What I Lived For

by Joyce Carol Oates

This novel takes place over one Memorial Day weekend. Wealthy, alcoholic city council member Jerome "Corky" Corcoran is disturbed by the news that an attractive woman, who had recently accused one of his colleagues of raping her, has committed suicide. The death reminds Corky of his father's murder. As he contemplates life, he ponders the things that corrupt it. Violence, strong language, and explicit descriptions of sex. 1994.