I'm truly in a state of total conflict when it comes to this book. Joyce Carol Oates is, without a doubt, my favorite living author. Her works usually have a certain charm and depth that draw me in. However, this particular book is an exception. It is way too long, and to be honest, I don't think I liked it even a little bit. The story is way too bizarre, filled with strange and unexpected twists that seem to have no logical connection. What's more, it often rambles on and on with no apparent purpose, making it a real struggle to stay engaged. The characters in the book are also quite unbelievable. They don't seem to have any real emotions or motives that I can understand. Overall, this book has been a huge disappointment for me.

The way she deals with women versus women and men versus men is truly the most striking aspect.

It really gave me the vibes of "White Noise".

It's quite remarkable how she presents these dynamics.

One can't help but notice the differences and similarities in how she portrays these interactions.

Does anyone else agree with this observation?

It makes one think about the complex relationships between genders and how they are often depicted in various works.

Maybe it's the way she emphasizes certain behaviors or the way the characters interact that gives off this "White Noise" feel.

It's definitely something worth exploring further and discussing with others.

Overall, this aspect of her work has really caught my attention and made me want to delve deeper into it.

The writing in this piece was indeed of good quality.

However, the plot left much to be desired. I had hoped for a more pronounced battle between good and evil. Sadly, this story seemed to be severely lacking in that regard.

The characters failed to evoke any sense of sympathy within me. In fact, I couldn't care less about what ultimately happened to them at the end.

It's a pity because with a stronger plot and more relatable characters, this could have been a truly engaging and captivating piece of work.

As it stands, it falls short of expectations and leaves the reader with a sense of dissatisfaction.

Perhaps with some revisions and improvements, it could reach its full potential and offer a more fulfilling reading experience.

But for now, it remains a disappointment in terms of plot and character development.

An odd and obsessive novel awaits the reader. It contains many long passages that are dedicated to描绘 the horrors, passions, and tribulations that the protagonist, Jesse Vogel, encounters. As he staggers, doused in blood, from adolescence to middle age, the reader is taken on a journey through his tumultuous life. The novel is endlessly grotesque, with vivid descriptions that will make your skin crawl. However, it is also truly quite riveting, keeping you hooked from beginning to end. That being said, it could perhaps be a little more taut, a little more electric. Some of the passages feel a bit drawn out, and a tighter edit might have made the story even more engaging. Overall, though, it is a unique and interesting read that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

A nuanced and painful book delves into a plethora of topics. It explores America losing its innocence, the tragic loss of identity, the crucial importance of memory, and a myriad of other profound themes.

These are vividly highlighted through the life of Jesse Harte-Pederson-Vogel. He is like an empty vessel, constantly demanding to be filled by those around him. Lacking a distinct personality and having no goals other than those defined by the powerful figures in his life, he seems adrift.

The major moments of his life are all passive. He makes no decisions of his own volition, and yet, curiously, he manages to drive himself up the ladder of success.

And yet, beneath this façade of success, he is empty and isolated. He is unable to truly love, instead "falling in love" with women based solely on appearance or what he expects them to do for him. Jesse is not a likable character by any means, but paradoxically, he is one to which everyone can relate. Driven by forces beyond his control, never fully in touch with his own life and emotions, he serves as a miniature reflection of the country during that particular time.

His story is a poignant reminder of the complex and often painful realities that exist within society and within ourselves.

I have a deep affection for JCO.

It has always been a source of joy and inspiration for me.

However, recently something truly strange and unexpected happened.

I just couldn't believe my eyes when I witnessed it.

What the actual hell was that?

It was so out of the ordinary and left me completely flabbergasted.

I'm still trying to make sense of it all.

But despite this strange incident, my love for JCO remains strong.

I'm sure there must be some explanation for what occurred.

Maybe it was just a one-time anomaly.

Nevertheless, it has definitely left a lasting impression on me.

I'll be keeping a closer eye on JCO from now on to see if anything else unusual happens.

But for now, I'm just going to try and move on and focus on the positive aspects of my love for JCO.

Ah, I have an immense admiration for Joyce Carol Oates’ writing. It has been my constant companion on numerous occasions. It accompanied me during a long train trip, where the rhythm of the wheels on the tracks seemed to sync with the flow of her words. It also kept me company on warm summer afternoons, as I lounged in the shade, completely engrossed in her novels. Lazy mornings at breakfast and late evenings in bed were also made more enjoyable with her works by my side.

I’ve been making an effort to deeply reflect on what exactly it is that makes this particular novel so captivating for me. One of the aspects I truly love is its sensory environment. With Oates’ writing, it’s as if you can hear the soft rustle of leaves, smell the earthy scent of a barn, and feel the texture of a character’s clothing, all based on just a few exquisitely precise details. I vividly remember a moment late in the novel when she describes a woman standing in the door opening of a barn, barefoot, with her “toes curling around the threshold.” Just from that one detail, you instinctively know what her mood is, and it sets the tone for the entire atmosphere. You can picture her leaning forward eagerly yet restlessly, still not quite ready to step outside into the unknown.

I also have a great appreciation for the way she masterfully builds tension. From the very first sentence, there is an underlying uneasiness, an antsiness that propels the plot forward. I suppose everyone can identify with that feeling of having overlooked something crucial or forgotten an important fact – that’s precisely the sensation you get when you start this novel. As you begin reading, something just seems distinctly off. Jesse’s uneasiness, the way in which everything at school seems overwhelming for him that day, his sense of not feeling well, and the harsh winter weather – all of these elements combine to create an unshakeable certainty that something is amiss. And yet, when it finally happens, it comes as a complete shock to me. And I value that element of surprise.

She is a master of foreshadowing, but it’s done so subtly that if you blink too fast, you might miss it. It leaves you with the impression of something unpleasant lingering at the periphery of your vision, just out of reach.

I understand that this novel may not be to everyone’s taste. It’s not without its flaws. For instance, I was anticipating that Jesse would suffer more directly from the events that occur to him and his family early on in the book. I was expecting more references to that life-altering incident, as well as to his time with the Pedersen family. The lack of more in-depth emotional processing initially seemed like a structural flaw. However, as the story developed, that seeming discontinuity appeared to be intentional. It seemed to me that the structure of the novel was almost mirroring the workings of Jesse’s brain: perhaps without such extensive compartmentalization, he would have been completely paralyzed by the weight of his experiences.

I thought the ending was excellent as well. Chekhov’s gun is there, quite literally, but it does not go off as expected. And yet, with that final phrase, you can’t help but wonder if Jesse will be okay, or if he will repeat his father’s crime. It’s truly a brilliant ending that leaves you with a sense of ambiguity and a desire to know more about Jesse’s future. .

If I want to study the art of writing, I’ll always turn to Joyce Carol Oates. Her works are a treasure trove of literary techniques and masterful storytelling. And if I’m simply in the mood for a really good story that will keep me on the edge of my seat and make me think deeply about the human condition, I will undoubtedly reach for one of her novels. She is truly a remarkable writer, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers around the world.

The most exhausting book I have ever read.

And it is also the first book that I have ever reviewed.

Body horror, Oedipal anguish, and virile pageantry are all presented against the backdrop of a slowly conceding American Selfhood.

Surprisingly, it is excellent.

This book takes the reader on a wild and intense journey. The body horror elements are both disturbing and captivating, making you cringe while also unable to look away.

The exploration of Oedipal anguish adds a layer of psychological depth that is truly remarkable.

And the virile pageantry provides a vivid and exciting visual experience.

Against the backdrop of the changing American Selfhood, the story becomes even more relevant and thought-provoking.

Despite being exhausting, this book is well worth the read. It challenges your perceptions and forces you to confront uncomfortable truths.

It is a literary masterpiece that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.

First off, this is the only Joyce Carol Oates book I have read. I selected this particular one because somewhere I came across a review that provided good justifications for why I would value it. However, it was disappointing in several aspects.

I simply couldn't get along with Oates' writing style. I have an aversion to the way she structures her sentences and paragraphs. For instance, randomly picked: "He was thinking, now, about... But he said nothing... He felt a peculiar agitation... and yet something was missing. Trick asked him... But he said nothing; he could not have explained. He was graduating... and yet something was missing." The repetitive, monotonous rhythm of her sentences, in this case, the pronoun - past continuous verb combination, is wearisome.

I had the impression that the book was meant to be somewhat realistic, but it was simply not credible. I fail to understand how Jesse could continue to live surrounded by such wretched, dysfunctional individuals without having a nervous breakdown that would lead to either recovery or suicide. I persisted in reading because I hoped that Jesse would reach some sort of realization or at least develop a coping mechanism: take a razorblade and end his life, realize that he needs to consult a psychiatrist, or turn to bourbon.

And - this is being picky - the writing produced by the characters in the novel, such as Trick's poems, Jesse's preface to Dr. Perrault's book, and Shelley's letters, are not believable in terms of their style as poetry of the 50s, a book preface, or letters from a runaway.

There are some books that strike me as so dreadful that I can't fathom anyone liking them; this is not one of those. After all, I did finish reading it, and I can envision that other people would appreciate it.

Reading this book brought about a complex set of sensations.

I felt a sense of stifling, oppression, restriction, and being bound. It was as if a dark cloud hung over the entire book, as if it were perpetually winter (and indeed, much of the story is set in winter).

If I had to choose a single word to describe this novel, it would be "sinister."

The characters in this book are never truly happy, and delving into their inner thoughts and feelings is no easy task.

They seem to exist in a fog, only catching brief, honest glimpses of themselves over what feels like years of drudgery.

Motivations are模糊不清; the characters are either maniacal in their pursuit of what they think they want or they float aimlessly with little purpose - and neither group finds happiness.

I was frustrated by the women who largely seemed to be at the mercy of men, and I thought there were some extraneous sections.

However, this book has a great deal to unpack; it is complex and nuanced, exploring what it means to be a person.

The novel is divided into three sections: "Variations on an American Hymn," "The Finite Passing of an Infinite Passion," and "Dreaming America."

It begins on December 14, 1939, with Jesse at the age of fourteen.

Oates writes that the time is thirty years ago, leading us to believe that this represents Jesse's memory.

Within the first two chapters, which are beautifully written and moving, we learn about Jesse's father, a physically powerful man who struggled to provide for his family.

He was a dreamer with poor planning and execution skills, always involved in some failing venture.

Jesse has three siblings, with another on the way, and they live in a cold, miserable house on the outskirts of town, constantly worried about money for food.

On this fateful day in mid-December, Jesse's father shoots his children and wife.

He then drives into town to pick up Jesse from his after-school job and takes him home to kill him.

Jesse manages to escape, and his father shoots at him but does not fatally wound him.

Jesse's father then turns the gun on himself but fails to do the job properly.

Jesse, now an orphan, stays briefly with family before being adopted by the Pedersens.

Dr. Pedersen is a successful but eccentric doctor who is disappointed in his brilliant but strange children.

He adopts Jesse in the hope that he will be more like him and take over his practice.

He grooms Jesse to be a doctor, trying to mold him into his own image.

The Pedersen family, and soon Jesse as well, are extremely overweight, and this gluttony and greed seem to represent their oppressive egos.

Somehow, Dr. Pedersen, despite being a doctor, never sees the obesity as a problem or a weakness, suggesting that the weight is a symbol.

I sometimes wondered whether the family was really this fat or if it was Jesse's perception of them.

Both Frederich and Hilda are misfits, lacking affection and miserable in their genius and resulting loneliness.

Mrs. Pedersen feels lonely and drinks too much.

She tries to get Jesse to help her leave Dr. Pedersen once Jesse has his own car, but this act of betrayal results in Dr. Pedersen disowning Jesse.

The second part of the book begins with Jesse in medical school.

He is a serious student with few friends.

He has a simple but pretty girlfriend but leaves her when he meets his favorite professor's daughter, Helene.

They marry young and start a family immediately.

Jesse originally wanted to become a family practice doctor to help people but then develops ambitions to be a neurosurgeon in his search for control and power.

Jesse is a difficult character to love.

His childhood trauma, losing everyone he loved in a matter of hours and being left completely alone in the world, has had a profound impact on him.

He loves others but seems unable to truly connect with them.

He suffers from insomnia, has no intimate friends, and always remains distant, cold, and aloof.

Perhaps he does this because he doesn't know how to form normal human relationships, or maybe the violence of his past has broken his ability to connect.

Maybe he keeps himself separate from love out of fear of losing loved ones again, or perhaps in order to maintain control, one can never get too close because openness makes one vulnerable.

He seems to be constantly seeking a father figure and a mother figure.

Jesse is like a blank slate, and this lack of a defined personality is truly terrifying.

Throughout the book, Jesse is described as "undetermined," "undefined," "hollow," "empty," and "vulnerable."

Because he was unable to save his family, he now wants to save lives, and ultimately, he wants to save Shelley from a destructive man (although he fails to save Mrs. Pedersen).

He wants to eliminate the personal (because his own personal history is so painful to him), which is likely why he is drawn to Dr. Perrault, an incredibly talented neurosurgeon.

In performing brain surgery, Dr. Perrault has witnessed patients' personalities change with a single poke of his scalpel.

He believes that personality is an illusion and does not believe in the soul.

The brain is a complex organ, and some people have better, more brilliant brains than others, but the unique qualities that give us our personalities are mere accidents.

But where does memory fit into this? Our memories are stored in our brains, and when a traumatic event occurs, we typically lose short-term memory but retain long-term memory, suggesting that the brain stores these memories differently.

The newer events are in a more fragile or transitory part of the brain, implying that our histories matter or are more relevant to the brain.

This is likely a survival characteristic, an evolution.

(Note that Jesse fails to respect his history; he tries to reject and forget his past, and Shelley also tries to erase her past.)

However, ultimately, we are stuck with our past.

If one were to transplant the brain, would the memories, especially the long-term ones, be intact?

Perrault believes that the brain is a captive of the body.

We place so much emphasis on our bodies, on whether they are healthy or sick (or beautiful), when in fact, all they do is carry the brain.

A diseased body is therefore at odds with the brain, an enemy of the brain, even rebelling against it.

Disease of the body is unnatural, foreign, and therefore anti-social, different, eccentric... and free.

This all potentially ties back to the Pedersens, whose huge brains are carried by their huge bodies, almost as if they are uber-human.

The title of the novel is taken from a poem by Monk at the beginning of the book.

There is also a correlation to Alice in Wonderland.

Is the true wonderland "an expression of the heart's secret desire" or something else, perhaps an understanding of the irony, futility, and emptiness of the adult world?

As the Cheshire Cat states, everyone in Wonderland is mad.

Jesse did not save his family from his father (he knew something was wrong but was unable to prevent what happened).

He was unable to save Mrs. Pedersen or Reva.

But he was able to save Shelley (at least in my edition, even if their future is uncertain).

If we are our memories, if we are our past, is Jesse doomed to repeat his history, or is he the hero of his own life?

Should Jesse have killed his entire family, or should he have ensured their escape, even if wounded?

Themes explored in the book include violence in America, the search for order and identity, the search for meaning in human life, the ideal of the family and home life, memory, disease vs. health, fate vs. personality vs. environment (what ensures success? what is the driver?), and changing identities (Jesse Harte -> Jesse Pedersen -> Jesse Vogel).

Symbols in the book include red hair and eyes.

I know that there are four books loosely grouped together, of which this is the last, meant to represent young people in America.

However, I did not sense a clear theme in this book.

Oates mentions pivotal events in American history (such as the Kennedy assassination and the Vietnam War).

I suppose it is possible to view this book as being about the American belief in individualism, and perhaps these books, when read as a series, explore that theme more comprehensively.

(Apparently, there are two different endings to this book. My copy does not involve Noel bathing Shelley or a boat, which is reportedly the ending of the first edition.)

Oates is truly at her best in this work. Her writing is captivating and engaging, drawing the reader in from the very beginning. However, on occasion, a little bit of melodrama manages to slip in. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it can add an extra layer of excitement and emotion to the story. Nevertheless, it does prevent the work from achieving a perfect five-star rating. Overall, though, it is still a very impressive piece of writing that showcases Oates' considerable talent.

This was so midddd. I'm sorry…:/

It seems that the experience or situation being described here was just average or mediocre. There was nothing particularly outstanding or exciting about it. Maybe it didn't meet the expectations that were set. The person expressing this sentiment is clearly disappointed and feels the need to apologize for the lackluster nature of whatever it was. It could be that they were hoping for something more remarkable or engaging, but unfortunately, it fell short. This kind of feedback is important as it can help others understand the level of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with a particular thing. It also gives an opportunity for improvement or for finding something better in the future.

Overall, while it may be a bit of a letdown, it's just one person's opinion and there could be others who had a different experience. However, it's always good to take such feedback into consideration and try to make things better whenever possible.