Alma Busch, a woman with mysterious tattoos of unknown origin, arrives in Mount Carmel, upstate New York, where she is drawn into an exploitative relationship with Dmitri Meatte and later becomes the assistant to novelist Joshua Seigl. The novel follows her descent through addiction, abuse, and obsession as she unravels the truth behind her markings.
Joyce Carol Oates is the author of Prentice Hall Literature--Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes--The American Experience. Her work often explores the American experience.