Toward the end, �The Tattooed Girl� takes a violent, dark turn. About the violence that appears in many of her works, she says, �There�s violence in our culture. Most realistic writers reflect their culture.�
Many have said that this might be the author�s most controversial novel, and she agrees, pointing to the novel�s ending, raising questions about justice and punishment. �It seems to suggest,� she says, �that anti-Semitism should be severely punished, rather than criticized.�
She adds, �I think that anti-Semites in our society are treated rather lightly � they get away with it.�
Sandee Brawarsky
Joyce Carol Oates interview in The Jewish Week July 20, 2003
