The title of this collection of short stories is fitting. If others knew what went on in the inner recesses of our brains as we struggle with moral choices, our own imagations, we would probably all be someone that they didn't know.
I've read several Joyce Carol Oates novels, and a few short stories in college, but this collection left me a new respect for Ms. Oates as an author. These stories were different from anything I've ever read. And I like to consider myself fairly well read. Many of the stories are cliff-hangers. Many leave the reader with the task of evaluating the truth of what happened for themselves. The characters and plot lines are as complicated as real life. No clear cut answers. The author's ability to delve into the human psyche, especially the areas that we all want to deny exist, spellbinding. Human beings are complicated. For the most part, we know what is right from wrong. But often, in the inner mind, a struggle takes place concerning our ability to do the right thing, or the the reality of what exactly is the right thing. Ms. Oates is an artist of multiple dimensions, and as a writer this collection of short stories has left me with a profound respect for her.
No comments:
Post a Comment