A Body At Rest by Susan Petrone
Susan Petrone, the author of this truly unique new novel, contacted me to see if I would be interested in reading a copy of her new novel, put out by a small press publisher. Knowing how hard getting the word out can be, I eagerly volunteered to help a fellow writer!
Susan's first novel features slacker generation roommates Nina and Martha - twenty-something barmaids with little direction and even less enthusiasm for their current situation. A few novels, a roadtrip, a cornfield and a couple of tattoos later, their lives certainly aren't boring anymore:
Because they are beginning to morph into Emma Woodhouse (of Austen's Emma fame) and Don Quixote by Cervantes.
And not just a few speech affectations or empire waist dresses.
They are TURNING INTO the characters.
Naturally, this is a premise for a novel I've never run across, but Petrone does a splendid job of keeping the cadence and language of Austen and Cervantes consistent throughout, even as the reader is trying to suss out what is going on, and whether it's a dream sequence, an acid trip, or something more...
This is not a run of the mill, formulaic novel, instead it is a unique plot with well-defined characters and swift writing. Once I read the final page, I wasn't sure if I loved it or hated it, but I certainly appreciated it!
Susan can be found on the web here, and her publisher here.
Susan Petrone, the author of this truly unique new novel, contacted me to see if I would be interested in reading a copy of her new novel, put out by a small press publisher. Knowing how hard getting the word out can be, I eagerly volunteered to help a fellow writer!
Susan's first novel features slacker generation roommates Nina and Martha - twenty-something barmaids with little direction and even less enthusiasm for their current situation. A few novels, a roadtrip, a cornfield and a couple of tattoos later, their lives certainly aren't boring anymore:
Because they are beginning to morph into Emma Woodhouse (of Austen's Emma fame) and Don Quixote by Cervantes.
And not just a few speech affectations or empire waist dresses.
They are TURNING INTO the characters.
Naturally, this is a premise for a novel I've never run across, but Petrone does a splendid job of keeping the cadence and language of Austen and Cervantes consistent throughout, even as the reader is trying to suss out what is going on, and whether it's a dream sequence, an acid trip, or something more...
This is not a run of the mill, formulaic novel, instead it is a unique plot with well-defined characters and swift writing. Once I read the final page, I wasn't sure if I loved it or hated it, but I certainly appreciated it!
Susan can be found on the web here, and her publisher here.
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