Monday, July 17, 2006

Book 31 - The Falls by Joyce Carol Oates

This is a rather long book and the first I have read by this author. At first I was thinking I might be wasting my time and was all set to give up on it, but I ended up giving it one more shot and ended up liking it. Her style is a bit too dramatic, but her characters are super vivid and you can't help having a rather serious reaction to them. This story was about a honeymooning couple - the husband ends up tossing himself into Niagra Falls, where they are honeymooning, right after his first night with his new wife. Following a 7 day vigil to find his body, she ends up marrying an improbable suitor, a man who had assisted her during the time they were searching for husband #1. Of course both families are horrified by the speed with which she marries and she comes to the conclusion that her happiness if fleeting because she is clearly cursed, as evidenced by the first husband's suicide. It follows their lives and the lives of their children. There are a few subplots in there that really help to keep the story moving. I liked this book but she is not an author that I will run right out and pick up each time I go to the library. I figure I'll try her again, but for the time being, I would like something a little lighter for summer. I do recommend this book though.

Elizabeth at 10:10 AM

8comments

8 Comments

at 11:55 AM Wendy aka Cheeky said...: I was looking for something new....I might have to check this one out.
at 2:26 PM Tammy said...: So, did the guy come back, or did they find his dead carcass?
at 3:23 PM Kat said...: Gee, that sounds uplifting - the hubs jumping in the falls after one night - just how bad in bed does someone have to be? :)
at 3:58 PM Kat said...: Oh, and I pulled up a pic of your Reba - you aren't kidding about her and Leroy looking alike! Perhaps you should bring her over for a visit? :)
at 4:11 PM Kami said...: You lost me at "book."
at 11:16 PM Tammy said...: LMAO at Kami.
at 12:46 AM MommyOutOfControl said...: I've got strep and an ear infection, so I have read 2 books in 2 days...just some mindless NOra Roberts crap though. Nothing too exciting.
Sounds like one I might have to check out.
Jamie
at 1:59 PM Unknown said...: Man I'm so glad you review all these books. I've been reading like crazy and am always trying to find good ones. I read Something Borrowed based on your review and loved it! Guess maybe I should review my books too.