The Gravedigger's Daughter. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Rebecca is stalked throughout the novel. Here the father—a former high school teacher—is demeaned by the only job he can get: gravedigger and cemetery caretaker. Be the first to ask a question about The Gravedigger's Daughter. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. This was my necessary breezy read after the last one. Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2014. And while in a sense, I did find pity and drama in this book, they were far from the sugar-coated and sweet, naive rendition I expected. This is a book with a lot of blood, guts, and madness in it. It has more than earned a place on my Favorites shelf. It explores how the specter of World War II and the Holocaust affected even those who escaped its immediate impact – sometimes fatally so. 3 Shazams. I'm still up in the air about whether I liked this book or not. The novel begins with a misunderstanding --- Rebecca Tignor, a young wife and mother, has been mistaken by a stranger for Hazel No, it doesn't paint a rosy picture of long-lost cousins hugging and becoming the true selves they've been hiding for decades. This one is about a woman who has a really hard childhood and young adulthood and gets a lot of abuse, and then she goes on and makes a life for herself by having this kind of double identity and smiling a lot and never trusting anybody. It's the second thing I've read by this author, who seems to be really well-appreciated by the world, but I am still ambivalent about her work. Come visit Novelonlinefull.com sometime to read the latest chapter of The Gravedigger's Daughter. Oates' style is the most beautiful I've yet encountered, non-sophisticated, but appealing at the same time. The book is emotionally provocative and touches many heavy themes: abuse, murder, religious intolerance, socioeconomic distinctions, corrupt authorities, etc. Joyce Carol Oates is probably our most prolific writer. I have finished reading TGD. the gravedigger’ s daughter 7 Rebecca had a theory, every female in the Chautauqua Valley knew that story, or one like it. Anytime the author used an em dash the book (on both a Paperwhite and HD Fire) translated it as a question mark in a box. Watch her describe Zach’s preparations for the San Francisco concert or Thaddeus or Gallagher’s journalistic efforts, or the tasks of a gravedigger’s labor. There is an odd coincidental turn that I thought could have had more build-up or foreshadowing to make it more dramatic. When local prejudice and the family's own emotional frailty give rise to an unthinkable tragedy, the gravedigger's daughter, Rebecca heads out into America. OVERVIEW. Raw and gritty and saucy and rich. However, Oates' structure is beautifully puzzling as she starts the novel when Rebecca is in her twenties, on her way home from work. But Rebecca's unique survival story, one in which she crafts a new identity to. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. Elena Yeung. So when she’d started working in town, hiking the towpath, Rebecca dreamt up a way of saving herself if/when the time came. Honestly, the main character can't seem to go ten pages without getting the shit kicked out of her (literally and figuratively) by all the Mean Bad Men in her life. The Gravedigger's Daughter is unquestionably one of Oates' finest novels, rendered in taut, vivid language, with an emotional power some of her novels lack." Her short stories are my favorite among short stories. After local prejudice and the family's own emotional frailty result in unspeakable tragedy, the gravedigger's daughter, Rebecca, begins her astonishing pilgrimage into America, an odyssey of erotic risk and imaginative daring, ingenious self-invention, and, in the end, a bittersweet—but very "American"—triumph. To do so would be counter to the grim reality of the book. However, contrary to what I read by others, I had a different take on this story considering this story is typically not in the genere that I tend to read or listen. This book in particular I heard about from a professor I had a few years ago. I was somewhat expecting a novel about pity and unfair treatment. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. She often writes of troubled young women who become victims to brutish men because of making bad choices and having low self-esteem. Embarking upon an extraordinary odyssey of erotic risk and ingenious self-invention, she seeks renewal, redemption, and peace—on the road to a bittersweet and distinctly “American” triumph. The characters are well-drawn and, in the main, believable. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 4, 2011. Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. From the author of 'Blonde', 'The Falls' and 'We Were the Mulvaneys', this new novel takes in the themes of race, immigration, family and social mobility, and is Joyce Carol Oates at her storytelling best. “I fear we will run out of space very soon,” said Mohammad Shameem. And perhaps it was intentional, but it would have been interesting to include more about the lost family links than the rather quick meeting that occurs. But there were these phrases that Oates kept returning to, such as the final one, "There should be some reason she survived," (p. 551). The Gravedigger's Daughter ( 2017) The Gravedigger's Daughter. Perceived and actual intolerance by members of the community only exacerbate the family's frail mental health and, ultimately, tragedy strikes when our protagonist, Rebecca, is only 13 years old. GRAVEDIGGER'S DAUGHTER, Oates continues this strong tradition as she tells the uniquely American story of one woman's self-discovery against the background of post-World War II America. First there's her father, who goes apeshit when his daughter dares to enter a spelling bee (I still don't get that); then there's her husband, who chooses beating the shit out of her as an acceptable courtship ritual; and then there's the guy she meets after leaving the husband, who never really did anything to her but creeped me out none the less. Welcome back. I've read her short stories but this is my first novel. PODCAST. It is her 36th published novel. Who, including some of my favorites like Elizabeth Strout, Aylet Waldman or Ann Patchett, honed talents all, compares to Oates? The first half of this novel was so angry, practically dripping with Jacob Schwart's spittle-rage and Tignor's controlling misogyny! Her most recent novel is A Book of American Martyrs. Or not, if you aren't so optimistic. A less well-written book I certainly would've put down. We all recognize them, not as “types” but for the subtitles and internal dialogues that expose who they really are. It wasn't about looks, not really. A less well-written book I certainly would've put down. The first thing I noticed was something not related to the actual book, but the Kindle edition. I am the original author of this essay, as well as the owner of CCLaP; it is not being reprinted here illegally.). Of a woman, told by a woman. I picked it up because I had heard of the author, but have never read anything by her before. This story depicts the tale of the Shwarts who, in the mid 1930s, fled Nazi Germany and have been reduced to life in a tiny cottage while their father, a former school teacher, can only find work as a cemetary caretaker. It deals with Rebecca, the gravedigger's daughter, whose family moved to America just before the 2nd World War started. Ecco $26.95 (592p) ISBN 978-0-06-123682-2. Jacob Schwart, a high school teacher, is fleeing Nazi Germany with his pregnant wife, Anna, and their two sons, Herschel and August, in 1936. I like the detail she uses to describe a character; enough so that one feels they really know somebody and know when the character behaves in a way that we would not expect from them. Same difference.) As I have said, it was a great story, stylishly written... and the ending was a good one, except for some questions the book has left me with. Her intricately designed and compelling novel details the brutal early life of Rebbeca Schwart and follows her into adulthood, one in which the grown woman casts off previous sufferings but never escapes their cruel shadow. There were some weak spots. It is definitely a character driven tale and one that kind of takes it's time in the telling. The same friend chose this book for our book group read so I bought it for my Kindle. Joyce Carol Oates is a recipient of the National Book Award and the PEN/Malamud Award for Excellence in Short Fiction. The Gravedigger's Daughter Joyce Carol Oates, Author. I've not read a great deal of Joyce Carol Oates' copious publication list, but. you relive your early self, through the eyes of your mother.”, “Remembering backward is the easy thing. The father was a Math teacher, but takes the only job that he can in America, digging graves. May 29th 2007 Embarking upon an extraordinary odyssey of erotic risk and ingenious self-invention, she seeks renewal, redemption, and peace—on the road to a bittersweet and distinctly “American” triumph. More By and About This Author. Loved this book. Another epic story from Oates, but I really lost interest in it halfway though. The descriptions aren't boring, the story goes smoothly and the characters are 3D. “The danger of motherhood. Preview — The Gravedigger's Daughter by Joyce Carol Oates. Unable to add item to List. A gravedigger leaves only one request in his will - that one of his sons take on his … Refresh and try again. One afternoon in September 1959 a young woman factory worker was walking home on the towpath of the Erie Barge Canal, east of … I was somewhat expecting a novel about pity and unfair treatment. The Gravedigger’s Daughter is a 2007 novel by American author Joyce Carol Oates, based loosely on the life of her grandmother and maternal grandfather, the latter who attacked his wife, threatened Oates’ grandmother, then killed himself. Featured In. Oates explained that she decided to write about her family only after her parents died (in 2000 and 2003), adding that her "family history was filled with pockets of silence. It is a tribute to the author's ability that I kept reading at all. After this book I want to read everything Joyce Carol Oates has ever written. It is a bit more linear than some of her other work, but she does like to float back and forth in time. The story captures her youth as a child, along with her Je So, I read some of the reviews prior to listening to this story and was almost tempted to bypass this novel. ARTIST. Particularly if you have read other of her works, you will likely enjoy the story. She can surely write. The head gravedigger at New Delhi’s largest Muslim cemetery, where 1,000 people have been buried during the pandemic, said more bodies are arriving now than last year. . The novel was based on the life of Oates's grandmother, whose father, a gravedigger settled in rural America, injured his wife, threatened his daughter, and then committed suicide. Music Video. Apparently I didn't learn my lesson with "We Were the Mulvaneys." It's pretty well guaranteed his or her like is going to suck. This book, though, like some others she has written, left me with a hole. I tried reading it from the library, but other priorities got in the way. To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number. It also explores the unjust relationship between a man and a woman, particularly when sexism was at its peak, in the 1905’s. It's the second thing I've read by this author, who seems to be really well-appreciated by the world, but I am still ambivalent about her work. And tremulous. In many ways, this is a coming-of-age story because we get to hear about Rebecca's life from she's an infant till she's a grown woman. If you could remember forward, you could save yourself...”, Macavity Award Nominee for Sue Feder Historical Mystery (2008), National Book Critics Circle Award Nominee for Fiction (2007), Eoin Colfer Talks Boozy Dragons and the 'Artemis Fowl' Movie. Embarking upon an extraordinary odyssey of erotic risk and ingenious self-invention, she seeks renewal, redemption, and peace—on the road to a bittersweet and distinctly “American” triumph. I have four books out there, yet I’m no author, which I rediscover each time I read anything Joyce Carol Oates writes, most especially The Gravedigger’s Daughter. I had to do a lot of imagining." Embarking upon an extraordinary odyssey of erotic risk and ingenious self-invention, she seeks renewal, redemption, and peace--on the road to a bittersweet and distinctly “American” triumph. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in. Please try your request again later. Review: The Gravedigger’s Daughter by Joyce Carol Oates. Something went wrong. Artemis Fowl Elena Yeung Country. I enjoyed the book, and there are some powerful and shocking episodes, covering the life of the protagonist (from the title) through childhood and into late middle age, running from her demons (including echoes of Nazi Germany), and reinventing herself along the way, with some success. Pseudonyms ... “The danger of motherhood. Here the father—a former high school teacher—is demeaned by the only job he can get: gravedigger and cemetery caretaker. Chautauqua Falls, New York . ― Joyce Carol Oates, The Gravedigger's Daughter. I can even understand why the brothers were never found. The Gravedigger's Daughter by Joyce Carol Oates. We Were the Mulvaneys (Oprah's Book Club), High Lonesome: New and Selected Stories 1966-2006, Because It Is Bitter, and Because It Is My Heart. Intrigued to read other Oates' books. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 12, 2013, I read lots of books and although I have a Kindle I must admit to prefering the real thing. Like. Still love how she uses words and writes accents within the story that paints a picture of being there. When local prejudice and the family's own emotional frailty give rise to an unthinkable tragedy, the gravedigger's daughter, Rebecca heads out into America. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published Her brothers stalk her, a murderer (Byron Hendricks) stalks … I guess I liked this book, but reading it once is plenty for me. There is not a lot happening here, but at the same time, a lot takes place. So, I read some of the reviews prior to listening to this story and was almost tempted to bypass this novel. I see … Top subscription boxes – right to your door, © 1996-2021, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. When local prejudice and the family's own emotional frailty give rise to an unthinkable tragedy, the gravedigger's daughter, Rebecca heads out into America. It was a very good read. The unpleasant feeling of reading about all this anger, together with the deft anxiety-inducing plot, made me read fast, fast, fast, barely skimming some sections. There are some interesting things about immigration, and maybe gender, the holocaust... A wonderful multi-layered novel of penetrating psychological insight and human understanding from a master. IF YOU LIKE A GREAT READ THEN YOU WILL ENJOY THIS BOOK BUT WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE ENDING???????????? There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Joyce Carol Oates is a recipient of the National Medal of Humanities, the National Book Critics Circle Ivan Sandrof Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Book Award, and the PEN/Malamud Award for Excellence in Short Fiction, and has been several times nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. I found myself immediately immersed in Rebecca's life; it's portrayal of the life of immigrants and outsiders and what that means for their children. To be honest this book was not quite my thing, and I lost interest fairly soon, but I can see that others, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 18, 2016, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 20, 2010. About the immigrant experience. If there were six or seven stars to give them to this book, I would think that not enough! Here the father—a former high school teacher—is demeaned by the only job he can get: gravedigger and cemetery caretaker. Irish author Eoin Colfer is best known for his wildly popular middle grade series PLAY FULL SONG. Her ability to characterize leaves me tearing up my fiction and scurrying off to try my hand at poetry or perhaps an essay – anything that doesn’t involve trying to create characters that always fall flat if I read any single line from a book Oates writes. Hope you enjoy it. Sign-in or Try it free for 3 months. The Gravedigger's Daughter summary: The Gravedigger's Daughter summary is updating. Here's a dare. Contributing to her sense of how her characters operate is Oates’ skill with the technical details that fill in appropriate backgrounds of her characters. Dark story from the inimitable Joyce Carol Oates, Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2015. Overall I would recommend the book. Another Excellent book by a master storyteller. Daughter who lost dad to COVID-19 urges Ontario to close workplaces in outbreak across province. About family, battered women and their husbands. She is very prolific, though- it could be that I'm just reading the wrong things. Get up to 3 months free. Share. Joyce Carol Oates is at once one of my favorite authors and also a challenge to read! To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. The Gravedigger's Daughter ~*~Prologue~*~ When I look in the mirror every morning, I hate myself. There is also a few twists that you don't see coming which just jolt the reader, but are not cliché . I'd never read anything by Joyce Carol Oates, although a friend recommended her books. One letter reads as follows: The first half of this novel was so angry, practically dripping with Jacob Schwart's spittle-rage and Tignor's controlling misogyny! There were several unresolved issues in the book. This one is about a woman who has a really hard childhood and young adulthood and gets a lot of abuse, and then she goes on. If you are an optimistic reader, feel free to imagine that happy scene and the happy life of married-with-children Zack. IT IS CERTAINLY DIFFERENT BUT OH BOY A BRILLIANT STORY TO KEEP YOU READING FROM COVER TO COVER. Anyone that I have encouraged to read this book all tell me how much they enjoyed the story. She is the Roger S. Berlind Distinguished Professor of the Humanities at Princeton University, and she has been a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters since 1978. It is a tribute to the author's ability that I kept reading at all. When I reached for my first book by Joyce Carol Oates, The Gravedigger's Daughter, I must admit I was expecting a somewhat sugar-coated and sweetened novel about a poor little girl, daughter of refugees from pre-war Germany, who grows up being mocked and bullied by her peers. The reader witnesses Rebecca's trials of youth, her struggles to escape an abusive. The Gravedigger's Daughter. I can understand why some of the issues were unresolved, such as Rebecca's parents' stories and backgrounds in Germany. I love her style and while the story is quite graphic in its violence and abuse, it was not gratuitous, but necessary, handled well. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. An interesting story of tragic loss and reinvention, Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2014. She has killer lines, which she often uses as repetitive phrases or tropes effectively throughout the book. The Gravedigger's Daughter Quotes Showing 1-12 of 12. Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. She is the Roger S. Berlind Distinguished Professor of the Humanities at Princeton University and has been a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters since 1978. It was very well-written, but I just could not handle how ungodly depressing it was. It is easy to get into but also easy to fall right back out of- I guess that's what I will say. Rebecca's final triumph is something that should be joyful, and is, but also includes a note of sadness. The reader witnesses Rebecca's trials of youth, her struggles to escape an abusive relationship to save herself and her son, and her attempts to eradicate her past and create a new life for herself. Probably it was the book cover that added a lot in forming this wrong expectation of mine. I don't know where to start, so I'll just list the major problems: a bloated and disjointed narrative, overwrought prose, and a nonsensical epilogue. ISBN-13: 9780061236839 Summary In 1936 the Schwarts, an immigrant family desperate to escape Nazi Germany, settle in a small town in upstate New York, where the father, a former high school teacher, is demeaned by the only job he can get: gravedigger and cemetery caretaker. An interesting, if overlong text (at 582 pages) with some potent writing, and with Oates' trademark density (in a good way) and depth. Please try again. Over all, if you are a fan of JCO's work, you will find this a satisfying read. Good times... A character's worst fear should be to appear in a Joyce Carol Oates novel. Start by marking “The Gravedigger's Daughter” as Want to Read: Error rating book. It was a story of an immigrant family escaping Germany in a refuge boat sailing into New York Harbor in 1936. tags: children , motherhood , parenting. The cousin was a holocaust survivor and in her letter makes some vague references to the holocaust. Oates' story of Rebecca, who has suffered great family loss, and who, via a random encounter, reinvents herself, is interesting if not enjoyable. In the final pages we read letters from a cousin of the main character. After local prejudice and the family's own emotional frailty result in unspeakable tragedy, the gravedigger's daughter, Rebecca, begins her astonishing pilgrimage into America, an odyssey of erotic risk and imaginative daring, ingenious self-invention, and, in the end, a bittersweet—but very "American"—triumph. This was obviously a very beautiful book, coming from Joyce Carol Oates. I've always held the opinion that looks are over-rated and I stopped caring about mine a long time ago. Top Songs By Elena Yeung. So now that I have more time to read, I ordered this book right away. It also examines how well we know each other, even in our most intimate relationships. And melancholy. Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video! Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2013. It is easy to get into but also easy to fall right back out of- I guess that's what I will say.