Finally, this captivating gothic tale has returned to print in a beautiful paperback edition. It tells the story of a nineteenth-century immigrant family of confidence artists. The Licht family patriarch, Abraham, has raised a group of talented con artists, his children molded in his image and experts in what he calls "The Game," which is both his calling and philosophy of life. They travel from one small town to another across the continent, from the Northeast to the frontier West, skillfully swindling unsuspecting victims by playing on their greed, lust, pride, and small-mindedness. However, despite their success, Abraham cannot escape the past that haunts him. The ghost of his ancestor Sarah Licht, a former con woman who met a gruesome fate, constantly lingers. As Abraham involves his family in increasingly complex and elaborate schemes, he finds himself trapped between the specter of Sarah and the growing terrors of his present. His carefully constructed lies and schemes start to crumble and fall apart before his eyes, and he realizes that the bond of family is as fragile and dangerous as the tricks he plays on unsuspecting strangers.

Oh, I do love Joyce Carol Oates!

Her works are truly captivating and have a unique charm that keeps me coming back for more.

This particular piece is probably one of my absolute favorites.

The way she weaves words together to create vivid images and complex characters is simply remarkable.

Every sentence seems to be carefully crafted, drawing the reader in and making them feel as if they are a part of the story.

I find myself completely immersed in the world she has created, unable to put the book down until I've reached the very end.

Joyce Carol Oates is truly a master of her craft, and I can't wait to explore more of her works in the future.

This is an extremely compelling story that delves into the lives of a family of con artists and explores the consequences that befall them as they become embroiled in the patriarch's "Game."

I truly found this story to be captivating, and I became deeply invested in the Licht family's numerous schemes and plots. The family ties and bonds were the elements that made the story most fascinating. Witnessing how each of the children fared while under their father's influence sometimes brought a sense of sadness.

There was a palpable emotion in this story that I could clearly sense on the page, and it exhibited the familiar JCO writing style that I have grown accustomed to. I developed attachments to certain characters and members of the Licht family.

The concept of this novel was by far my favorite aspect - a family of master manipulators, actors, con artists, and scammers who had been carrying out schemes for years. Initially, they presented a united front, but ultimately, each member of the family embarked on their own individual path, whether for better or worse.

I still have several more JCO novels on my shelf waiting to be read, but out of the ones I've read thus far, this one ranks highly!

A truly captivating tale unfolds about a family of con artists during the turn of the century. Some are willingly involved in the art of deception, while others initially resist but eventually succumb. Joyce Carol Oates (JCO) demonstrates remarkable prowess in crafting fully developed characters. Even when these characters are less than endearing, one can still fathom their motives and the reasons behind their actions. She is clearly not a "magical realist" writer, yet her stories do seem to inhabit an idealized realm in certain aspects, which I find appealing. The people she portrays remain realistic, yet they are somehow enhanced (or perhaps worsened, depending on the perspective).

JCO's ability to create such complex and believable characters is a testament to her skill as a writer. The story of this family of con artists is filled with twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. It explores the themes of morality, choice, and the lengths people will go to in order to survive or achieve their goals. Whether we like the characters or not, we are drawn into their world and compelled to follow their journey.

Overall, this is a fascinating and engaging read that showcases JCO's unique talent for storytelling. Her ability to create a world that is both realistic and idealized is a rare gift, and it makes for a truly unforgettable reading experience.

The literary excellence that Oates brings to the table every time is truly remarkable. In this sprawling, persistent, and always interesting examination of personality, character, identity, and family trust, her talent shines through. The story delves deep into the complex and often flawed nature of human beings, exploring the various aspects that make up our individuality.

It is also a bit of a satire on a certain subset of the American population, highlighting their foibles and pretensions. At the same time, it is a bold examination of the American Dream turning sour. The characters in the story are chasing after their own versions of success and happiness, but often find themselves disappointed and disillusioned.

Overall, this is a thought-provoking and engaging read that showcases Oates' skill as a writer. Her ability to create vivid characters and tell a compelling story is on full display, making this a must-read for fans of literary fiction.

Wow. This book. This. Book.

This book is truly AMAZING. However, I wouldn't recommend it to just anyone. I wouldn't simply say, "You should read this." The reason being that it is a difficult read. It is thick with a unique stylistic goo that can be both delicious at times and overwhelming at others. Moreover, it is a dark story. The title is very fitting. This narrative is raw and beautiful, with so many layers. It takes a toll on the spirit, is a bit of a strain on the eyes (indeed, it is perhaps a little too long), and challenges the brain. At times, I physically squirmed, and I'm told my brow was often furrowed. But, if you're in a masochistic mood, then by all means give it a go.

I could have done with a little more light in the story (have some mercy, JCO... show a bit of kindness to your characters and readers alike), and perhaps a quarter fewer pages. That's why I'm giving it 4 stars. It's still an amazing work.

Holy shit, someone please hand me the latest chick lit bestseller. I really need to unwind and decompress.

3 stars

This was, at its core, a truly captivating book that delved deep into the theme of identity. Abraham Licht, the central character, had the audacity to change not only his own identity but also that of his children in the blink of an eye, all in an attempt to con whomever he could. It was a rather astonishing and somewhat disturbing concept.

Interestingly, the only individuals who seemed to know themselves well enough to stay true to their real selves were the children who weren't suited to "the game." Their unwavering sense of self was both admirable and refreshing in the midst of all the deception.

The absolute best part of the book, without a doubt, was eagerly anticipating what devious schemes they would come up with next and how long they could manage to play them out. It kept the reader on the edge of their seat, constantly guessing and wondering what would happen next. It was a thrilling and engaging read that left a lasting impression.

I can't provide a proper synopsis as I read this book several years ago. Nevertheless, it remains my all-time favorite. I admit that the initial few chapters are rather difficult to endure as they appear disjointed. To everyone I've recommended it to, I've advised them to simply persevere until chapter 5, and they will be captivated. It was such a vast and epic novel, and the complexities of all the family members were astonishing. What a wonderful book! It truly ought to be on the required reading lists. If not in high school, then surely in college courses!

One of the first books I read by JCO was truly remarkable.

What I appreciate about her is that every single one of her books is captivating.

Not only are they well-written, but they also have a certain allure that keeps you hooked from the beginning to the end.

Sometimes, her works take on a dark and disturbing tone, which can be quite intense.

However, this darkness and disturbing nature only add to the depth and complexity of her stories.

JCO is indeed a great artist, capable of creating works that leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Her unique style and ability to explore the darker side of human nature make her books a must-read for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking literature.

I look forward to reading more of her works in the future and uncovering the hidden gems that lie within each page.

During the first chapter, I started to have doubts about whether to keep reading or not.

The author just rambles on and on and on. It takes a whopping 22 pages to describe the setting, which is a horse race, and the people attending, all in excruciatingly verbose detail.

Then, when she spends six long paragraphs describing a swamp and uses the same words over and over again - a place where this, a place where that, a place where they - it almost makes you want to scream, "Oh come on! Enough is enough!"

She seems to be completely in love with repetition throughout the entire book, hitting you over the head with ridiculous, repetitive details.

Hey Joyce, look up the word succinct, learn it, live it, and use it PLEASE!

The story itself has its interesting aspects, but it often gets lost in the sauce of wordy details.

The book is a hefty 607 pages, and it would have been much more enjoyable if she had cut at least 200 pages of repetition and details.

I'm not even sure if I'll bother finishing it. I've frequently thrown it aside and said, "Oh for goodness sake, put a cork in it and get to the point!"

Overall, I'm not impressed.

I don't have a great deal of profound thoughts regarding this book as it wasn't a profound one. It is纯粹地 for the sake of telling a story with its plot and character building, and I thoroughly relished it.

I was fond of the swampy mysticism, the close-knit yet dysfunctional family, and the creative way of introducing characters through cons. Overall, I simply really liked it.

However, the ending definitely gave the impression of being a letdown considering all the buildup of family strife, near-Biblical mythology, and criminal misadventures. I do wish there had been more excitement and drama at the finale.

I will add one more caveat and state that I concur with other book club members that the racial aspects of this novel are not always dealt with carefully. But there is no real malevolence on the part of JCO. Instead, it seems she might have rather freely slipped into using stereotypical Black stories and experiences, considering that this is purely a work of entertainment and doesn't have anything significant to convey on these subjects.

It's important to note that while the book has its enjoyable aspects, these areas of concern should also be taken into account when evaluating it.

This book is definitely amazing.

It has the power to transport you to different worlds and introduce you to a plethora of unique characters. The storylines are captivating, filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

The author's writing style is engaging, making it easy for you to get lost in the pages. Whether you're a fan of fiction or non-fiction, this book has something for everyone.

It's not just a book, but an experience that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. So, if you're looking for a good read, look no further than this amazing book.