What do You think about American Appetites (1992)?
Read as audiobook - radio show performed by the LA Theatre WorksShort (about 2 hours) - good for a commuteA short family tragedy of a priviledged couple in Hudson, New York. A little confusion involving a questionable extra-martial affair and a rebellious family daughter. Glynnis dies during a drunken accident after fighting with her doctor husband. She is a famous cookbook writer and living the high life exposed in a glass house. Mid life is causing some unrest in their marriage. Red headed Sigrid is an interesting character that comes into their life.
—Joanne
Ugh! Love Oates, didnt like this book at all. I had it in my possession for the longest time, kept trying to read it and just couldnt get into it. Finally I decided to "just do it" and I am glad I got it out of the way but was very disappointed. The story centers on Ian and Glynnis, who have this enviable relationship but I simply dont understand it. Glynnis has had several affairs, Ian is recently impotent and their relationship is torn apart and she dies because she thinks he is having an affa
—Brisbride13
I really enjoy Oates' writing, from the beginning of the novel I loved it. I disagree with the summary on the back, "Ian fighting for his life" during the trial. It's the exact opposite he sits back and doesn't lift a finger to defend himself regardless of the consequences only because he doesn't want to portray Glynnis in a bad light. It is admirable he wants to protect his late wife, even though he's responsible for her death, but his dopey behavior and refusal to stand up for himself is frustrating. Oates takes a seemingly perfect well off family and unravels it piece by piece and shows a man with nothing cling on to the world shattering around him.
—Abby Kalei
