#1.
I've finally reached page 200 in the novel, halfway through The Falls by Joyce Carol Oates. I have to admit... this book is nothing what i expected it to be. Contrary to my predictions towards the begging of my reading that this might be a slow read, the plot has really taken off. The Falls has become a shocking, sometimes raunchy depiction of trauma and the grief that ensues. Here are some quick facts to get you acquainted with the novel before i get into a deeper plot analysis.


Setting: The powerful and hypnotic Niagara Falls and the quiet community surrounding it. Troy, NY where Ariah lived with her parents and returns to after her late husband's death.The high end New York touwhouse that Dirk and Ariah Burnaby now raise their son, Chandler in Shalott, where Dirk Burnaby's mother's estate is located.


Time period: 1950's. Story begins in early June, and continues throughout the summer.


Main characters: Ariah Littrell (Once Ariah Erskine), Gilbert Erskine (and his presence even after death), Dirk Burnaby.
[Major character development to be seen in later posts]


Minor characters: Claudine Burnaby (Dirk's mother), Reverend and Mrs. Littrell (Ariah's parents), Mr. and Mrs. Erskine (Gilbert's parents), Chandler (Dirk and Ariah's child tpgether), Clyde Colborne (owner of the Rainbow Falls whose friendship with Dirk Burnaby led to the couple's original introduction.