Is it really that great? [ Edited ]

[jmtamez]

Is this book really as great as the summary looks?

Message Edited by jmtamez on 05-23-2008 08:43 AM

[Stephanie]

Jeanne,

It was an excellent novel.  You might find that it's "slow" in spots, early on, anyway, but I think the author's setting such a pace was intentional.  You will be thoroughly steeped in the character's early life and in her thought processes by the time the story begins to move forward more rapidly.  The effect this had on me, mainly, was that I could empathize with a situation of which I had little knowledge - not mere sympathy, real empathy.  It's not the sort of story one takes lightly, however, and while I wouldn't describe it as "gripping" the way a thriller would be, it certainly has moments that will grip you, and it's not an easy book to put aside, even when you're through.

Hope this helps,

[kiakar]

I thought it was an excellent book. As Stephanie says, its not the "drop everything and read book" but its worth getting into sort of book. Joyce Carol Oates writes within the circle and not quite as much outside the circle. She really reveals every detail of her characters and sways you to delve into the reasons the characters react as they do in her books. Some of her books I can't get into, but I feel now that she has written  this one, I could go back and become interesting in some I wasnt at the time I read them. She has a unusual way of covering every detail of her characters that makes you feel the things they do. This book was such a story you would almost always hve to get absorbed in. Joyce Oates made it so moving in every way.

[Fozzie]

I think the book is a masterful character study of Rebecca.  The writing style is meticulous, so the book is not a page turner.  It is not a book I can recommend to everyone across the board.  However, if you are the type of person who enjoys an in depth look at a character, excellent writing, and has patience with a book, you would like it.

[Stephanie]

Well put Ladies-  this is indeed a book one is going to get involved  in!   I hope we didn't scare any readers off!