, 2022
Amazing!!
I’d thought these were all new stories, because I’m a recent JCO convert. Turns out this collection appears to subsume several previous Oates collections. Fine by me!
I’m quite glad then that no one to date that I can think of could populate such a large book of stories, amazing stories in the space of a year as I previously assumed while reading. It also amused me to consider that a woman in her 80s spent her time dreaming up such disturbing things—which, to be fair, she does, just not these things. These are earlier things ;)
One the few writers who creates fiction that is genuinely unsettling. Can’t wait to read more!
I’d thought these were all new stories, because I’m a recent JCO convert. Turns out this collection appears to subsume several previous Oates collections. Fine by me!
I’m quite glad then that no one to date that I can think of could populate such a large book of stories, amazing stories in the space of a year as I previously assumed while reading. It also amused me to consider that a woman in her 80s spent her time dreaming up such disturbing things—which, to be fair, she does, just not these things. These are earlier things ;)
One the few writers who creates fiction that is genuinely unsettling. Can’t wait to read more!
July 18, 2022
Extenuating Circumstances by Joyce Carol Oates is an anthology of short stories in the crime/suspense genre.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Penzler/WW Norton & Company and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis and Opinions
As always, each short story deserves it's own review. These have been published over the years in various places. They are all in the crime/suspense genre. Someone generally dies, and some are a little disturbing.
The Death of Mrs. Sheer Two cousins are hired by their uncle to kill a man, but he turns the tables. Hated this one...boring characters. 1 star
In the Warehouse ... A young girl makes a new friend, who is a "little" bossy. Quite good. 4 stars
By the River ... A young woman returns home from the big city, and her father meets her at the station. Not sure. 3 stars
Queen of the Night ... A woman divorces, and remarries. Not impressed. 1 star
The Revenge of the Foot, 1970 ... A young medical school student parties with others (and a foot), and then visits her lover. And the point was??? 1 star
The Doll ... A woman sees a house which reminds her vividly of a dollhouse she had as a child. Strange story, but kept me interested. 3 stars
Little Wife ... A young woman comes to town and is willingly taken in by a number of men, written from a 12 year old boy's perspective. Interesting, if a little dark. 4 stars
Yarrow ... A man borrows $500 from a cousin, with eventual repercussions. Makes me think before lending money. 4 stars
Haunted ... Two young girls explore the abandoned houses around their county. Interesting. 4 stars
Death Valley ... A meeting in Vegas leads to a trip to the desert. Somewhat confusing. 2 stars
Craps ... Another Vegas story. 2 stars
Family ... A "family" learn to live in changing times. This was really good! Absolutely loved it. 5 stars.
Ladies and Gentlemen ... This cruise will be the last you ever take....Good story! 4 stars
Why Don't You Come Live With Me, It's Time ... A young girl has a special relationship with her grandmother. This was okay. 3 stars
The Buck ... A woman tries to protect a wounded buck. Not a fan of the topic, so.... 0 stars
The Model ... A high school student poses for an elderly artist in the park, but the past comes back to haunt her. Somewhat predictable, but a very good story. 4 stars
Extenuating Circumstances ... There are NO extenuating circumstances for what happens. Hated it. 0 stars
The Girl Who Was to Die ... A woman overhears a conversation between her step-daughter and a friend, who later ends up dead. I must have missed something. 1 star
Poor Bibi ... The death of a "pet". Hated it. 0 stars
The Undesirable Table ... A group of friends is provided a table for dinner next to the front window. So? 1 star
The Hand-Puppet ... A child creates her own hand-puppet, but neither her mother nor the school children are impressed. 2 stars
Valentine ... A young girl has a crush on her teacher. 2 stars
The Collector of Hearts ... A young delinquent is invited back to the house of the judge who suspended her sentence. There she sees his collection of hearts. 3 stars
The Sons of Angus ... Six sons decide their father should not have publicly humiliated their mother. 3 stars
Not enjoying the first story really put a damper on the start of this book. As well, long boring paragraphs in the next few didn't help.
Overall, the collection was okay, but surprisingly, boring. A few were (I assume) purposely left unexplained. I was expecting more from this author, so was rather disappointed. Each story was rather long, and except for a few, lacked excitement. This was really close to being a no-finish, but then I would have missed a few really good ones, so, I'm glad I hung in there.
I think the author has really grown as a writer, and these older stories do not do her justice.
Hope your next choice is 5 stars!
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, author information and contact details, as well as a favorite quotation from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
August 7, 2022
A collection of suspenseful and sinister short stories by the incomparable Joyce Carol Oates. All of the stories have appeared previously in other publications. Highly recommend these stories to fans of her classic storytelling.
September 15, 2022
would’ve been better if the n word wasn’t in it
November 27, 2023
Joyce Carol Oates hasn’t lost her touch judging from this book which was published in 2022 and contains multiple short stories. This audible book is well done and the stories are a wide range of tales. It does seem that many of them deal with young children or adults, reflecting back to their time as children. As usual, it is not always easy to tell what happens in the page after the page when the story ends. In the old days I might tell, a story or two from the Collected tales, but I don’t do that anymore for some reason. In fact, I don’t tell you much of anything in my reviews these days other than that I have read the book and that I have enjoyed it or not. Sorry to disappoint you. To provide you with some real information I am going to include a book review completed by ChatOn AI.
Title: A Captivating Journey through Extenuating Circumstances
Review:
Joyce Carol Oates, a master of the short story genre, delivers yet another remarkable collection with "Extenuating Circumstances." This anthology showcases her exceptional storytelling ability, compelling readers to explore the depths of human nature through a diverse range of characters and situations.
One of the most notable aspects of this collection is Oates' skillful characterization. Each story introduces us to a new set of individuals, flawed and relatable, who find themselves caught in extraordinary circumstances. From the troubled teenager grappling with identity in "The Feral," to the grieving widow seeking solace in "The Widow's First Year," Oates crafts characters that resonate with authenticity and emotional depth.
Another strength lies in Oates' ability to create vivid and atmospheric settings. Whether it's a rural farm, a bustling city, or an eerie suburban neighborhood, the author's descriptive prose transports readers into each story's unique world. Through her meticulous attention to detail, Oates effortlessly immerses us in the characters' surroundings, enhancing our reading experience.
Furthermore, the themes explored in "Extenuating Circumstances" are thought-provoking and often delve into the dark corners of the human psyche. Oates fearlessly tackles topics such as loss, betrayal, identity, and redemption, weaving them into narratives that leave a lasting impact. Her exploration of complex emotions and moral dilemmas adds layers of depth to the stories, making them both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
One of the collection's highlights is Oates' ability to maintain suspense and tension throughout each story. Whether it's through unexpected plot twists or the slow unraveling of a character's secrets, she keeps readers engaged and eager to discover what lies on the next page. Her mastery of pacing ensures that each story feels complete, even within the constraints of the short story format.
While "Extenuating Circumstances" is undeniably a captivating read, it is worth noting that some stories may leave readers wanting more. Oates' ability to create intriguing narratives sometimes leads to a desire for further exploration or resolution. However, this is a testament to her talent for leaving a lasting impression, as readers ponder the characters' lives long after they have turned the final page.
In conclusion, Joyce Carol Oates' "Extenuating Circumstances" is an enthralling collection of short stories that showcases her mastery of the genre. With her rich characterizations, atmospheric settings, thought-provoking themes, and expertly crafted suspense, Oates takes readers on a journey that is both captivating and thought-provoking. Whether you are a fan of her work or new to her writing, this collection is sure to leave an indelible mark on your literary journey.
Title: A Captivating Journey through Extenuating Circumstances
Review:
Joyce Carol Oates, a master of the short story genre, delivers yet another remarkable collection with "Extenuating Circumstances." This anthology showcases her exceptional storytelling ability, compelling readers to explore the depths of human nature through a diverse range of characters and situations.
One of the most notable aspects of this collection is Oates' skillful characterization. Each story introduces us to a new set of individuals, flawed and relatable, who find themselves caught in extraordinary circumstances. From the troubled teenager grappling with identity in "The Feral," to the grieving widow seeking solace in "The Widow's First Year," Oates crafts characters that resonate with authenticity and emotional depth.
Another strength lies in Oates' ability to create vivid and atmospheric settings. Whether it's a rural farm, a bustling city, or an eerie suburban neighborhood, the author's descriptive prose transports readers into each story's unique world. Through her meticulous attention to detail, Oates effortlessly immerses us in the characters' surroundings, enhancing our reading experience.
Furthermore, the themes explored in "Extenuating Circumstances" are thought-provoking and often delve into the dark corners of the human psyche. Oates fearlessly tackles topics such as loss, betrayal, identity, and redemption, weaving them into narratives that leave a lasting impact. Her exploration of complex emotions and moral dilemmas adds layers of depth to the stories, making them both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
One of the collection's highlights is Oates' ability to maintain suspense and tension throughout each story. Whether it's through unexpected plot twists or the slow unraveling of a character's secrets, she keeps readers engaged and eager to discover what lies on the next page. Her mastery of pacing ensures that each story feels complete, even within the constraints of the short story format.
While "Extenuating Circumstances" is undeniably a captivating read, it is worth noting that some stories may leave readers wanting more. Oates' ability to create intriguing narratives sometimes leads to a desire for further exploration or resolution. However, this is a testament to her talent for leaving a lasting impression, as readers ponder the characters' lives long after they have turned the final page.
In conclusion, Joyce Carol Oates' "Extenuating Circumstances" is an enthralling collection of short stories that showcases her mastery of the genre. With her rich characterizations, atmospheric settings, thought-provoking themes, and expertly crafted suspense, Oates takes readers on a journey that is both captivating and thought-provoking. Whether you are a fan of her work or new to her writing, this collection is sure to leave an indelible mark on your literary journey.
July 28, 2023
‘Extenuating Circumstances’ is the title of this anthology - and also one of the short stories - which comprise tales that are unsettling, suspenseful and disturbing. The appealing aspect of this collection is that the stories range from Joyce Carol Oates’ first thirty years as a writer and are drawn from collections that are no longer in print. The stories are not presented in strict chronological order but in all honesty some of the best pieces are her earliest. In particular, ‘Little Wife’ written in 1986 covers the tragic life trajectory of a teenage girl and her relationship with a group of brutish men. The realism was horrific, mostly because detail was understated and finally, a degree of justice was meted out in the end. Other notable stories were ‘The Girl Who Was To Die’ and ‘The Model’.
Joyce Carol Oates can sustain interest in the most intricate of 500 page plus novels and in the more compact short story form. She is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.
4.5 ⭐️
Joyce Carol Oates can sustain interest in the most intricate of 500 page plus novels and in the more compact short story form. She is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.
4.5 ⭐️
August 21, 2022
I have loved Joyce Carol Oates since I was 14 years old. I love her short stories almost more than I love the full length novel. They force me to come to my own (twisted, creative) conclusions. My favorite stories in this book were Why Don't You Cone Live With Me, It's Time; The Revenge of the Foot 1970; & Extenuating Circumstances.
April 25, 2023
This is another marvelous collection of stories by Joyce Carol Oates. These formerly published stories were taken from ten story collections published in the '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s--most taken from Heat and Other Stories, published in 1991 (seven stories); Haunted: Tales of the Grotesque, published in 1994 (five stories); and The Collector of Hearts: New Tales of the Grotesque, published in 1998 (four stories). Subtitled Stories of Crime and Suspense, Extenuating Circumstances is full of characters who feel trapped, powerless, helpless, and victimized by circumstances outside of their control. All of the stories are creepy, harrowing, and unpredictable, and Oates often doesn't resolve her characters' conflicts, instead leaving us and them stuck in their nightmarish worlds. Here's a brief synopsis of all 24 stories:
"The Death of Mrs. Sheer"--working-class assassins hired to kill their uncle are willing to murder anybody who will pay them the most money and tragedy ensues.
"In the Warehouse"--a middle-aged narrator tells the story of when years ago he left his teenage girlfriend in a warehouse after she accidentally fell from an elevated staircase.
"By the River"--a story of family violence in which one family member murders another to avoid societal ostracism.
"Queen of the Night"--a woman discovers her husband is having an affair, so she divorces him. Soon afterward she meets a much younger man, whom she quickly marries, and a highly dysfunctional relationship unfolds.
"The Revenge of the Foot, 1970" is a story about feminine frailty.
In "The Doll," appearances are not what they seem.
"Little Wife"--told through the eyes of an adolescent male who is appalled by the behavior of his father and his father's friends is the story of a young woman fleeing from her family who hooks up with a bevy of working-class losers who abuse her. As the boy becomes more distraught by what he sees, he faces a moral dilemma: should he notify authorities who might intervene, or should he not?
"Yarrow"--a young man whose wife is ill borrows money from a cousin, and his inability (or unwillingness) to repay the loan leads to resentments and, eventually, violence.
"Haunted" is best and most simply described as a prototypical haunted house story.
"Death Valley" is a story about the frightening power that men wield against unsuspecting women.
"Craps"--seedy gamblers in Las Vegas win big and celebrate lustily before their good fortune comes crashing down.
"Family" is a story about survival in a post-apocalyptic world.
In "Ladies and Gentlemen," passengers aboard a cruise ship discover exactly why their children have purchased a lavish vacation for them.
In "Why Don't You Come Live with Me, It's Time," a girl seeking refuge from her parents leaves home to visit her grandmother in the middle of the night, only to discover that her grandmother isn't the person the girl always thought she was.
"The Buck"--a hunter wants the wounded deer he shot, but an animal-loving environmentalist has other plans.
"The Model"--a 17-year-old girl is approached by a wealthy older man who wants her to model for him as he sketches her. Who is this man, and why has he chosen her?
"Extenuating Circumstances"--the narrator explains the extenuating circumstances surrounding an act of infanticide.
"The Girl Who Was to Die"--a friend tries to mediate between a friend and the friend's abusive boyfriend with tragic results.
"Poor Bibi"--a couple take a sick and dying "creature" to the vet to be put to sleep, but what kind of "creature" is it, exactly?
"The Undesirable Table"--a group of rich snobs are seated at an "undesirable table" at their favorite restaurant and act appalled. The story is a biting satire of upper-middle-class entitlement and mores.
"The Hand-Puppet"--a mother worries about her unpopular 11-year-old daughter, who creates a hand-puppet whose voice and behavior seem to be rooted somewhere deep and scary within the girl's fractured psyche.
"Valentine" is a dreamy, surreal story about an adolescent girl who anonymously gives her favorite teacher a Valentine, leading to an unexpected visitation by her teacher in the middle of the night during a snowstorm.
"The Collector of Hearts"--a judge sends a driver to pick up and drive a young woman who had been in his courtroom earlier that day to his home, ostensibly to help her pursue educational opportunities--but is this really his primary motivation?
"The Sons of Angus Macelster"--in 1923 on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, six sons tire of watching their drunken father beat up their mother and take matters into their own hands.
There wasn't a single story I didn't enjoy. Oates is a master! Grade: A
"The Death of Mrs. Sheer"--working-class assassins hired to kill their uncle are willing to murder anybody who will pay them the most money and tragedy ensues.
"In the Warehouse"--a middle-aged narrator tells the story of when years ago he left his teenage girlfriend in a warehouse after she accidentally fell from an elevated staircase.
"By the River"--a story of family violence in which one family member murders another to avoid societal ostracism.
"Queen of the Night"--a woman discovers her husband is having an affair, so she divorces him. Soon afterward she meets a much younger man, whom she quickly marries, and a highly dysfunctional relationship unfolds.
"The Revenge of the Foot, 1970" is a story about feminine frailty.
In "The Doll," appearances are not what they seem.
"Little Wife"--told through the eyes of an adolescent male who is appalled by the behavior of his father and his father's friends is the story of a young woman fleeing from her family who hooks up with a bevy of working-class losers who abuse her. As the boy becomes more distraught by what he sees, he faces a moral dilemma: should he notify authorities who might intervene, or should he not?
"Yarrow"--a young man whose wife is ill borrows money from a cousin, and his inability (or unwillingness) to repay the loan leads to resentments and, eventually, violence.
"Haunted" is best and most simply described as a prototypical haunted house story.
"Death Valley" is a story about the frightening power that men wield against unsuspecting women.
"Craps"--seedy gamblers in Las Vegas win big and celebrate lustily before their good fortune comes crashing down.
"Family" is a story about survival in a post-apocalyptic world.
In "Ladies and Gentlemen," passengers aboard a cruise ship discover exactly why their children have purchased a lavish vacation for them.
In "Why Don't You Come Live with Me, It's Time," a girl seeking refuge from her parents leaves home to visit her grandmother in the middle of the night, only to discover that her grandmother isn't the person the girl always thought she was.
"The Buck"--a hunter wants the wounded deer he shot, but an animal-loving environmentalist has other plans.
"The Model"--a 17-year-old girl is approached by a wealthy older man who wants her to model for him as he sketches her. Who is this man, and why has he chosen her?
"Extenuating Circumstances"--the narrator explains the extenuating circumstances surrounding an act of infanticide.
"The Girl Who Was to Die"--a friend tries to mediate between a friend and the friend's abusive boyfriend with tragic results.
"Poor Bibi"--a couple take a sick and dying "creature" to the vet to be put to sleep, but what kind of "creature" is it, exactly?
"The Undesirable Table"--a group of rich snobs are seated at an "undesirable table" at their favorite restaurant and act appalled. The story is a biting satire of upper-middle-class entitlement and mores.
"The Hand-Puppet"--a mother worries about her unpopular 11-year-old daughter, who creates a hand-puppet whose voice and behavior seem to be rooted somewhere deep and scary within the girl's fractured psyche.
"Valentine" is a dreamy, surreal story about an adolescent girl who anonymously gives her favorite teacher a Valentine, leading to an unexpected visitation by her teacher in the middle of the night during a snowstorm.
"The Collector of Hearts"--a judge sends a driver to pick up and drive a young woman who had been in his courtroom earlier that day to his home, ostensibly to help her pursue educational opportunities--but is this really his primary motivation?
"The Sons of Angus Macelster"--in 1923 on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, six sons tire of watching their drunken father beat up their mother and take matters into their own hands.
There wasn't a single story I didn't enjoy. Oates is a master! Grade: A
April 27, 2022
This is a huge collection of short stories by acclaimed author Joyce Carol Oates, most of which were previously published in magazines and other media over time. There are 24 stories total, and several are not exactly all that short, so this book is a time investment! In typical Joyce Carol Oates style, the stories are well-written and many are dark and. unexpected. She always keeps me on the edge of my seat! “Family” stuck out to me, so deliciously, creepily good! I really liked the collection for overall, although I think I may have liked it better divided into two smaller volumes to be enjoyed on separate occasions! I am big fan of this author and will continue to read anything she publishes! 8/10.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 5, 2022
my favorite JCO short story collection to date
Tales of violence, murder & revenge, with women only sometimes the victims, as we’ve come to expect from JCO’s keen sense of justice. I appreciated the trigger warning to start off the one story I didn’t read- “This is a terrible story”- had something to do with deer hunting. New writers should study JCO- she is a master of creating a vivid physical and character portrait in crystal clear (and wildly varied) settings with a few deft strokes. Can’t seem to fall asleep without reading one of her stories.
Tales of violence, murder & revenge, with women only sometimes the victims, as we’ve come to expect from JCO’s keen sense of justice. I appreciated the trigger warning to start off the one story I didn’t read- “This is a terrible story”- had something to do with deer hunting. New writers should study JCO- she is a master of creating a vivid physical and character portrait in crystal clear (and wildly varied) settings with a few deft strokes. Can’t seem to fall asleep without reading one of her stories.
August 24, 2022
This is over 500 pages of a collection of short stories. I read about 200 pages and a handful of the stories. I really did not like any of it. I am a big fan of Joyce Carol Oates but too many good things out there to read to stick with this collection. Not for me
December 10, 2023
Couldn't get past the random racist slurs used against black people, wasn't even central to the story. Just dropped in random places casually
December 15, 2024
Recensione a cura della pagina instagram Pagine_e_inchiostro:
Circostanze attenuanti è una raccolta di racconti che offre un’eccellente panoramica sui temi cari alla Oates.
L’inquietante talento di questa autrice risiede nel saper sondare l'oscurità della psiche umana, partendo da situazioni quotidiane, gettando così uno sguardo sui grandi e immutabili temi di paura e violenza, nelle loro molteplici declinazioni. Le sue storie, che spaziano dagli gli anni '60 e gli anni '90, raccontano di adolescenze tormentate nei sobborghi americani, di famiglie disfunzionali e traumi generazionali, ma anche di dialoghi con spiriti e presenze inquietanti.
Di solito, non consiglio libri troppo corposi come introduzione a un'autrice, né tantomeno raccolte di racconti, ma Circostanze attenuanti racchiude tutta l'essenza della Oates: il suo talento nel narrare le ombre dell'animo umano, la sua capacità di trasformare le angosce terrene in storie memorabili e potenti, anche attraverso pochissime pagine.
La Oates, in tutte le sue sfumature, si conferma una delle voci più potenti e raffinate della letteratura contemporanea. Una penna davvero incredibile, di cui vale la pena leggere ogni singolo titolo.
La morte della signora Sheer: 🌟3
Nel deposito: 🌟4
Lungo il fiume: 🌟4
Regina della notte: 🌟5
La vendetta del piede: 🌟5
La bambola: 🌟4
La mogliettina: 🌟5
Yarrow: 🌟3
I fantasmi non esistono: 🌟4
La Valle della Morte: 🌟5
Dadi: 🌟3
La famiglia: 🌟3
Signore e signori:🌟4
Vieni a vivere con me, è ora: 🌟4
Il cervo: 🌟4
La modella:🌟4
Circostanze attenuanti: 🌟5
La ragazza che sarebbe morta: 🌟3
Povero Bibi: 🌟3
Il tavolo peggiore del sabato sera: 🌟3
Il pupazzo: 🌟4
San Valentino: 🌟3
Il collezionista di cuori: 🌟4
I figli di Angus MacElster: 🌟5
Circostanze attenuanti è una raccolta di racconti che offre un’eccellente panoramica sui temi cari alla Oates.
L’inquietante talento di questa autrice risiede nel saper sondare l'oscurità della psiche umana, partendo da situazioni quotidiane, gettando così uno sguardo sui grandi e immutabili temi di paura e violenza, nelle loro molteplici declinazioni. Le sue storie, che spaziano dagli gli anni '60 e gli anni '90, raccontano di adolescenze tormentate nei sobborghi americani, di famiglie disfunzionali e traumi generazionali, ma anche di dialoghi con spiriti e presenze inquietanti.
Di solito, non consiglio libri troppo corposi come introduzione a un'autrice, né tantomeno raccolte di racconti, ma Circostanze attenuanti racchiude tutta l'essenza della Oates: il suo talento nel narrare le ombre dell'animo umano, la sua capacità di trasformare le angosce terrene in storie memorabili e potenti, anche attraverso pochissime pagine.
La Oates, in tutte le sue sfumature, si conferma una delle voci più potenti e raffinate della letteratura contemporanea. Una penna davvero incredibile, di cui vale la pena leggere ogni singolo titolo.
La morte della signora Sheer: 🌟3
Nel deposito: 🌟4
Lungo il fiume: 🌟4
Regina della notte: 🌟5
La vendetta del piede: 🌟5
La bambola: 🌟4
La mogliettina: 🌟5
Yarrow: 🌟3
I fantasmi non esistono: 🌟4
La Valle della Morte: 🌟5
Dadi: 🌟3
La famiglia: 🌟3
Signore e signori:🌟4
Vieni a vivere con me, è ora: 🌟4
Il cervo: 🌟4
La modella:🌟4
Circostanze attenuanti: 🌟5
La ragazza che sarebbe morta: 🌟3
Povero Bibi: 🌟3
Il tavolo peggiore del sabato sera: 🌟3
Il pupazzo: 🌟4
San Valentino: 🌟3
Il collezionista di cuori: 🌟4
I figli di Angus MacElster: 🌟5
December 30, 2022
This was my first J C Oates book and it might be the last one too. I don't like her style of leaving the endings open. I realize it's meant to be like modern art: up to the recipient to fill in the blanks, but I hate it in literature. I think if you have a story to tell you should finish it too. Unresolved stories make me feel stupid: what did I not pick up? Did I misunderstand something? Was I not alert enough?
March 5, 2023
I thought this collection was pretty middling, with a huge exception in the story ‘Family’. What a crazy, hallucinatory, wonderfully written piece. I could easily see it being adapted into a film by David Lynch, the imagery is right up his alley, particularly the baby section. Just an apocalyptic mindfuck. Also, ‘The Doll’ had that dreamy/nightmarish feel to it. Those stories grabbed me, but the rest was just not doing it for me.
July 12, 2023
Is it odd to give four stars to a book I didn't finish? Maybe! But, anyway, a collection of stories that range from brilliant to WTF (Oates is a big fan of ambiguity, and so some stories do end on a "wait, what just happened?" note). Oates is an extraordinarily talented writer and a master of the form, but this book features like 24 stories and after like 18 of them I just needed a break from the unremitting darkness and then it was overdue at the library.
September 9, 2023
4.75
Trigger warnings:
Death, Animal Death, Suicide, and many other Triggers
Loved all the short stories, the writing, themes, and emotions were fantastic. Brought it down by .25 due to the short story of Poor BiBi (warning, animal death) very hard to read if you are an animal lover. Will say all the other stories were gripping and thought-provoking. Would recommend reading and skipping Poor BiBi.
Trigger warnings:
Death, Animal Death, Suicide, and many other Triggers
Loved all the short stories, the writing, themes, and emotions were fantastic. Brought it down by .25 due to the short story of Poor BiBi (warning, animal death) very hard to read if you are an animal lover. Will say all the other stories were gripping and thought-provoking. Would recommend reading and skipping Poor BiBi.
November 21, 2024
24 stories of which at least 13 of them were absolutely brilliant:
“Yarrow” (1991) — [5++]
“Family” (1991) — [5++]
“The Model” (1992) — [5++]
“Queen of the Night” (1979) — [5]
“Death Valley” (1991) — [5]
“Craps” (1991) — [5]
The Girl Who Was to Die” (1993) — [5]
“The Revenge of the Foot, 1970” (1970) — [4.5]
“The Doll” (1980) — [4.5]
“Little Wife” (1986) — [4.5]
“The Death of Mrs. Sheer” (1964) — [4]
“In the Warehouse” (1967) — [4]
“By the River” (1968) — [3.5]
“Yarrow” (1991) — [5++]
“Family” (1991) — [5++]
“The Model” (1992) — [5++]
“Queen of the Night” (1979) — [5]
“Death Valley” (1991) — [5]
“Craps” (1991) — [5]
The Girl Who Was to Die” (1993) — [5]
“The Revenge of the Foot, 1970” (1970) — [4.5]
“The Doll” (1980) — [4.5]
“Little Wife” (1986) — [4.5]
“The Death of Mrs. Sheer” (1964) — [4]
“In the Warehouse” (1967) — [4]
“By the River” (1968) — [3.5]
Want to read
November 24, 202424 stories:
(5/24 read#)
The Death of Mrs. Sheer
In the Warehouse
By the River
Queen of the Night
The Revenge of the Foot, 1970
# The Doll
Little Wife
Yarrow
# Haunted
Death Valley
Craps
Family
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Why Don’t You Come Live With Me, It’s Time
The Buck
# The Model
# Extenuating Circumstances
The Girl Who Was to Die
# Poor Bibi
The Undesirable Table
The Hand-Puppet
Valentine information
The Collector of Hearts
The Sons of Angus MacElster
(5/24 read#)
The Death of Mrs. Sheer
In the Warehouse
By the River
Queen of the Night
The Revenge of the Foot, 1970
# The Doll
Little Wife
Yarrow
# Haunted
Death Valley
Craps
Family
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Why Don’t You Come Live With Me, It’s Time
The Buck
# The Model
# Extenuating Circumstances
The Girl Who Was to Die
# Poor Bibi
The Undesirable Table
The Hand-Puppet
Valentine information
The Collector of Hearts
The Sons of Angus MacElster
January 1, 2025
Joyce Carol Oates' Extenuating Circumstances is a haunting collection of short stories that peeks into the darker sides of human nature, such as fear, love, and betrayal. While Oates's evocative prose and psychological depth make every story compelling, the intense and often bleak themes may feel overwhelming. It's a powerful showcase of her storytelling mastery and the complexity of the human spirit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2023
Unsettling to say the least! Each. Story is suspenseful, often horrifying, and many of them, in her usual and frustrating way, leave you to finish the ending in your mind.
She is a phenomenal author in both fiction and non-fiction and, even though she often leaves you hanging by a thin thread, I will read everything that she writes!
She is a phenomenal author in both fiction and non-fiction and, even though she often leaves you hanging by a thin thread, I will read everything that she writes!
August 28, 2023
I have always been a huge fan of JCO up until recently. I skimmed through some of the stories in this book, and I didn’t connect with any of them. I won’t be reading any of her upcoming releases, or anything she’s written after 2010. Her older works are classics, and there’s hundreds to choose from.
November 2, 2023
A gripping read. I finished this book in two days. I simply did not want to put it down. If you enjoy the genre, I think you are in for a five star treat.
Honourable mentions, are chapters 26 and 29. Most especially moved me.
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This is not a spoiler really, but I will take it down here just in case,
“ Ventriloquist, daughter”
Honourable mentions, are chapters 26 and 29. Most especially moved me.
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This is not a spoiler really, but I will take it down here just in case,
“ Ventriloquist, daughter”
November 26, 2023
I ultimately enjoyed this one, but was utterly astounded at all of the typos and errors within the paperback. The first couple of stories are not representative of the incredible storytelling and chilling themes found in the rest of the book. I struggled through the beginning but was ultimately glad that I read on, and would recommend it to passionate readers.
June 15, 2024
I'm not gonna lie, the first story had me a little bit concerned. I personally I don’t care for books that use the N-word without context of purpose, and really, there aren’t many books that need to use the word—or any offensive or derogatory language for that matter. Definitely if you're not an author of color, specifically a Black author. This isn’t a collection for historical use, so it just felt unnecessary. As well as weird and uncomfortable reading that word, especially hearing it in an audiobook, knowing that the story didn’t need it at all. I was ready to DNF this book off the first story alone.
Then the second story came in and saved the day, which I thought was a lot better, more intriguing, and interesting. Sadly, reading this in whole was like trying to catch a wave. Just after you’ve waited thinking you’re going to catch a big one, it fizzles out! There are 24 stories; I would maybe say there were three or four that I actually liked. Everything else just teetered in the middle or fell below the line. Maybe I was just expecting too much, but the stories often felt too middling.
As a lover of all things crime and suspense, in almost every story I was hoping for more by the end. The author loves to lean into the vague. I had additionally checked out two other books by the author, simultaneously with this one, since I saw she had a new book coming out. Upon reading this one first, it turned me off from reading the other works. I may still give the new one a try, but we’ll see. I’m mentally prepared to DNF.
Then the second story came in and saved the day, which I thought was a lot better, more intriguing, and interesting. Sadly, reading this in whole was like trying to catch a wave. Just after you’ve waited thinking you’re going to catch a big one, it fizzles out! There are 24 stories; I would maybe say there were three or four that I actually liked. Everything else just teetered in the middle or fell below the line. Maybe I was just expecting too much, but the stories often felt too middling.
As a lover of all things crime and suspense, in almost every story I was hoping for more by the end. The author loves to lean into the vague. I had additionally checked out two other books by the author, simultaneously with this one, since I saw she had a new book coming out. Upon reading this one first, it turned me off from reading the other works. I may still give the new one a try, but we’ll see. I’m mentally prepared to DNF.
June 4, 2025
There are good, there are ok and there are some I did not care for, as in almost all short story collections.
The good however heavily outweighs so I recommend this. The narration is excellent.
The way I read the short stories is that I read one after I finish a novel, that is why these usually take longer than usual.
The good however heavily outweighs so I recommend this. The narration is excellent.
The way I read the short stories is that I read one after I finish a novel, that is why these usually take longer than usual.
September 25, 2022
No doubt Joyce Carol Oates is a good writer, but she includes too much detail for my liking. I can appreciate detail when it is essential to the story, but detail for detail's sake slows down the story and becomes filler.
December 3, 2022
Ooooh why have I never before read Joyce Carol Oates??? Love her language, the story lines, and the plot twists in this collection of short stories which were not too short. Some very complicated stories here and at times a bit violent.
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