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The Sign of the Beast
The National Book Award–winning and New York Times bestselling master of psychological suspense returns with the story of a young boy’s sexual awareness disturbed by cruelty, obsession, and rage.
Eleven-year-old Howard was born with a birthmark on his cheek. His Sunday school teacher mockingly calls it the “sign of the beast.” Too hateful to be named, for Howard she is only Mrs. S——. And she’s as careless in causing him misery as she is willful in arousing his shame. All Howard can do is look away—until he realizes he can turn the aggression on its head. When the hunted becomes the hunter, what will happen next?
Eleven-year-old Howard was born with a birthmark on his cheek. His Sunday school teacher mockingly calls it the “sign of the beast.” Too hateful to be named, for Howard she is only Mrs. S——. And she’s as careless in causing him misery as she is willful in arousing his shame. All Howard can do is look away—until he realizes he can turn the aggression on its head. When the hunted becomes the hunter, what will happen next?
40 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2018
1230 people are currently reading
642 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Carol Oates
854 books9,643 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 228 reviews
December 15, 2017
The Sign of the Beast by Joyce Carol Oates is a 2017 publication.
Wow, JCO has written a Kindle Single, published under Amazon’s new ‘original stories’ imprint- and it is available via the KU program if you subscribe.
Although she is mostly lauded as a literary heavyweight, Oates is quite adept at creating a sinister and creepy atmosphere, which is quite effective, and as is often the case with Oates’ work, this story works its way under your skin.
A young man with a prominent facial birthmark finds himself the object of ridicule- not from his classmates, but his Sunday School teacher!
His reaction and response to these unusual circumstances is at the heart of this wicked little tale. The brevity of the story, however, leaves some key confirmations out of the equation, due to time restraints, but it is still a testament to Oates’ talent, that within just forty digital pages she could still strike a chord, and had me feeling uncomfortable and squirming in my seat.
While some things must be left up to the reader to decipher, you have an imagination and it’s good for you to exercise it a little from time to time.
These single stories are great for a quick read before bed or a lunch break distraction. I’m happy to see authors of this magnitude participating in the new short story line and look forward to testing out more of these ‘flash fiction’ style tales.
3.5 stars rounded up
Wow, JCO has written a Kindle Single, published under Amazon’s new ‘original stories’ imprint- and it is available via the KU program if you subscribe.
Although she is mostly lauded as a literary heavyweight, Oates is quite adept at creating a sinister and creepy atmosphere, which is quite effective, and as is often the case with Oates’ work, this story works its way under your skin.
A young man with a prominent facial birthmark finds himself the object of ridicule- not from his classmates, but his Sunday School teacher!
His reaction and response to these unusual circumstances is at the heart of this wicked little tale. The brevity of the story, however, leaves some key confirmations out of the equation, due to time restraints, but it is still a testament to Oates’ talent, that within just forty digital pages she could still strike a chord, and had me feeling uncomfortable and squirming in my seat.
While some things must be left up to the reader to decipher, you have an imagination and it’s good for you to exercise it a little from time to time.
These single stories are great for a quick read before bed or a lunch break distraction. I’m happy to see authors of this magnitude participating in the new short story line and look forward to testing out more of these ‘flash fiction’ style tales.
3.5 stars rounded up
December 23, 2017
Thank heavens Sunday School is only held once a week. Even that proves too much to handle for the teeth-grinding Howie.
December 30, 2017
Howie is a husky 11-year-old with a birthmark on his face and an awkward style; his Sunday school teacher teases him in the way that adults who don't get kids tease. She makes him feel even more awkward. He dreams things about her.
How-ard is a husky 12-year-old with The Sign of the Beast on his face; his Sunday school teacher touched him and he pushed her back and now he no longer goes to Sunday school. His dreams about his teacher are getting stranger.
Howard is a husky 15-year-old who is about to drop out of school; he just learned about how his Sunday school teacher was murdered. He's pretty sure he killed her but actually he's not so sure. Maybe he did? Maybe he didn't.
Oates knows how to portray someone who is on the wrong side of rational. Oates also knows how to portray a person who is far from kind, certainly inappropriate, but somehow not really a predator; she makes a Sunday school teacher's death a portrait in pathos. A dirty, sad kind of pathos.
I didn't like this story although its artistry is impressive. Oates has a gift when it comes to prose. Elegant and experimental... but perhaps not so empathetic. I appreciated the writing but the story left me cold.
Oates is one of my favorite writers, perhaps my favorite literary writer. But my love for her comes from all of the books I read by her in my twenties, a couple decades ago. Perhaps I should reread those? I haven't had the best of luck with her this millennium. The Falls was great though.
How-ard is a husky 12-year-old with The Sign of the Beast on his face; his Sunday school teacher touched him and he pushed her back and now he no longer goes to Sunday school. His dreams about his teacher are getting stranger.
Howard is a husky 15-year-old who is about to drop out of school; he just learned about how his Sunday school teacher was murdered. He's pretty sure he killed her but actually he's not so sure. Maybe he did? Maybe he didn't.
Oates knows how to portray someone who is on the wrong side of rational. Oates also knows how to portray a person who is far from kind, certainly inappropriate, but somehow not really a predator; she makes a Sunday school teacher's death a portrait in pathos. A dirty, sad kind of pathos.
I didn't like this story although its artistry is impressive. Oates has a gift when it comes to prose. Elegant and experimental... but perhaps not so empathetic. I appreciated the writing but the story left me cold.
Oates is one of my favorite writers, perhaps my favorite literary writer. But my love for her comes from all of the books I read by her in my twenties, a couple decades ago. Perhaps I should reread those? I haven't had the best of luck with her this millennium. The Falls was great though.
March 27, 2023
Strange but Interesting.
A young boy with mental issues (?) is taunted by his Sunday School teacher. He thinks of her constantly. He obsesses too. He follows her but sometimes he doesn’t know whether he actually does that or it’s all in his mind. The book follows the same way. Did things happen or did he think they did? The boy grows older. You’ll have to read it to find out what happens. A bit strange but interesting nonetheless.
A young boy with mental issues (?) is taunted by his Sunday School teacher. He thinks of her constantly. He obsesses too. He follows her but sometimes he doesn’t know whether he actually does that or it’s all in his mind. The book follows the same way. Did things happen or did he think they did? The boy grows older. You’ll have to read it to find out what happens. A bit strange but interesting nonetheless.
December 13, 2018
3.5 Joyce Carol Oates is a master at dark tales. I'm a fan of her writing and The Sign of the Beast is no exception of her signature dark tales.
11 year old Harold is a big kid with a birthmark on his face that makes him stand out. Being bullied by your peers is one thing, but when it's your sunday school teacher dishing out belittling comments along with seductive touching causes him to have fantasies both sexual and hostile. His rage builds and she continues to cajole him. He begins to stalk her and imagines what it would be like without her in his life. One day she is found murdered in her home. Did he do it? He's not sure and neither am I. This story ends with questions and has lingered in my mind.
11 year old Harold is a big kid with a birthmark on his face that makes him stand out. Being bullied by your peers is one thing, but when it's your sunday school teacher dishing out belittling comments along with seductive touching causes him to have fantasies both sexual and hostile. His rage builds and she continues to cajole him. He begins to stalk her and imagines what it would be like without her in his life. One day she is found murdered in her home. Did he do it? He's not sure and neither am I. This story ends with questions and has lingered in my mind.
January 31, 2018
Howard is 12 years old. He's a stocky, large boy and in that clumsy stage just as puberty hits. He's nervous around girls and easily embarrassed. This gets even worse when Mrs. S____ takes over teaching Sunday school at his church. She says his name strangely, says the birthmark on his cheek is the mark of the beast, teases him, touches him..... She makes him nervous and strangely excited at the same time. She wont stop.....seeming to revel in his embarrassment. But then he starts to follow her, turning the tables. What will Mrs. S_______ think when she notices Howard is always lurking about everywhere she goes? But did things really happen the way Howard remembers?
This story was incredibly disturbing. As the mother of two sons, I have a hard time reading about abuse of boys by authority figures. Teachers, especially ones who teach at a church, should be above reproach. But Mrs. S_____ is disgusting. She sneakily gets inappropriate with an innocent young boy, and doesn't realize there will be consequences for her actions at some point. Joyce Carol Oates builds the creepy, sinister atmosphere quickly in this chilling little tale.....and never quite gives the entire answer at the end. Did he? Or didn't he? Did she? Someone did ...... did she deserve it? Did the punishment fit the crime? Hmmmm....... this is the sort of story that I finish and then wonder a couple days about before coming to a decision about what exactly I just read, what it meant and how I feel about it. Right now, as the mother of a 13 year old, I want to jump into the story and throttle Mrs. S____ myself (maybe I did.....maybe that's the answer!) Or maybe I want to jump in there and give Howard some help......get him some therapy, yell at his mother, yell at Mrs. S______ ..... I'm not sure. I do know the story definitely pushed my Mom-buttons. But......is that the way things really happened? Am I sure? No......I'm not sure. How creepy!! :)
This story was released in 2017, but Joyce Carol Oates has a cnew ollection of suspense tales, Night Gaunts, coming out in 2018. Although this story made me uncomfortable, I'd like to read her new book when it comes out. The writing was superb.....and the story is supposed to make readers uncomfortable.
This story was incredibly disturbing. As the mother of two sons, I have a hard time reading about abuse of boys by authority figures. Teachers, especially ones who teach at a church, should be above reproach. But Mrs. S_____ is disgusting. She sneakily gets inappropriate with an innocent young boy, and doesn't realize there will be consequences for her actions at some point. Joyce Carol Oates builds the creepy, sinister atmosphere quickly in this chilling little tale.....and never quite gives the entire answer at the end. Did he? Or didn't he? Did she? Someone did ...... did she deserve it? Did the punishment fit the crime? Hmmmm....... this is the sort of story that I finish and then wonder a couple days about before coming to a decision about what exactly I just read, what it meant and how I feel about it. Right now, as the mother of a 13 year old, I want to jump into the story and throttle Mrs. S____ myself (maybe I did.....maybe that's the answer!) Or maybe I want to jump in there and give Howard some help......get him some therapy, yell at his mother, yell at Mrs. S______ ..... I'm not sure. I do know the story definitely pushed my Mom-buttons. But......is that the way things really happened? Am I sure? No......I'm not sure. How creepy!! :)
This story was released in 2017, but Joyce Carol Oates has a cnew ollection of suspense tales, Night Gaunts, coming out in 2018. Although this story made me uncomfortable, I'd like to read her new book when it comes out. The writing was superb.....and the story is supposed to make readers uncomfortable.
January 10, 2018
A very fast read by a very well known and loved author.
Only 48 pages, so some of this is left up to the readers imagination and discretion.
HowArd is a young lad with a facial marking. The ridicules do not come from peers but alas from his Sunday school teacher he calls Miss S——————-.
She even doesn’t use his name right....HowArd .
I found it a good little book to finish up on tonight on my kindle.
Only 48 pages, so some of this is left up to the readers imagination and discretion.
HowArd is a young lad with a facial marking. The ridicules do not come from peers but alas from his Sunday school teacher he calls Miss S——————-.
She even doesn’t use his name right....HowArd .
I found it a good little book to finish up on tonight on my kindle.
August 15, 2020
Up until 2 days ago, I had never read a single Joyce Carol Oates story. Now I have read two. My goodness, she can definitely do dark and twisted! In this tale, a young boy that is considered different because of a birthmark on his face becomes entangled in the murder of a Sunday school teacher.
Fast paced with characters that make you want to take a scalding shower!
Goodreads review published 15/08/20
Fast paced with characters that make you want to take a scalding shower!
Goodreads review published 15/08/20
September 7, 2023
Viena iš tų, kur dalinai pačiam reikia nuspręsti, kas buvo ir ko ne. Reikės pabandyti daugiau Oates suspense/horror kūrinių.
January 1, 2018
It was good, but some parts were confusing. The one thing I didn't like was how it felt dated, but then at the same time, it was supposedly modern (Nissan & Target). The mix of (what seemed like) old and new just didn't work for me. However, it was a quick, easy read, and I enjoyed it overall.
November 29, 2017
Dream-like
There is a dream-like quality in the writing of just about any Oates story or novel. She inhabits her characters so thoroughly the reader becomes mesmerized as if listening to someone tell you their personal history, with all facets of it at their fingertips. And all too often her characters seem to be on the razor’s edge of complete madness.
This novella had all of those ingredients. It is a story of a teacher who raises previously dormant sexual thoughts in an eleven year old boy and the crisis that arises as a result. It’s a really good story and well worth reading.
There is a dream-like quality in the writing of just about any Oates story or novel. She inhabits her characters so thoroughly the reader becomes mesmerized as if listening to someone tell you their personal history, with all facets of it at their fingertips. And all too often her characters seem to be on the razor’s edge of complete madness.
This novella had all of those ingredients. It is a story of a teacher who raises previously dormant sexual thoughts in an eleven year old boy and the crisis that arises as a result. It’s a really good story and well worth reading.
September 18, 2018
Joyce Carol Oates is one of those authors that I’ve been meaning to read for years but never get to. I think I have read a few of her Young Adult novels when I was a teen but that was so long ago that I don’t remember their plots or her writing style. Then a few years ago I read Zombie. And I loved it. I mean yeah, the story is disturbing and the character isn’t necessarily likable. But Oates seems to really know how to get into the psychotic mind of a killer and describe it so well. This much I remember, which is why I was looking forward to reading this short story by her. I know she has written many literary works, and I doubt they’re all disturbing with terrifying characters. This just reinforces my belief that I really need to read more of her works.
Although I wasn’t a fan of the ending, I did really enjoy this short story by Oates. Her writing is amazing and I need to pick up my next book of hers sooner rather than later.
Although I wasn’t a fan of the ending, I did really enjoy this short story by Oates. Her writing is amazing and I need to pick up my next book of hers sooner rather than later.
December 22, 2017
JCO really knows how to set a scene. I love the way she writes all the characters in this short story. The unreliable narrator leaves the reader with the question of whether or not he is guilty.
December 3, 2017
I was slightly disappointed; this was the first book ever of hers that I have read and what looked like it would be really intense? Didn't work so well for me. The beginning was interesting and then a huge chunk of time was completely left out and then the story seems to continue from another point and then details started spilling out. Too much, too fast, too soon. (Like a portion of the middle of the story vanished).. Bummed.
March 18, 2018
What the heck was that?
This has got to be the weirdest most confusing short Nobel I have ever read. The weird thing about it was I still didn't want to put it Down because I was I treated to know how it ended. The ending solved nothing it made the story even more confusing. If someone could help me figure it out that would be great.
This has got to be the weirdest most confusing short Nobel I have ever read. The weird thing about it was I still didn't want to put it Down because I was I treated to know how it ended. The ending solved nothing it made the story even more confusing. If someone could help me figure it out that would be great.
December 1, 2017
No one will creep you out like Joyce Carol Oates can. No one.
November 23, 2020
Frustrating Whodunnit
Review of the Amazon Kindle single (2017) advance excerpt from Night-Gaunts and Other Tales of Suspense(2018)
A young teenager with a disfiguring facial birth mark is teased by his Sunday school teacher Mrs. S__ who may have some abuse notions in mind - or - those fantasies may be coming from the unreliable teenage narrator. Mrs. S__ dies under mysterious circumstances and the teenager rushes to confess to the crime. But did he really do it or is that just part of his continuing fantasy? The ending is loose and disappointing, although the setup was well done.
Review of the Amazon Kindle single (2017) advance excerpt from Night-Gaunts and Other Tales of Suspense(2018)
A young teenager with a disfiguring facial birth mark is teased by his Sunday school teacher Mrs. S__ who may have some abuse notions in mind - or - those fantasies may be coming from the unreliable teenage narrator. Mrs. S__ dies under mysterious circumstances and the teenager rushes to confess to the crime. But did he really do it or is that just part of his continuing fantasy? The ending is loose and disappointing, although the setup was well done.
February 6, 2018
a #kindleexclusive by one of my favorite authors #joycecaroloates THE SIGN OF THE BEAST it’s a great #novella and another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m biased but it had all her great hallmarks. You felt uneasy because you aren’t sure if the narrator is very safe at all. This particular book really questions how the mind can play tricks on us, leaving us unsettled. It feels good to explore this side of things that aren’t quite right in a nice environment of your own home, where you’re safe from madness... or are you? Ps. This book contains no satanic children
February 7, 2018
I’ve not read anything by this author before so I thought this was a good introduction to her.
This was a short read about a young boy and his teachers sexual awakening thoughts in him.
Although I was confused in parts I’d definitely read more from this author.
This was a short read about a young boy and his teachers sexual awakening thoughts in him.
Although I was confused in parts I’d definitely read more from this author.
December 6, 2017
This is a short but intense story and I’m not sure what happened. Are we supposed to be afraid of the protagonist/antagonist and is he all together sane? A murder occurs but who did it and why is never revealed, but the tension of the investigation is everything. Joyce Carol Oates still scares me.
September 25, 2018
Beautifully written psychological drama.
December 12, 2017
Picked this up as a Prime member and fan of JCO and read through it at about 5:30 this morning. I then fell back asleep and had a truly strange and vivid JCO-inspired dream.
Anyway, I didn't think I liked this Single (novella) all that much, however, it's been on my mind all morning. I think that means I did enjoy reading it on some level because it certainly hasn't left my conscious and subconscious minds.
It's a quick haunting read.
Rated 3 1/2 birthmarks.
Anyway, I didn't think I liked this Single (novella) all that much, however, it's been on my mind all morning. I think that means I did enjoy reading it on some level because it certainly hasn't left my conscious and subconscious minds.
It's a quick haunting read.
Rated 3 1/2 birthmarks.
December 26, 2020
This is a short story that popped up last Halloween (or the Halloween before?) on Amazon's home page as one of several offerings to prime members and kindle owners. It sounded good so I downloaded it and then promptly forgot all about it until I went to borrow a book from what used to be the lending library and was told I had to return this book first to "prime reading" before I can download another. It's short enough to read in one sitting, 40 pages or so.
I settled in to read it today, and was not particularly impressed. It's not especially scary or thought provoking and I could not relate to any of the characters. I'm not sure where one would find a church that allows Sunday school teachers to dress in low cut and too tight garb more suited to trawling for men before last call than teaching bible lessons other than this story. Surely the church ladies would have objected to her attire even without knowing she had a thing for young boys. The birthmark on Howard's face seemed unnecessary since without it Mrs. S would have found another reason to fixate on him or other boys but then I suppose it was required for the title of the story. I can't say I cared much what happened to Mrs. S or Howard for that matter.
I settled in to read it today, and was not particularly impressed. It's not especially scary or thought provoking and I could not relate to any of the characters. I'm not sure where one would find a church that allows Sunday school teachers to dress in low cut and too tight garb more suited to trawling for men before last call than teaching bible lessons other than this story. Surely the church ladies would have objected to her attire even without knowing she had a thing for young boys. The birthmark on Howard's face seemed unnecessary since without it Mrs. S would have found another reason to fixate on him or other boys but then I suppose it was required for the title of the story. I can't say I cared much what happened to Mrs. S or Howard for that matter.
December 14, 2017
As a character study in the adolescent mind, bullying, and coming into ones sexuality. Joyce Carol Oats did a great job in creating an atmospheric novel with an alluring narrorator. But, something to take into account is not only the style in which this Short Story is written and the narrator's/main character's uneducated mind.
Joyce Carol Oats is known as a master of literature fpr a reason, but take into the account the poor writing style she used to explore that mind of the main character. Since this novel is written in first person, it makes since to be poorly written visualy .
But besides all of that, this short story was brilliant in story telling and as a character study.
Joyce Carol Oats is known as a master of literature fpr a reason, but take into the account the poor writing style she used to explore that mind of the main character. Since this novel is written in first person, it makes since to be poorly written visualy .
But besides all of that, this short story was brilliant in story telling and as a character study.
December 17, 2017
This is one of those short stories that gets under your skin and makes you think. Or at least, it made me think. We tell our children "Don't talk to strangers" then
we put them in direct contact with people we know nothing about. That is a huge mistake but I'm not sure what the solution is to this problem.
Anyway, I liked the book and hope you do to.
we put them in direct contact with people we know nothing about. That is a huge mistake but I'm not sure what the solution is to this problem.
Anyway, I liked the book and hope you do to.
October 2, 2018
Claustrophobic and creepy; vintage JCO.
February 28, 2019
Beast mode
Life in a small town is tough. Especially if you aren't like the other kids. Especially if you're bigger than them all. Especially if you have learning difficulties. Especially if your Sunday school teacher decides to start singling you out.
Poor Howard. He's that kid. And who knows where the torment will push him.
An interesting premise badly executed and with, for me, a really unsatisfying ending. Meh.
Life in a small town is tough. Especially if you aren't like the other kids. Especially if you're bigger than them all. Especially if you have learning difficulties. Especially if your Sunday school teacher decides to start singling you out.
Poor Howard. He's that kid. And who knows where the torment will push him.
An interesting premise badly executed and with, for me, a really unsatisfying ending. Meh.
December 28, 2017
I love JCO, but this story was a huge disappointment, despite the excellent prose. But it lacked any of the hallmarks of what makes a satisfying read for me--sympathetic characters (not only was no one sympathetic, no one was even interesting), clarity, and a fulfilling resolution. I still love this author, but this one was a miss for me.
February 4, 2018
Pequeno conto a pedir a coletânea inteira. Intenso. Oates escava os labirintos da alma, onde o mal se esconde e espreita e também o anjo se faz. Pelo que pude perceber, "The Sign of the Beast" antecipa o novo livro de JCO "Night-Gaunts And Other Tales of Suspense" a publicar em março (2018).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews