Because It Is Bitter, and Because It Is My Heart by

Joyce Carol Oates crafts a powerful tale of love, violence, and racial tension in mid-century New York. Iris Courtney, a white woman, becomes the sole witness to a brutal act committed by Jinx Fairchild, a black basketball player, to protect her. Their shared secret and the intense bond formed from the tragedy shape their destinies in ways neither could have imagined. This National Book Award Finalist is a masterpiece of contemporary realism, exploring themes of passion, guilt, and the irreversible consequences of a single moment. The novel delves deep into the complexities of interracial relationships and the societal pressures that surround them. Oates' vivid prose and unflinching portrayal of the characters' emotions make this a compelling and thought-provoking read. The story is not just about the characters' personal journeys but also a reflection of the broader societal issues of the time.

Reviews

An Opinion or Two · 2020-06-24

powerful 4.00

The story is powerful and moving, focusing on themes of unfulfillment, longing, and isolation. The connection between the characters is highlighted as a central element.

The reviewer at An Opinion or Two finds 'Because It Is Bitter, and Because It Is My Heart' to be a deeply emotional and powerful story. They appreciate the exploration of unfulfillment, longing, and isolation, which are central themes in the novel. The reviewer highlights the connection between Iris and Jinx as a compelling aspect of the story, making it a moving and impactful read. They believe the novel effectively captures the complexities of human relationships and the emotions that drive them.

Quick quotes

It's a powerful and moving story of unfulfillment, longing and isolation.

Iris and Jinx are connected by their secret and by an unspoken love.

The novel effectively captures the raw emotions and complexities of human relationships.

Celestial Timepiece · 2016-01-24

enthralling 4.50

The novel is described as tragic and enthralling, highlighting it as one of Joyce Carol Oates's most significant achievements. The reviewer praises its depth and emotional impact.

The reviewer at Celestial Timepiece finds 'Because It Is Bitter, and Because It Is My Heart' to be a deeply moving and tragic story that captures the essence of human emotion. They believe it stands out as one of Oates's most significant works, with a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged. The reviewer appreciates the intricate exploration of love and violence, making it a standout novel in Oates's body of work. They highlight the novel's ability to evoke strong emotions and its profound impact on the reader.

Quick quotes

Tragic and enthralling, Because It Is Bitter, and Because It Is My Heart is one of Joyce Carol Oates's most significant achievements.

The novel captures the raw and unfiltered emotions of its characters, making it a powerful read.

Oates's writing is masterful, drawing the reader into a world of love, violence, and longing.

HappyYBrown · 2013-12-23

spectacular 3.50

The writing is spectacular, carrying the reader through the story like a river. However, the plot sometimes feels rambling and less engaging.

The reviewer at HappyYBrown appreciates Joyce Carol Oates's spectacular writing, which they describe as carrying the reader through the story effortlessly. They find the prose to be one of the novel's strongest assets. However, they note that the plot can feel rambling at times, which detracts from the overall engagement. Despite this, they understand the draw of the novel and its ability to captivate readers with its emotional depth and intricate storytelling.

Quick quotes

While the plot seemed to ramble at times, Oates' writing was spectacular.

Her sentences carry the reader like a river out into the open sea.

I understood the draw. Her writing is compelling and emotionally resonant.

Appears in Lists

Penguin Random House's Favorite Joyce Carol Oates Books