Joyce Carol Oates: The Frenzy

12 hours ago 5

The Frenzy (published March 16th, 2025 in the New Yorker) was by far my favorite short story written by JCO (even surpassing The Bicycle Accident). It was such an immersive read, especially from the perspective of Cassidy (the abuser / cheater / weird older man dating a young women). The climax and ending had me in shock--applause & satisfaction for Brianna and hollow pity and contempt (for lack of a better word) for Cassidy. I know JCO is a prolific writer and hard to keep up with, but I imagine this work will be highly anthologized in the future and it is by far my favorite! The writing was flowy and almost stream of conscious intertwined with the present narration. The ending was a satisfactory blow and ended so well. No words can describe the feeling of pleasure, trepidation, and shock by the ending.

SOO compelling 100% recommend. Tell me your thoughts if you read! Or, on any other JCO short stories.

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