Black Water
Black Water
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1992
Book Brief
Beta160
Novel • Fiction
•
American Literature•
Modern Classic FictionMaine • 1990s
•
US History1992
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Black Water, a young woman spends a significant day with a charismatic senator. As the evening progresses, they face a tragic event that deeply impacts her. Through a gripping narrative, Joyce Carol Oates explores themes of power, vulnerability, and the ephemeral nature of life, offering a poignant examination of human experience.
Dark
Mysterious
Melancholic
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
9,378 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Black Water by Joyce Carol Oates is praised for its intense narrative and psychological depth, capturing the reader with its lyrical prose and harrowing subject. However, some critiques highlight its repetitive structure and ambiguous conclusion. The novella's provocative exploration of themes like power and vulnerability remains impactful.
Who Should Read Black Water?
A reader who enjoys Black Water by Joyce Carol Oates likely appreciates psychological thrillers, political intrigue, and character-driven narratives. Fans of The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath or Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn may find this novel compelling for its intense examination of personal and societal dilemmas.
9,378 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
160
Novel • Fiction
•
American Literature•
Modern Classic FictionMaine • 1990s
•
US History1992
Adult
18+ years
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