I have a penchant for fiction that delves into the relationships between women. This particular piece truly struck a chord with me on a literary level.

In certain aspects, it is an extremely intense and dark, brooding narrative. It didn't neatly resolve all the loose ends for me, but then again, often the finest stories don't. Joyce Carol Oates (JCO) most definitely lured me in. Even though I didn't truly have an affinity for her characters, I found myself completely unable to put the book down.

The exploration of the complex dynamics between the female characters was both fascinating and captivating. It made me question and analyze the various emotions and motives at play. Despite the lack of a tidy conclusion, the story left a lasting impression on me, making me reflect on the nature of relationships and the human psyche.

Overall, this work of fiction was a compelling read that kept me engaged from start to finish, even if it didn't meet all of my expectations in terms of resolution.

What an odd book this was!

It was interesting, and yet it was so incredibly hard to decipher.

This book presents a very dark treatment of friendship and its perils.

But here's the question: what's the point? Or perhaps, is there even a point at all?

A significant portion of the action takes place within Monica's mind or in her internal reactions to external events.

Rather than having a traditional plot that deals with a plethora of external occurrences, the story seems to focus more on Monica's inner world.

This unique approach makes the book both fascinating and challenging to understand.

It forces the reader to dig deeper and try to uncover the hidden meanings and themes that lie beneath the surface.

Overall, this is a book that will leave you with a lot to think about long after you've finished reading it.

There is no doubt that Joyce Carol Oates is a masterful writer. However, this does not mean that all of her novels must receive the highest score in terms of my personal taste.

In fact, this one seems to convey very well the atmosphere of oppression and the idea of obsessive relationships, but I rate it three stars. Needless to say, the ending did not please me too much, although it must be recognized that it is perfect in the context.

Perhaps it is because my expectations were too high, or maybe I simply did not connect with this particular story on a deeper level. Nevertheless, I still appreciate Oates' talent and the effort she puts into her work.

I look forward to reading more of her novels in the future and seeing how she continues to evolve as a writer.

Joyce Carol Oates must have truly experienced this type of relationship in her life to capture the essence of it so completely.

It seems as if she has lived through all the emotions and nuances that come with such a connection.

As someone who has "been there and done that", I can relate to the themes explored in the novel.

This work has helped me to understand that "letting go" is indeed the most healthy response for both people involved.

If not, we may find ourselves in a situation where we are friends "til one of us dies", which might not be the most fulfilling or beneficial outcome.

The novel serves as a reminder that sometimes, in order to move forward and grow, we need to have the courage to release those relationships that are no longer serving us.

It is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that makes us reflect on our own relationships and the choices we make.

Overall, it has been a valuable and eye-opening experience to read this novel and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of "letting go".