Blonde

Joyce Carol Oates

Started: May 10, 2026

Finished: ?

Review

At the outset - I haven't read an Oates sentence in a couple of years - after LENGTHY detours down Ferrante dr. and Roth ln. and Karl Ove ave. Returning to the discursive and sidewinding language and shifting perspectives taxed my brain at the start.

The Child (1932-1938)

May 12, 2024

p. 45 — "She did specialty ironing for an Ocean Avenue laundry and specialty sewing for a local seamstress and, when she couldn't avoid it, she watched babies in her apartment: she coped."

p. 47 — Norma Jea-nnne witnesses her grandma's death, wedged between the toilet and the shower.

p. 51 — "No one knew whether Gladys was being playful and provocative or deadly serious ... Gladys did scenes"

• touring the hills and the homes of the stars on a Sunday.

p. 56 — "Glady's voice conveyed reverence and enthusiasm as always, but beneat there was a calm implacable rage." 'Remember Norma Jeana—die at the right time.

We known the outcome early - and we get to see it bearing down bit by bit over 800 pages.