Breathe

'America's preeminent fiction writer' New Yorker 'A raw, propulsive tale of love and grief' Mail on Sunday

A novel of love and loss from the bestselling and prizewinning author of Blonde.

Michaela and her husband have moved to the starkly beautiful but uncanny landscape of New Mexico, to take up an academic residency. But when Gerard is struck by a fatal illness, their life begins to resemble a nightmare. At thirty-seven, Michaela must first face the terrifying prospect of widowhood, then the chaos of the days when Gerard is gone.

Haunting and utterly heart-wrenching, Breathe explores the intense madness of grief and what happens when a love cannot be surrendered.

'A fever dream of a novel' New York Times

'Simply the most consistently inventive, brilliant, curious and creative writer going, as far as I'm concerned' Gillian Flynn, author of Gone Girl

Joyce Carol Oates, in her top-rated novel Breathe, delves into the subjects of marriage, family, and the psychological impact of impending widowhood. The literary criticism of the book praises its exploration of intense emotions and themes.

For fans of Bruce Mcallister (The Year's Best Science Fiction), Amor Towles (Table For Two), Stephen King (The Life of Chuck), Percival L. Everett (James), and Heidi Pitlor (The Best American Short Stories 2024).