The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror by Joyce Carol OatesMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Doll-Master and other Tales of Terror is a dark exploration into the depths of psychological terror. Author Joyce Carol Oates doesn’t skimp on the horror; she just doesn’t need to spell it all out. There isn’t much blood and guts in these stories, but they stay with the reader regardless.
The titular story The Doll Master follows a young man whose cousin dies of childhood leukemia. His response is to steal her favorite doll, and then begin collecting other “dolls” from around his neighborhood.
Soldier is the weakest and least memorable of all the stories. Perhaps it was the subject matter that I found repelling. Alternatively, perhaps I just couldn’t connect with the protagonist.
Gun Accident forces a young girl to make some devastating choices.
Big Momma explores the concepts of friendship and alienation and how things aren’t always what they seem.
Equatorial is classic paranoia in an exotic setting. However, just because you are paranoid, it doesn’t mean they aren’t out to get you.
Mystery, Inc was my favorite story of all. Maybe it was the setting. Maybe the characters. Maybe the twist at the end.
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