In the sense that The Epic entails an amalgam of storylines, the narrative requires particular attention to coherence. Oates may be dropping the ball a little (for me, at least) in the epistolary section.

Are the letters from Jules only there to make the letters from Maureen seem less stark? Why do we need Maureen’s actual words in addition to her (deep) point of view? And why introduce the author as a passive recipient of Maureen’s letters? These questions may be particular to me, because of my distaste for the epistolary mode, but the letters feel less integral to the narrative as a whole.

Then again, the epic feels less like an examination of the class struggle, and more about gender colonialism.

Sometimes Oates’s male points of view seem slightly off. For example, “His heart was pounding, urging him on, that thief’s heart of his, but her stillness urged him to go slowly, to love her. If he did not cherish her, he would never forgive himself” (p. 293). At other times, it feels dead-on, like when Jules says cheerfully, “Not my fault either” (p. 303).

Oates is such a fine writer, and has apparently always been such. Here are a couple of trivial notes:

On page 18, I love the description of (period) men “manipulating” their hair into place.

On page 67, it seems odd to describe a bonding as “irreparable.”

On page 271, why foreshadow Jules’ later hospitalization here?

I can't believe this book had such critical acclaim?

The author appears to have a firm hold on insanity. The fact that the first two-thirds of the book consisted of random passages and people who seemed to go through life in a daze was truly frightening.

Given that I was only 12 at the time of the riots described, I am now interested in delving back and studying the times and situation more closely.

Perhaps there are hidden details and perspectives that I missed when I first read the book.

It makes me wonder if the critical acclaim was due to the author's unique writing style or if there was something more profound that I failed to understand.

I plan to do some research and gain a better understanding of the historical context to see if it changes my perception of the book.

Only then can I truly appreciate the work and determine if it deserves the praise it has received.

If I woke up one morning and found myself a character in a Joyce Carol Oates novel, I'd likely seek a transfer to a safer literary environment, perhaps a war story or a cop drama. In an Oates novel, the sense of impending doom begins at birth and never truly ends. The "Wonderland Quartet" explores American life from the Depression era to mid-century, with each novel examining the dysfunction and struggles of different characters. In this particular installment, the absurdities are heightened, the violence is more brutal, and the degradation of people's lives is more creative. The story follows Loretta, a young woman growing up in a Detroit slum, and her two older children, Jules and Maureen. Both children take separate paths that lead to misery and culminate in acts of shocking violence. The book is a powerful exploration of the human condition, showing how people make decisions that may seem bad but are often the only possible moves they can make in their circumstances. It also shows how history and society can break people down, as seen in the Detroit riots of 1967. In the end, everyone is changed, but nothing is for the better. Oates doesn't evoke pity for her characters but rather a realization that, given the same circumstances, we might not fare much better.

A family saga of the nasty, mean-spirited variety.

Joyce Carol Oates' Detroit nightmare is indeed well-written. It has its moments when it can be very surprising, which keeps the reader on their toes. However, despite these qualities, I could never bring myself to recommend it.

Here's a complaint. Sometimes, all the characters seem to be having the same existential thoughts. It's as if they weren't really distinct individuals with their own unique perspectives. This is quite off-putting. The book is so well-developed in other aspects, with a detailed and engaging storyline. But then you have these people, even those who aren't members of the main family, whose circular, frustrated thinking sounds exactly the same. Is it laziness on the part of the author, or is there something deeper at play? Either way, I really don't like this aspect of the book. It detracts from the overall experience and makes it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the story.

Not one of my favorite books that I have read by Joyce Carol Oates. She is a winner of the National Book Award. At that time, Ms. Oates was an Associate Professor at the University of Windsor, Ontario. And it was mentioned on the inside cover of the back of the dustjacket that she was currently at work on a new novel. The question is when she wasn't working on a novel, a short story, or a play. I truly think she must write in her sleep.

I attended a book reading of hers in the late 1990s. I believe it was at Loyola University in Chicago or perhaps it was Roosevelt University. Anyway, I showed up extremely early and I was the only one there. And who should walk in but Joyce Carol Oates and a professor who sponsored her talk, I guess. They sat in the front row directly ahead of me. And then, she dropped her wool hat right in front of my chair!!!!!!! What an amazing way to start a conversation with, at that time, my favorite author of all time!!! So, I gently tapped her on the shoulder and said, "Excuse me, Ms. Oates, but you dropped this." And she thanked me. All I remember after that was that I made an inane comment about liking Peter Taylor's works. Maybe I was trying to impress her? And she said something like "oh". It was not a long conversation. I wonder if she remembers me?

This is about as dark and desolate as a book can possibly get.

Every single character within the book is, at best, unlikable, and most of them are downright disgusting.

The actions that the characters undertake and the things they say often border on insanity.

It's the story of Loretta and her two kids, Jules and Maureen.

If ever there was a person who should not be a mother, it is Loretta. She is the very epitome of a bad mother.

Her two kids grow up to be precisely as one would expect them to be based on their upbringing.

Oates is an excellent writer and has the ability to keep the reader enthralled, if for no other reason than the curiosity of wondering "where the hell is this going?"

However, I must say that it was not a particularly enjoyable read. It was a book that delved deep into the dark recesses of human nature and the consequences of a troubled upbringing.

The characters were so flawed and the situations so bleak that it was at times difficult to continue reading.

Yet, Oates' writing style was so engaging that I couldn't put the book down completely.

It was a strange mix of repulsion and fascination that kept me turning the pages.

In the end, I was left with a sense of sadness and a feeling that I had witnessed something truly disturbing.

JCO's talent truly awes me.

Every time I see their work, I am simply amazed by the level of creativity and skill they possess. Their ability to bring ideas to life in such a unique and captivating way is truly remarkable.

Whether it's in the form of art, music, writing, or any other field, JCO seems to have an innate talent that sets them apart from others. Their work has a certain charm and appeal that draws you in and keeps you engaged from start to finish.

I can't help but wonder what other amazing things JCO will come up with in the future. I have no doubt that they will continue to push the boundaries of their creativity and amaze us all with their talent.

This is a third of a quartet of novels written by Joyce Carol Oates in the 1960s.

These novels are based on issues of racism and poverty in Detroit, Michigan. I have been reading the Modern Library versions of the first 3 novels.

The main theme and key question is whether being poor necessitates becoming vicious and violent to survive.

After reading the book, I think an affirmative answer is the only one possible.

Joyce Carol Oates lived in this region for many years and moved to Canada after the 1967 riots.

The 1967 race riots in Detroit provided the backdrop to the final scenes where the hero, Jules Wendell, rises from a drug stupor and finds a way to move to California as he had always planned.

The "them" in the novel plays out in different ways because there is always a "them."

I loved the book and plan to read the entire quartet.

It is truly a captivating exploration of the human condition in the face of difficult circumstances.

The vivid descriptions and complex characters make it a must-read for anyone interested in social issues and great literature.

I can't wait to see how the story continues in the remaining novels of the quartet.

The story is set in Detroit, spanning three decades from 1937 to 1967. It begins in an unnamed town, then moves to the county, and finally culminates in Detroit during the riots.

The book focuses on a poor family that endures one tragedy after another. While alcoholism is a factor, it's not the only cause. Loretta's father becomes an alcoholic due to the Depression, losing both his job and himself. At 16, Loretta has a boyfriend and loses her virginity. That same night, she wakes up to find him shot dead by her brother Brock.

In an attempt to resolve the situation, Loretta encounters a policeman from the neighborhood who is off-duty. He helps her and takes her as his bride. They have three children, Jules and Maureen being the main characters.

The writing is predominantly exposition, with not much dialogue. The inner thoughts of the characters are repetitive and sometimes hard to understand. They seem intelligent yet don't think clearly and struggle with love and other emotions. Their detachment from themselves makes the whole situation strange.

None of the characters are likable, and their behavior is unpredictable. Jules is constantly in trouble with the law, and Maureen may be unstable, a trait that seems to run in the family starting with Loretta's mother. People come and go in their lives.

The language and values in the book don't align with today's times. It can be quite shocking at times, but it's a 50-year-old book. It's not a pleasant read, yet it compels you to find out what happens to these characters. I'm not entirely satisfied. There are shifts in the book, and the afterword is the biggest surprise for me.

The author's note at the beginning presents the book as semi-fictional, based on the life of a student Oates had. However, this too is a fiction, which I didn't know while reading.

This was my first Joyce Carol Oates book, perhaps not the best place to start. I'm interested in the other books in the "Wonderland" quartet, although they are older. Maybe her later works are more enjoyable?

4.5

This number represents a force that is both powerful and unflinching. It could symbolize a person's strength of character, someone who is resolute in the face of challenges and refuses to back down. It might also refer to a machine or a tool that is capable of performing with great might and reliability. In any context, 4.5 is a figure that commands respect and admiration. It implies a level of power and determination that is not easily overcome. Whether it is in the realm of sports, business, or personal achievement, those who embody the qualities associated with 4.5 are likely to succeed. They are the ones who are willing to put in the hard work, take risks, and persevere through difficult times. With their unwavering spirit and powerful capabilities, they are able to make a significant impact and leave a lasting legacy.

I have not read the introduction.

I read a first edition long ago.

For me, it was the most insightful portrayal of the life of the poor in America.

This work truly opened my eyes to the harsh realities and struggles that the impoverished face on a daily basis.

The author's detailed descriptions and vivid accounts made me feel as if I was right there, experiencing their lives along with them.

It made me realize the importance of understanding and empathizing with those who are less fortunate.

Moreover, it also made me question the social and economic systems that contribute to the existence of such poverty.

Overall, this book had a profound impact on me and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the lives of the poor in America.

It's not a feel-good book, yet the characters are developed with such finesse and the prose is so poetically crafted that you simply can't resist getting pulled into the lives of this lower middle class family striving to survive in Detroit.

Oates, in her lengthy yet exquisitely written novel, meticulously examines the complex issues of class struggle, race riots, violence, and sexuality.

The story unfolds, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and hardships faced by the characters, making you empathize with their plight.

Despite the lack of a happy-go-lucky tone, the book's depth and authenticity make it a captivating read that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the last page.