Life This Side Of Darkness (Press, 12 February 1977)

The review discusses "The Poisoned Kiss and Other Stories from the Portuguese," a collection of tales by Joyce Carol Oates published by Golancz in 1977. Oates introduces an intriguing concept in her "Afterword," explaining that she felt possessed by a foreign literary presence, which she refers to as "Fernandes." This alter ego inspired her to create a series of narratives markedly different from her previous work, set in what she describes as “Portugal.” This narrative origin may be perceived as a fictional device, echoing literary figures like Borges and Nabokov, and it helps to frame the distinctive tone of the stories. The stories evoke a dark, medieval atmosphere filled with themes of violence, mystery, and the supernatural, diverging sharply from Oates's usual American setting. They explore the irrational aspects of human existence, incorporating elements of miracles and superstitions that blend with dreams and obsessions. Many tales are concise, creating vivid imagery that captures the inexplicable nature of life. For instance, "Two Young Men" serves as a parable about loneliness, while “The Enchanted Piano” presents an enigmatic presence behind a piano player, blurring the line between reality and projection. The review highlights the characters’ struggles with their psyche, often manifesting through dual identities, as seen in "The Seduction." In "The Cruel Master," the dreamlike quality of a nightmarish experience challenges the boundaries of reality. Oates employs a satirical tone in stories like “Plagiarised Material,” where a writer who has drawn from others’ works becomes an unwitting victim of his own actions. The narratives primarily unfold from the perspectives of the central characters, showcasing Oates’s exceptional ability to depict disturbed and obsessed states of mind. Her sharp and economical language builds tension quickly, painting intense emotional landscapes without melodrama, as exemplified in tales like “The Secret Mirror” and “The Maimed.” The reviewer acknowledges Oates’s considerable literary talents and sophistication, though she notes that her intense self-consciousness may not appeal to all readers. While the collection is an interesting literary exercise, Caffin warns against taking the accompanying presentation too seriously. Overall, the review positions Oates's work as thought-provoking and artistically significant, even if her signature style may lack a broader charm and humour.

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