Fossil-Figures - Joyce Carol Oates

[Kirsty]

Here's a thread to discuss the second story.

[Kerry Bridges]

Well, I didn't like this one at all. I don't really like people being nasty, so I certainly don't want to read about it. What a horrible story!

[Sophia]

This was...interesting. I liked the ending, and the way the twins ended up dying just as they had been in the womb. I also liked that Edgar went home to his brother after he was disgraced, in the way that people always go home when they're at their lowest.

I thought some of the things the author said about time were quite profound - like that Edgar had only thought of time as a wave to propel him forward into a glittering future, but hadn't properly understood it would propel him forward into oblivion in the end.

Yes, it was a pretty bleak and horrible story, but life can be bleak and horrible and stories should reflect that. I can't say I enjoyed this, but it was well-written and it made me think.

[Kerry Bridges]

Yes I do agree it was well written, good point.

But I still think it was just plain nasty too!

[Kirsty]

I think it really captured what kids can be like and raises the question of whether nature or nurture forms the majority of character.
I think it's a very well written story that raises complex issues that are quite disturbing, and unsettling, to read but I felt relieved that they were ultimately resolved.

[Becky]

A really well written story! I didn't really like the topic but I suppose you weren't meant to? It was interesting the way the demon brother was written as though he was thinking about hating the other brother from as early as when he was in the womb.

[Ness]

I knew twins once who were similar (to a lesser degree) so this spooked me a little! I found it quite an uncomfortable story to read but it was superbly written. Hated to read of the disintigration in Edwards life, how his health deteriorated and the house became more delapidated as time went on.
I did like how karma dealt a hand towards the end. Edward achieving some success with his art and reaching out to others online that could finally appreciate him ... and how Edgar returned to the family home, humbled after his downfall.