Writing and Passages

[Fozzie]

Please us this thread to comment on the writing and writing style of this book and author, as well as favorite passages.  Please include a page number, if pertinent, for reference and to avoid spoilers.

[Stephanie]

Laura,

I love Oates style - down to earth and yet there is a literary quality to her work that is becoming somewhat rare.

I'll have to spend some time looking for passages that illustrate what I mean.

[Fozzie]

I haven't read any of the authors other books yet.  I would describe the writing style in this book as methodical and meticulous.  I am about to start chapter 30 in part two, Milburn, New York (and I will be holding there for a week while I quickly read Skeletons at the Feast to talk with Chris Bohjalian next week), and I feel the "action" is moving slowly.  However, I don't mind that.  This is a book which takes us into the mind of Rebecca.  Clearly, her childhood had a huge impact on the woman we catch a glimpse of in the first part of the book, Chautauqua Falls, New York, and we need to understand that completely. 

I like the use of the italicized sentences. They make me pause and think about what they refer to, who said them, why Rebecca is thinking that thought now, etc.

Does Joyce Carol Oates writing style change, depending on the book, or is this representative of her writing style?

[Fozzie]

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I love Oates style - down to earth and yet there is a literary quality to her work that is becoming somewhat rare.

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Yes, down to earth, simple, easy to follow, not pretentious, yet literary.

[Stephanie]

Laura,

Absolutely, methodical and meticulous!  There were points during the story where I wished the pace would pick up, but I think I was just wanting to know what was going to happen! 

I'm planning to read Chris' book over the weekend, I have no plans other than lying around in the sun reading.