Rape: A Love Story

Rape: A Love Story by Joyce Carol Oates

2004

Weight: 6 oz

Method of Disposal:  Not sure?

I admit it.  I gave into the name.  I wanted to resist.  I knew I was being played—and easily—but I could not stop myself from walking right into the trap.  I saw it on a table next to other books.  I wondered, can the story possibly live up to that title?  I thought about being told never to write about rape in fiction.  Maybe Oates could pull it off or maybe she is why none of us should.  I thought about being raped and being loved.  I read it right away, and though I was not surprised, I was disappointed.  The book felt rushed and incomplete.  I think I have felt that way about Oates’ novels several times.  So sad.

I think I will write my own Rape: A Love Story just to see if it can be done.  I will have to call it something else of course.  Perhaps I will share it here when I am done.