The interesting aspect of Solstice lies in how the obsessive relationship between the two characters compels us to question whether their true feelings for each other are pure or rather darker and (sexually) tense.

What are the motives that draw them both into this relationship? What do they strive for, project, and hide?

If I didn't yearn for something less cerebral and more emotionally driven, I would undoubtedly adore this book for the depth of its psychological structure and development. However, I still regard it as a rather interesting option.

Perhaps the characters are seeking a sense of connection and belonging that they haven't found elsewhere. They might project their own insecurities and desires onto each other, while simultaneously concealing their true selves out of fear of rejection or vulnerability.

The complex web of emotions and motives in Solstice makes it a captivating read, even for those who prefer a more sentimental approach.

\\"You shouldn't have done this—you shouldn't have doubted me—we'll be friends for a long, long time\\", she says, \\"—unless one of us dies.\\"

What could be more captivating than an erotically-charged, near-fatal obsession that blossoms between a demure, highly proper English teacher and the mysterious painter and horserider extraordinaire who lives a reclusive life in her big mansion just a few miles away? As it turns out, very few things.

Joyce Carol Oates' heroines are typically multi-layered, bitterly resilient, and not entirely likeable, and this book is no different. The never-ending, labyrinthine power struggle between Sheila and Monica is both unnerving and fascinating, and at times, grimly funny.

I have perused several of Mrs Oates' books, and I firmly believe this one to be my favorite. It is shorter than her most renowned novels, yet it leaves an impression that is just as intense and indelible. I usually flit from one book to another and read multiple books simultaneously (as per Virginia Woolf, there is no superior way to read), but I devoured this one in a mere three days. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to readers of Margaret Atwood, Carmen Maria Machado, or simply to those who have a penchant for Rebecca.

This was Joyce Carol Oates’s 15th novel.

I am gradually making my way through the novels of hers that I have missed since I began reading her works. Altogether, I have read 29 of her books, and I have never been disappointed.

Most often, this remarkable author is ridiculed for her productivity, as if it were impossible for her to write so many books and have them all be of value. However, I am a committed fan because throughout her long career, she has continuously delved into the depths of American life, both historically and psychologically. She lives to write!

Solstice is shorter compared to many of her novels, but it still managed to touch my heart and soul. Monica Jensen, who is recently divorced, now has a job teaching at a private high school for boys. She meets Sheila Trask, an eccentric artist who resides in the small Pennsylvania town. They quickly become friends, yet their relationship is filled with turmoil.

Monica lacks a distinct personality, while Sheila has an excess of it. Monica is as ordinary as a woman could be in the 1980s, and Sheila is as strange as a woman could be in that decade. In the secluded worlds of private schools and art, they do not conform to the typical portrayal of that era in movies and fiction. Nevertheless, they both experience personal pain. Monica’s failed marriage has left her feeling insecure, and Sheila’s deceased husband was a world-famous sculptor, in whose shadow she lived. Now, her dominant personality and restless desires have made her an infamous figure in the town.

The psychology of the story is its most powerful aspect, reminiscent of P K Dick, Shirley Jackson, and even Stephen King. The horror of what these two women do at times made me feel uneasy, but Joyce Carol Oates’s books are never for the faint of heart. Some readers and critics may argue that the novel is excessive, while others may claim it is lacking. I, however, believe it is brilliant.

I recently discovered this book on Bookoutlet.

I'm well aware that Joyce Carol Oates is extremely popular, and both the cover and the title, especially the cover, really piqued my interest, so I decided to pick it up.

It's a relatively small book, but it's not a quick read. The first three-fourths of the book follow a relatively traditional narrative style, although it has a unique, somewhat distant and indirect third-person limited perspective. However, the last quarter of the book breaks down as one of the characters also breaks down.

Obviously, this is an example of form following content. It's clear that this book is well-crafted, and as a writer and critic myself, I can see and appreciate what the author has done. I can say, "Ah, I understand what you did there, JCO!"

But as a reader, I'm left feeling angry. I渴望更多的解决方案，更多的事实。甚至我不需要解决方案，但我非常需要一些明确性！我越来越觉得短篇小说是作家的归宿，因为（我觉得）短篇小说更注重技巧和手法，而不是人物和故事……对我来说，小说更多地是关于情节，更多地是关于触动心灵，而不是大脑。

不幸的是，这本小说一开始感觉还不错，但后来感觉就像一篇过长的短篇小说。我还会读更多JCO的作品吗？可能会。我会再读这本吗？可能不会，尽管它的封面非常漂亮。

4/5 stars

This is yet another remarkable novel penned by the talented Joyce Carol Oates.

The story offers a fascinating exploration of the evolving relationship between Monica and Sheila. It is truly captivating to witness how their connection develops over time. At the outset, it begins as a beautiful and fulfilling friendship. However, as the narrative progresses, it gradually takes a turn and becomes toxic for both of them.

Overall, this novel presents an intriguing perspective on the growth of a friendship between two women. It showcases the delicate balance that exists within such relationships and how easily things can shift from being positive and nourishing to harmful and destructive. Joyce Carol Oates has once again demonstrated her prowess in crafting complex and engaging stories that leave a lasting impact on the reader.

Of what value was a novel if one couldn’t live through it? 72

This thought-provoking question makes us wonder about the true essence and significance of reading a novel. A novel has the power to transport us to different worlds, introduce us to diverse characters, and make us experience a range of emotions. It allows us to step out of our own lives and temporarily inhabit the lives of others.

Very likely Sheila simply forgot, as the wisest and most practical of all procedures. 499

Sheila might have overlooked the importance of fully immersing oneself in a novel. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to forget the value of taking the time to truly engage with a book. We often rush through our reading, skimming the pages without really absorbing the details and the emotions. However, if we approach a novel with an open mind and a willingness to be fully present, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

By living through a novel, we can learn about different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. We can empathize with the characters and their struggles, and in doing so, expand our own capacity for compassion and understanding. A novel can also inspire us, challenge our beliefs, and make us think differently about the world. It has the potential to be a life-changing experience if we allow it to be.

So, the next time you pick up a novel, remember the value of living through it. Slow down, savor the words, and let yourself be carried away by the story. You might be surprised at what you discover.

This is a 3.5 stars for me.

It's not that this isn't a really good book. In fact, it has many merits. The writing is engaging, and the story has its moments.

However, I have very high expectations of Ms. Oates. She is a highly regarded author, and I have come to expect nothing but the best from her.

So far, "We Were the Mulvaneys" is the stand out by far. It is a masterpiece that showcases her talent and skill as a writer.

This book, while good, doesn't quite reach the same level. It may be a personal preference, but for me, it just didn't have that extra something that would make it a 4 or 5 star book.

Nevertheless, it is still worth reading, and I would recommend it to others who enjoy Ms. Oates' work or are looking for a good story.

During my self-quarantine, I listened to Solstice. I find that I don't have a great deal to contribute to what the other reviewers have already said about it. The friendship depicted in the story seems to lack credibility, and the narrative meanders quite a bit. It often feels as if the plot is going nowhere in particular.

The nicest thing I can truly say about Solstice is that the reader did an excellent job. Her performance was so engaging that it made me keep listening, despite the fact that I personally thought the novel itself was rather awful. She managed to bring some life to the otherwise lackluster story through her voice and delivery.

Overall, while the novel Solstice may not have been to my taste in terms of its content, the reader's efforts did make the listening experience somewhat bearable. It just goes to show how important a good reader can be in enhancing a not-so-great book.

This was a truly painful read, yet I could clearly perceive the intense dynamic that existed between the two lead characters, Sheila and Monica.

Sheila leads a life that is full of color and excitement, coming what may. On the other hand, Monica seems to be content with whatever hardships or crap life throws at her.

When they first met, there was an instant attraction. Despite having nothing in common except being single and living in the same area, they were like polar magnets, rarely apart.

The title "Solstice" left me wondering. Was it because of the Winter and Summer they represent, or perhaps the extreme ups and downs of the lives they lead? (Or maybe they both have Bipolar disorder? I guess I'll never know as I'm not a shrink.)

I think the sickness represented in the story was the author's indirect way of showing that Monica is deeply, perhaps even obsessively, in love with Sheila. With the thought of Sheila slipping away from her, Monica found no reason or will to live any longer. This, along with other things, piled up in her psyche.

They could have at least dealt with their lingering feelings in a healthy way (though that rarely happens), instead of succumbing to sickness and angst. Why was it necessary to include a 'rape' scenario just to lead her into 'confessing'? *Yeah, whatever that meant about being friends till one of us dies.

Overall, I give it 3.5 stars for the suffocating lesbian subtext.

Eh.

Surprisingly, it is not as haunting or as toxic as I initially thought it would be.

I had expected something truly disturbing and harmful, but upon closer inspection, it turns out to be rather different.

Perhaps my initial expectations were set too high, or maybe I misjudged the situation.

Nevertheless, it is a relief to find that it is not as bad as I feared.

This realization makes me wonder if I should be more cautious in my future judgments and not jump to conclusions too quickly.

Sometimes, things may not be as they seem at first glance, and it is important to take the time to truly understand them before making any assumptions.

Overall, this experience has taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of keeping an open mind and being willing to change my perspective.

**Original Article**: This is a short article. It needs to be rewritten and expanded.

**Expanded Article**:

This is a rather short article.

It is in need of being rewritten and expanded to provide more detailed information and a more comprehensive understanding.

Perhaps we can add more examples, clarify certain points, or offer additional perspectives.

By doing so, the article will become more engaging and valuable to the readers.

It could also help to enhance the overall quality and impact of the piece.

So, let's get started on this task of rewriting and expanding the article to make it a more fulfilling read.

This well-written yet challenging story of obsession presents a simple plot that delves into the acrid intricacies of attraction and the sweet facets of repulsion.

The characters and settings in the book are realistic, yet the plot has a gothic flavor, reminiscent of the obsessive characters in Poe.

It encompasses themes such as academia, art, lesbianism, and rape, all of which contribute to a highly interesting narrative. However, it is told in a deliberately disjointed manner, making it at times difficult to follow.

The secondary characters are not developed sufficiently to serve as effective foils for the main characters. Perhaps this indicates that for the two main protagonists, the others scarcely exist.

Joyce Carol Oates writes about complex human relationships with a deeper understanding than many psychologists, and she does so in a poetically captivating way.

Although this book was not my personal favorite among hers, it undoubtedly contains elements that I found remarkable, specifically the vividly描绘的 aspects of obsession and the power that the beloved wields over the lover.