The Falls A Novel
The Falls A Novel by Joyce Carol Oates, published by Harper Collins on June 10, 2008, is a reissue that spans 512 pages. Set in 1950, the story begins with Ariah Erskine, whose honeymoon takes a tragic turn when her husband plunges into the waters of Niagara Falls. As she endures a seven-day vigil waiting for his body, she finds unexpected companionship in Dirk Burnaby, a confirmed bachelor. Their relationship evolves into a passionate love affair, leading to marriage and family life, but the shadow of tragedy looms over their seemingly perfect existence.
Readers will find a deep exploration of the complexities of love and loss within the framework of a family in crisis. The narrative delves into themes of distrust, greed, and the impact of past tragedies on present relationships. Set against the iconic backdrop of Niagara Falls, this novel presents a haunting portrayal of human emotions and the struggles that define the American family.
Official synopsis Publisher
It is 1950 and, after a disastrous honeymoon night, Ariah Erskine’s young husband throws himself into the roaring waters of Niagara Falls. Ariah, “the Widow Bride of the Falls,” begins a relentless seven-day vigil in the mist, waiting for his body to be found. At her side is confirmed bachelor and pillar of the community Dirk Burnaby, who is unexpectedly drawn to this plain, strange woman. What follows is a passionate love affair, marriage, and family—a seemingly perfect existence. But the tragedy by which they were thrown together begins to shadow them, damaging their idyll with distrust, greed, and even murder.
Set against the mythic-historic backdrop of Niagara Falls in the mid-twentieth century, this haunting exploration of the American family in crisis is a stunning achievement from “one of the great artistic forces of our time” (The Nation).
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