I had high expectations for this book.

However, the only aspect that I truly enjoyed was the typical Oates-prose.

There are simply too many loose ends in the story.

The hotel business, the bomb shelter, and everything related to Warren (?), among other things, all seem unresolved.

I am a devoted fan of Oates, but I must admit that a significant portion of her work can be somewhat inconsistent.

Unfortunately, this book falls into the latter category.

I can only give it a three-star rating based solely on the quality of the prose.

It's a pity that the overall narrative didn't live up to my initial hopes.

Perhaps in her future works, Oates will manage to tie up all the loose ends and create a more satisfying reading experience.

Nevertheless, I will continue to be a fan and look forward to seeing what she has in store for us next.

Well, I knew right from the start that I wasn't in for a lighthearted or enjoyable read.

In the prologue, one of the major characters attempts suicide at the tender age of fifteen. This immediately sets a rather dark and沉重的 tone for the entire story.

So far, it appears that Oates has crafted a reasonably good counter-nostalgic book about the fifties. It offers a different perspective on that era, challenging the common perception of it as a time of simple pleasures and innocence.

However, at times, it can be a bit of a struggle to handle. The narrative delves deep into the mind of a man who seems to have no qualms about starting an affair with his teenage niece. This aspect of the story is both disturbing and thought-provoking, forcing the reader to confront some uncomfortable truths about human nature and morality.

Overall, while the book has its merits, it is not an easy read and requires the reader to be prepared for some intense and challenging subject matter.

This book was truly 3 1/2 stars.

It presented an interesting story centered around a tough subject. The narrative managed to engage the reader and draw them into the complex world it created.

However, I couldn't help but feel that the ending was a little flat. After building up the tension and anticipation throughout the book, the conclusion seemed to lack the impact and excitement that I was hoping for.

It felt as if the author had rushed to wrap up the story, rather than taking the time to craft a more satisfying ending.

Despite this flaw, the book still had many redeeming qualities. The characters were well-developed and the writing was engaging.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but the ending left me a little disappointed.

I would still recommend this book to others who are interested in the subject matter, but I would caution them to temper their expectations regarding the ending.

Life is full of challenges and uncertainties, but there is always a glimmer of hope that shines through. No matter how difficult the situation may seem, there is always a possibility of a hopeful ending.

We may face setbacks, disappointments, and failures along the way, but these experiences do not define us. They are merely stepping stones towards a better future.

Sometimes, it may be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but we must persevere and keep moving forward. With determination and a positive attitude, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our goals.

Remember, always a hopeful ending awaits those who believe and never give up. So, hold on to your dreams and keep the faith, for a brighter tomorrow is just around the corner.

Like a train wreck, it was truly awful, yet you simply couldn't look away.

The story itself was dreadful; however, the writing was as brilliant as always from JCO.

I found myself skipping over the boxing scenes and reading extremely fast through the incest scenes. I'm not interested in boxing, and incest is just plain ewwwww.

But for some reason, Enid's story was fascinating to me, and she kept me glued to the book.

There were numerous sad characters in this story. In fact, was anyone truly happy? Maybe Geraldine.

But to me, the most tragic story line was that of Warren. Most of the other characters seemed to create their own bad luck, but Warren appeared to accidentally stumble upon tragedy.

It's as if fate had a cruel hand in his life, dealing him blows that he didn't deserve.

His story is one that tugs at the heartstrings and makes you wonder about the unfairness of life.

Overall, despite the disturbing and often uncomfortable subject matter, the book has a certain allure that keeps you reading, eager to find out what will happen next.

I don't know which is more disturbing; Oates' books or the fact that I keep reading them.

Her works are often filled with dark and complex themes, exploring the depths of human nature and the horrors that can lurk within. The vivid and sometimes graphic descriptions she uses can make the reader feel uncomfortable and yet, there is something about her writing that keeps pulling them back.

Perhaps it is the way she delves into the psyche of her characters, making them so real and relatable that we can't help but be drawn into their stories. Or maybe it is the sense of mystery and anticipation that she creates, always leaving the reader wondering what will happen next.

Whatever the reason, Oates' books have a strange hold on me, and I find myself unable to put them down, even when they make me feel uneasy. It's a strange and somewhat disturbing phenomenon, but one that I can't seem to escape.

She has been working through her bibliography, which dates back almost her entire life. She is now up to the late 1980s. She is wondering how shocking her descriptions of sex and incest were back then, coming from someone with her pedigree. In those days, such topics were perhaps more taboo and less openly discussed. People's sensitivities and cultural norms were different.

However, in today's context, the most controversial part of her work might very well be the need for a trigger warning about suicidal thoughts. Society has become more aware of the potential impact of such content on individuals, especially those who may be vulnerable or have personal experiences related to mental health issues. This highlights how perspectives and concerns can change over time.

As she delves deeper into her bibliography, she is likely to gain a better understanding of how her work has evolved and how it has been received in different eras. It also makes her reflect on the importance of being sensitive to the potential effects of her writing on her readers.

If you have a penchant for moderately depressing tales set in the mid-1900s, ones that blend incest, suicide, and general family dysfunction with historical facts, then this book is sure to appeal to you.

To be honest, I myself am rather astonished that I managed to complete it.

The story unfolds in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat, despite the rather heavy and disturbing themes it explores.

The author has done an excellent job of weaving together the personal tragedies of the characters with the broader historical context, creating a rich and complex narrative.

It's not an easy read by any means, but if you're willing to delve into the darker side of human nature and history, it's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read.

Kind of "a lot" but beautifully written, engaged and twisted.

However, as a whole, it has a hopeful message and strong character development/arc of growth.

Tougher to write about.

- notes:

The Burning Dove : Sex, Death, and Cheap Thrills in a Decade Repressed by Fear

In Joyce Carol Oates’s novel, You Must Remember This, her detailed prose is truly remarkable.

She vividly描绘s the historical realism of the fearful and paranoid climate of the 1950’s.

The use of juxtaposition and paradox adds depth and complexity to the story.

Stylistically, it helps portray the main character Enid and her romantic counterpart, Felix.

Felix serves as a character foil to the passive yet observant Enid, who is keenly aware of her divided self.

This awareness is not only shown through the structural elements of Oates’ detailed prose but also in the precise diction applied throughout this excerpt from chapter 14, section 1.

The combination of these elements makes the novel a captivating and thought-provoking read.

It's been an incredibly long time since I last read this.

But I vividly recall that when I had it in my possession, I read it not once, not twice, but three times.

This is something I simply never do. I'm not entirely certain why I did it this time either.

Perhaps it was an attempt to truly understand the depth and complexity within.

I also remember very clearly that the relationship described within was so blatantly wrong.

Yet, it was like an accident or some shocking event on the news.

You just couldn't tear your eyes away from it.

It had a strange allure that kept pulling you back in, making you want to explore more and try to make sense of it all.

Even though it was wrong, there was something about it that was simply captivating and impossible to ignore.

I think I liked this book. However, I can't be entirely sure. Oates and I have a rather complex love-hate relationship. She is indeed a superb writer, yet contemporary American fiction often has certain traits that I find quite off-putting. It can be so, so - is it arrogant? patronising? or perhaps just navel-gazing? Ah, here we go: pretentious and full of itself.

Yes, modern culture has undeniably led to a significant disconnect between society and whatever true reality might be. This is especially evident among the suburban 'have's, who experience an emotional dissatisfaction. Their relationships, identity, and beliefs are all fraught with angst and are often symbolised by violence.

However, while that may all sound rather profound and sweet, perhaps these authors have taken the concept of emotional relativity a bit too far. Because in the big bad world out there, there are very real and pressing problems that need to be addressed. So, for now, I am choosing to place Oates, Wally Lamb, and Don Delillo into a box and put it at the back of my cupboard, perhaps to revisit at a later time when my perspective might have changed.

Middle class America in the 1950s around upstate New York was a time of great change and growth.

The post-war economic boom had led to a significant increase in prosperity, and many families were able to move out of the cities and into the suburbs.

Upstate New York was an ideal location for middle class families, with its beautiful natural scenery, excellent schools, and relatively low cost of living.

The 1950s were also a time of social and cultural change, with the rise of rock and roll music, the civil rights movement, and the growth of the feminist movement.

Despite these changes, however, life for middle class families in upstate New York remained relatively stable and predictable.

Most families had a breadwinner who worked in a white-collar job, while the wife stayed at home to take care of the children and the household.

Overall, the 1950s were a prosperous and exciting time for middle class America in upstate New York.

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