The Falls by Joyce Carol Oates

[Fran]

A wife on honeymoon at a luxury hotel in Niagara Falls in early 1950's wakes to find that her new husband has disappeared overnight. Thus begins this story of obsession, disillusionment, secrets, lies, environmental disasters, lawsuits and murders. Characters truly magnificent in their awfulness and the banal cruelties they inflict casually on each other.

As the consequences of rapid and uncontrolled industrialisation begin to become apparent in America in the 1960's families in crisis fall apart and individuals begin the slow torturous process of picking up the pieces and gradually and painfully building new lives from the ashes of old hatreds and buried family secrets. What initially appears to be a love story gone wrong moves rapidly into a much wider canvas and becomes in many ways the story of American society itself.

A very rewarding read and ultimately a very optimistic book. Joyce Carol Oates never fails to deliver a superb and well paced read.
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[Maud Fitch]

Fran, I couldn't decide whether to read this novel or stick red hot needles.....well, my sewing kit is standing by <wicked grin>.

(I'm still scarred after reading that other one!)

[Dragonflytears]

Thanks Fran,

Great review, has me intrigued. I will probably pick this one up on the weekend.