But Not for Long

i love the company of a great book and this is indeed one of them. it went straight for my amygdala and held it captive for many hours. it's earthy, lusty, and sad at the same time. characters are deeply and carefully developed and surroundings vividly brought to life. thank you ms. wildgen for making all of us in madison, wi even a little bit immortal.

But Not for Long is one of those books that still haunts me, but in a good way. In this book, Wildgen has created a situation that we can't help but identify with, but her artful prose manages to make what would otherwise be preachy or plain depressing into engaging and thought-provoking. This book constantly delivers unforgettable scenes of beauty and death, hand in hand, with a few nuggets of humor to keep us reading. This is a book I'm eager to revisit, as I know I'll uncover another thought or image to ponder and probably laugh a bit along the way.

But Not for Long is an incredibly compelling novel, one that couldn't be more timely. As in Wildgen's first novel, the prose sparkles and the imagery is rich and sensuous. This is a character driven novel--all of them round, layered and believable--but there is also a dark, almost apocalyptic veil over the narrative. This is a world that feels just one click away from our own. To her writerly credit, Wildgen shows great restraint and exactitude in this book, which suits her story. A taut, wonderfully written, satisfying read that will keep you thinking about it long after you put it down.

Once again, I was impressed by the insightful details and vivid characters that populate the novels of Michelle Wildgen. I was thoroughly hooked by the end of the first chapter of But Not For Long, and had a difficult time putting it down once I started to read. Her ability to bring you into a world that closely mirrors the one in which we live, and to feel a sense of urgency, dismay, and hope all at once, impacted me in a way that few books do. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves language and relishes the chance to sit and consider all that makes life difficult and worth living. It's an unforgettable read.