“A poignant, nostalgic collection of literary criticism by one of America’s premier authors.”
—Kirkus Reviews

In Rough Country is a sterling collection of literary essays, reviews, and criticism from Joyce Carol Oates that focuses on a wide array of books and writers—from Poe to Nabokov, from Flannery O’Connor to Phillip Roth. One of our foremost novelists, National Book Award and PEN/Malamud Award winner Oates demonstrates an unparalleled understanding and appreciation of great works of American literature with In Rough Country, and offers unique and breathtaking insights into the writer’s art.

In this landmark collection, Oates turns her own incomparable literary gaze upon the classic and contemporary writers who shaped a nation, exploring:

• Classic Voices: Penetrating analysis of literary ancestors like Edgar Allan Poe, Emily Dickinson, and Shirley Jackson, examining the treacherous terrains of their work.
• Contemporary Masters: Sharp and insightful reviews of modern titans including Cormac McCarthy, Margaret Atwood, Philip Roth, and Alice Munro.
• The Writer’s Craft: A deep dive into the art of storytelling, from the structure of a literary essay to the Gothic excess that mirrors a beleaguered personal life.
• A Personal Reckoning: A moving preface on how writing about literature became a solace and a lifeline in the wake of profound personal loss.