Swamplandia! by Karen RussellMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
A little spice can make a dull meal delicious, even heavenly. Too much spice can drown and ruin it. Great writing but too much of the clever, quirky, imaginative prose turns the simple story into an insufferable read. So modern, of course this kind of writing gets nominated for awards, but enough already.
As for story, it reminds of me of my reaction to Geek Love, which I read at the tender age of 18 - knowing it was delivered well, the darkness still hung about me in horrifying and unpleasant ways long after I finished it. Some of the story was implausible, but is that where "magical realism" kicks in to excuse the implausible? A few too many loose ends left dangling - the red alligator, Mama Weeds, Kiwi's drowning victim.
Glad I read it, only if to check it off a list. Otherwise, am quite glad to move on to the next story.
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