Title: Marya: A Life
Author: Joyce Carol Oates
Genre: Fiction / Psychological Realism / Coming-of-Age Literature
Edition: First Trade Edition, First Printing (1986)
Publisher: A William Abrahams Book, a division of E. P. Dutton
In the novel Marya: A Life, peerless American author Joyce Carol Oates charts the complex interior trajectory of a young woman's personal evolution. Growing up in the rural working-class landscape of the 1950s, the protagonist, Marya, battles systemic barriers through sheer intellect, securing hard-won academic opportunities that carry her through intensive academic settings. Oates crafts an evocative space centered around Marya's cramped student quarters—modeled after the author's own late-night study marathons—where the exhaustion of learning blends into an intellectual enchantment.
The story operates on multiple levels, emblematic of a woman's imperative to be intellectually free and to live unburdened by contemporary gender constructs. However, as Marya achieves public recognition as an author while still in her twenties, her life pivots backward toward the unresolved roots of her past.
Author Joyce Carol Oates (1938–present): One of America's most versatile, prolific, and highly decorated contemporary authors, with a career that includes over 50 novels, countless plays, volumes of poetry, and deep literary essays. Born in Lockport, New York, her work frequently draws inspiration from her working-class upbringing. Oates has been awarded the National Book Award, the O. Henry Award, the Jerusalem Prize, and the esteemed National Humanities Medal. Renowned for her ability to distill raw human trauma and social dynamics into breathtaking prose, she continues to serve as an influential voice in contemporary world literature.
Etsy.com/shop/TheCharmedBookshop
Visit TheCharmedBookshop.com for more books for children and collectors.
Condition: Near Fine/Very Good. Dust jacket: Small closed tear on the front upper left corner; minor ruffling at the head of the spine; minor fading along the spine.
Shipping from United States
Processing time
1-3 business days
Estimated shipping times
- Australia : 1 - 3 business days
- United States : 1 - 3 business days
- North America : 1 - 3 business days
- Europe : 1 - 3 business days
- Australia, New Zealand and Oceania : 1 - 3 business days
- Asia Pacific : 1 - 3 business days
- Latin America and the Caribbean : 1 - 3 business days
- North Africa and the Middle East : 1 - 3 business days
- Sub-Saharan Africa : 1 - 3 business days
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
Returns & exchanges accepted within 14 days
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations
Request a cancellation within: 24 hours of purchase
Conditions of return
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
Questions about your order?
Please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
Privacy policy
* I will not share your personal information with third parties.
* I will contact you only through Etsy or an email address you provide to convey information about your order and news exclusive to The Charmed Bookshop.
* In placing your order, please provide Etsy with an active email address to ensure that I can get in touch with you about your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gift wrapping and packaging
I wrap every book with care and ship it in a padded mailing envelope or sturdy box. If you're purchasing a gift, please advise when ordering and include a gift message.
Care instructions
1. I lightly clean books, as needed, but I don't attempt repairs or restoration. If you'd like a book restored, you'll find trustworthy, qualified experts in your area through libraries or museums.
I also recommend the following care instructions.
American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works -
https://goo.gl/6CZ9zA
2. Photos are cropped and resized to Etsy guidelines but are otherwise unedited. Please contact me if you'd like additional photos of book details.
3. Descriptions of condition are based on guidelines from the Independent Online Booksellers' Association.
Order processing time
I'll process and ship your purchase in 1 - 3 business days, and I'll ship anywhere in the world via any mail or delivery service that Etsy offers. (Please refer to the Shipping section for average shipping turn-around times by region.) If I encounter any delays in processing your order, I will advise you in advance.