Swamplandia! is one of the best pieces of fiction I’ve ever read. I loved it so much, I broke the cardinal rule of New York City subway travel and butted into a conversation upon overhearing two people talking about it (thankfully they agreed with me on all its merits and we gushed about it until my stop at 14th street.) I loved it so much that I would stop reading mid-chapter, clutch my Kindle to my chest, and sigh.
I love it so much I don’t actually want to talk about it, because I can’t do it justice. You should just go read it, and then email me. We will sigh together, and you can then join me in feeling massively unaccomplished; Karen Russell published it at 29.
Well, just to send you over the edge so you’ll join me here down in the pit of utter envy: Karen Russel published her first book of short stories at 23. Or 24. Or some younger age that is less than 29. SIGH.
But she is so so so good. The short stories are great, too, if you haven’t read them.
margosita
20 Jan 12 at 10:17 am
This is on my to-read list!
Nichole
20 Jan 12 at 11:42 am
I’m about halfway through it now. Expect my sighing email in a few days.
Kizz
23 Jan 12 at 11:08 am
I just finished this last night! I wholeheartedly agree – her writing was gorgeous, so fantastical and RICH. I can’t do it justice either.
Phoebe
24 Jan 12 at 11:16 am