The Corn Maiden and Other Nightmares
| Company type | Publishing company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Products | Books |
The Corn Maiden and Other Nightmares is a 2011 anthology of short fiction, including the eponymous novella, authored by Joyce Carol Oates and released by Mysterious Press. This compilation comprises stories crafted over a span of fifteen years.
Synopsis
Within this collection are tales such as "The Corn Maiden," "Beersheba," "Nobody Knows My Name," "Fossil-Figures," "Death-Cup," "Helping Hands," and "A Hole in the Head." The narratives explore themes like psychological conflict and sibling rivalry, featuring plots that vary from adolescent girls conspiring to sacrifice a peer in "The Corn Maiden" to the encounter between a widow and a second-hand shop worker in "Helping Hands."
Reception
The critical reception for The Corn Maiden and Other Nightmares has been largely favorable. Kirkus Reviews characterized it as "nightmarish," while Publishers Weekly acknowledged Oates as a distinguished figure in psychological suspense, although they noted that audiobook performer Christine Williams exhibited limited emotional depth. Both the Star Tribune and Bookreporter offered commendations, with Bookreporter particularly highlighting the strong sense of unease permeating the stories.