This was a quick read, but an enjoyable one nonetheless. Once again Miss Oates gets to the grittiness, the sheer ugliness of human emotions and lays them bare. The flashback scenes, particularly in part 3, are harrowing, nail biting and chilling. I enjoyed Miss Oates new work, and this would be a great first read if you’ve never read any of her novels before ( )

Less than 24 hours after exchanging vows with her new husband, Willem, Abby steps out into traffic and is hit by a bus. As his wife lies in her hospital bed, sleeping in fits and starts, Willem tries to determine whether this was an absentminded accident or a premeditated plunge, and he quickly discovers a mysterious set of clues about what his wife might be hiding. Why is there a rash-like red mark circling her wrist? What does she dream about that causes her to wake from the sound of her own screams? Slowly, Abby begins to open up to her husband, revealing to him what she has never shared with anyone before-the story of a terrified mother; a jealous, drug-addled father; and a daughter's terrifying captivity.

The style of this story was a bit different but it did keep me wondering what was going on with Abby and her parents. I never felt connected to the characters even as they developed and their troubled lives were revealed. I was disappointed with the ending because my questions weren’t answered. Overall, just so-so for me. ( )

The nightmare has plagued Abby since childhood. Skeletons in a field. The skulls in the grass. She thought the dream was finally gone for good, but on the eve of her wedding, it returns. In a panic, strange thoughts flooding her head, Abby runs off a city bus and is struck by a car. While recuperating, she opens up to her new husband, Willem. There are so many secrets....

This story is suspenseful and builds slowly, revealing Abby's life little bit by little bit. It isn't an exciting, edge of your seat sort of burn....but a very atmospheric, strange but compelling story. Abby reveals her life slowly. It shows the depth of feeling and trust she has for Willem. The story switches back and forth from Abby to Willem's POV several times. Usually I don't really care for bouncing POV, but in this case, it really works.

This is the first full-length novel by Joyce Carol Oates that I've read. Yeah, I know....I'm late to the party. I have no excuse....just ponderous TBR and only so much time. After reading two short stories by Oates -- Miao Dao and The Sign of the Beast -- I knew I needed to delve into her gigantic list of published novels. I enjoyed this book. I will definitely be reading more of her work!

I think what I liked best about this story was the slow build. Oates doesn't hurry. She doesn't use quick action to build her story, rather she lets it tumble out just like Abby's rambling revelations about her parents and childhood. Her writing style and word choices help build the feeling of panic, helplessness, and secrets. Pursuit is well written. Very enjoyable read -- dark and more than a bit creepy.

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Grove Atlantic. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** ( )

Really didn't care for this. Lots of depictions of abuse and assault. Very tired of reading books that use violence against women as a vehicle for male character development. Honestly, it's not good if it's the only vehicle for the woman's character development either. Severely lacking in substance. ( )

Cuando era una niña, Abby tenía una pesadilla recurrente en la que deambulaba por una pradera cubierta de cráneos y huesos humanos. La Abby adulta cree haber dejado atrás sus demonios hasta que, la víspera de su boda, el sueño regresa y la fuerza a afrontar los oscuros secretos de su pasado, que le ha ocultado a su futuro marido, Willem. Al día siguiente —menos de veinticuatro horas después de contraer matrimonio—, Abby es atropellada por un autobús. Mientras su mujer convalece en el hospital, Willem intenta averiguar si su mujer ha sido víctima de un accidente involuntario o, por el contrario, se ha lanzado contra el vehículo de forma premeditada.