Foxfire: Confessions Of A Girl Gang

... Show More
Five teenage girls from upstate New York in the 1950s form a blood sisterhood to protect one another against the world and its oppressors, until their leader's disastrous act of revenge puts all their lives in turmoil

328 pages, Library Binding

First published August 1,1993

Places

About the author

... Show More
Joyce Carol Oates is an American writer. Oates published her first book in 1963, and has since published 58 novels, a number of plays and novellas, and many volumes of short stories, poetry, and nonfiction. Her novels Black Water (1992), What I Lived For (1994), and Blonde (2000), and her short story collections The Wheel of Love (1970) and Lovely, Dark, Deep: Stories (2014) were each finalists for the Pulitzer Prize. She has won many awards for her writing, including the National Book Award, for her novel Them (1969), two O. Henry Awards, the National Humanities Medal, and the Jerusalem Prize (2019).
Oates taught at Princeton University from 1978 to 2014, and is the Roger S. Berlind '52 Professor Emerita in the Humanities with the Program in Creative Writing. From 2016 to 2020, she was a visiting professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where she taught short fiction in the spring semesters. She now teaches at Rutgers University, New Brunswick.
Oates was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 2016.
Pseudonyms: Rosamond Smith and Lauren Kelly.

Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
35(35%)
4 stars
29(29%)
3 stars
36(36%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
... Show More
Every now and then, you stumble upon a story that creates an atmosphere so refreshing, exciting, and raw. It's a niche and unique world that completely consumes you, drowning you in its presence. For days and weeks, it becomes the only thing on your mind, and you hopelessly wish to be back within its pages. I fell in love with this book almost instantly. In fact, by the time I finished reading the back cover in the bookstore, I had already given it my heart. It quickly became everything I had always wanted, without me even realizing what I was looking for.


The writing style is distinct. It's filled with excitement, fast-paced, and highly descriptive. I adored it. It's yet another quality that enhances the ambiance this book offers. At times, this style supports the setting so well that it feels as if you're swimming along with the characters, experiencing the adrenaline rush coursing through their veins. It works almost perfectly.


The characters initially capture you with a childlike quasi-innocence that inevitably transforms into full-on rebellious behavior. While this may seem like a cliché, it has never been so captivating (at least for me). FOXFIRE proudly develops a devious and misandric personality, and their punk fearlessness is something I immediately and hopelessly found myself siding with, especially against the never-ending stream of sexist, perverted, and disgusting men they encounter.


Undoubtedly, the main core of this story's appeal and awesomeness lies in the fact that it focuses on a girl gang in a time and place where such a thing was unheard of, let alone imagined. The situations these teenage girls are put into serve as a gritty reminder of what life is truly like for women in a sexualized society, both then and now. The things women and girls have to endure are scarring, disgusting, and unfair. Some may never even be discussed, but they undoubtedly happen regularly, even if unconsciously.


The sexism, double standards, and constant oversexualization still present in our society truly make me sick. Honestly, I found FOXFIRE to be a perfect outlet for all the violent, frustrated, and twisted Vendetta fantasies that I can't help but envision whenever I hear about sexual assault or harassment. (Okay, so maybe that wasn't the author's direct intention, but it's definitely effective.)


On a less intense physical note, this story also closely follows the birth, life, and death of a friendship (and almost a sibling relationship) and love (sometimes hate) among a group of outcasts. I couldn't help but fall in love with this aspect as well. And although it playfully (and sometimes painfully) hints at something more (ffs, I shipped it so hard), it's enough to know that, despite their lives being constantly in danger, this group of misfit girls successfully banded together to survive and thrive, not only to be feared but also to be recognized and respected. And that's pretty significant.


This book is a beautiful and eerily inspirational narrative of a world that was likely a reality at some point but was never told. Now, here it is, a vulnerable and intimate account of this group of outcast troublemaking punks trying to survive in a society that seems to be against them.


It was truly an amazing read, and I will undoubtedly pick it up again in the future. I'm still in the high of its climax, almost a full day after putting it down, and I'll naturally be going through its withdrawal in the upcoming week. Yay.

July 15,2025
... Show More
So fucking good!

This simple expression truly encapsulates the essence of something remarkable. It implies a level of excellence that is beyond compare. When we say "so fucking good," we are expressing our utmost admiration and satisfaction.

It could refer to a delicious meal that tantalizes our taste buds, a breathtaking piece of art that leaves us in awe, or a memorable experience that fills us with joy.

This phrase is not just a random outburst; it is a powerful statement that conveys the intensity of our emotions. It shows that we have been truly impressed and that whatever it is we are referring to has exceeded our expectations.

So, the next time you encounter something that is "so fucking good," don't be afraid to express your enthusiasm. Let the world know just how amazing it is!
July 15,2025
... Show More
The social phenomenon in Edomus - gathering, especially of girls and teenagers. Dictated by the need for unity, the desire to belong, the desire to be taken care of.

I am reading it for the second time, and I really like the author's style, the descriptions of the environment. The quiet, poor town of Hemond. The air polluted by factories, the exhausted, working men, the cold women. The children, there are so many of them that I can't even count, what else to talk about regarding care. To be a girl in Hemond is no picnic - constantly under the threat of sexual deviations, which the author describes coldly and stingily, not seeking empathy in you. She is already here, from the very first sentences, pitying all the girls in the world who have not succeeded... There is not much patience for men, nor for the rich, and this is the main driving force of the gathering.

The relationships between the members, I'm talking about Ilga and Medi - are not childishly deep, complex, and incredibly beautiful in their dedication:

"Medi, you are my little heart."

"No one has ever said this to me again. No one has ever had a reason to say this to me in this way."

And Ilga Sadovski - what time is she?

"Is she - are you, Ilga - or are you in any way in any time?"

At the beginning of reading, that constantly repeated "GOLDEN STAR, GOLDEN STAR", her attitudes seem funny, and the enthusiasm - childish, naive, even cute. But as you get involved, the actions of the gathering gradually cross the line until the girls fall into sin, the consequences of which bring an end to the series.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Title: 3.5 Stars


In the world of reviews and ratings, 3.5 stars holds a unique position. It's not a perfect score, but it's also far from being a disappointment. A 3.5-star rating indicates that a product or service has its strengths and weaknesses.


Perhaps the item offers good quality in some aspects, but may lack in others. It could be that the service is generally satisfactory, but there are a few areas that need improvement.


However, a 3.5-star rating should not be overlooked. It can still provide valuable information to potential customers or users. It gives them an idea of what to expect and allows them to make a more informed decision.


In conclusion, while 3.5 stars may not be the highest accolade, it is still a significant rating that can have a positive impact on the success of a product or service.

July 15,2025
... Show More
I absolutely adored this book. It features the remarkable characters of Maddy-Monkey and Legs Sadovsky.

Often penned in Oates' semi-stream-of-consciousness style, which comes with the associated absence of punctuation, it leads the reader on a frenzied adolescent journey. Along the way, there are, as always, certain elements of social commentary.

Certainly, it offers its own irreverent perspective on "the sisterhood is powerful." Just like in Oates' "Man Crazy" (though perhaps, in my opinion, to a slightly lesser extent), this book might not suit everyone's palate.

However, for me, it was nothing short of perfect. It captured my attention from the very beginning and held it firmly until the end. The unique writing style added an extra layer of depth and authenticity to the story, making it a truly engaging read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking and unconventional literature.
July 15,2025
... Show More
In the 1950s, a remarkable incident took place. A group of high school girls found themselves in a situation that would change their lives forever. One of their classmates was being harassed by an abusive teacher who made inappropriate sexual advances.

However, instead of remaining silent and allowing the injustice to continue, these brave girls came together and formed a strong bond. They decided to take matters into their own hands and punish the men who were causing harm in their town.

They embarked on a mission, targeting those who they believed were guilty of mistreating women. Their actions were not without consequences, and sometimes they had to pay a hard price for their boldness. But they refused to be deterred and continued their fight for justice.

The story of these girls serves as a reminder of the power of unity and the importance of standing up against injustice, even in the face of great adversity. Their actions may have been controversial, but they left a lasting impact on their town and inspired others to take a stand.
July 15,2025
... Show More
DNF, also known as Dungeon & Fighter, is a popular online game that has captured the hearts of millions of gamers around the world.

It offers a unique and exciting gaming experience with its fast-paced combat, diverse character classes, and engaging storyline.

Players can choose from a variety of characters, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles.

They can then embark on adventures, fighting monsters and completing quests to level up and become stronger.

The game also features a rich PVP system, where players can compete against each other in intense battles.

With its vibrant graphics, immersive sound effects, and constantly evolving content, DNF continues to be a favorite among gamers of all ages.

Whether you're a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, DNF has something to offer for everyone.

So why not give it a try and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?
July 15,2025
... Show More
I truly don't understand what drives me to keep on reading Joyce Carol Oates. The fact is that I really have no affection for her works.

She has this habit of beginning her stories or novels with great strength and promise. The initial part often grabs my attention and makes me think that this might be the one that will change my perception of her.

However, it always ends up being a letdown. The endings just don't live up to the expectations set by the beginning.

But this particular piece that I just read was okay. I have to admit that I found it more enjoyable compared to some of her other works. Maybe there is a glimmer of hope that she will one day write something that I will truly love.

Nevertheless, for now, my relationship with Joyce Carol Oates remains a bit of a mystery to me. I keep reading, hoping for that one masterpiece that will make me see her in a whole new light.
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.