A sordid tale with some flashes of brilliance, but overall not an enjoyable read. Plus the ending was very unrealistic. ( )

This is the first book I've read by Joyce Carol Oates and I now want to check out some of her other work. The story is about a girl (Ingrid) who grows up without a father, a mother who is anything but sane and not really ready to be a mother and some of the problems that develop as Ingrid matures into a woman. Some parts were a little tough to read but the ending was a pleasant finish. ( )

This book definately got better towards the end. I found the beginning of it just plain irritating and didn't think I'd get round to finishing it. I persisted though, and I'm glad I did. It wasn't one of my favourite books but I didn't hate it.

Although a good story with some interesting issues being dealt with. It just seemed a little 'messy' to me. I know that that is perhaps how it is meant to be but I didn't find the way it was written very effective, it just irritated me. I think that the idea behind the book was a good one, the actual story could have been written or put together better. And some parts were just childish. Having the rough biker junkie with the last name of "Skaggs" was just too obvious. I'm all for good characterisation but in a harsh, gritty story this fairytale technique of giving 'bad' characters 'bad' names just seems out of place. It all came together to create a fairly uninvolving read. Usually when I finish a book, I feel still trapped in the plot for a while afterwards like the characters and the settings are still lingering with me. This one I finished and was disconnected from it all instantly.

Having said that, I did feel like I had to keep reading, whether this was because I was involved in the storyline or whether I just wanted to get to the end of the book - perhaps a little bit of both.

I would recommend this, if only to see what other people think of it; whether it is just a matter of personal taste as to whether you like it or not or if its just poorly done. ( )

revolting story of Satan's Children torturing child Enoch

1.98 ( )