Fading, My Parmacheene Belle

This book blends wisdom, insanity, tenderness, and adventure to highlight the most colorful aspects of human nature. I was captivated by Scott's intricate crafting of the English language and engulfed by the savage yet elegant execution of this novel. A true work of art.

Think a kinder, deeper Nabokov re-plotting Lolita-meets-King Lear-and-hits-the-road as an exquisitely elegant acid trip of wondrous language, fascinating characterization and sizzling gothic spicing and you'll get an approximate idea of what Joanna Scott's debut novel has waiting for you. Here Ms.Scott, now solidly established as perhaps the brightest star in the younger generation of contemporary american writers, delivers what old school critics used to call a tour de force and mean it. This is a bewitching tale that acts as a prism in which we discover the many layers, sides and angles that a narrative has below its surface. Ms.Scott tells us the story of an old man that takes on a spiritual quest, a road run of sorts, after the death of his life long wife. His companion for the ride will be a young, mysterious girl that will take him, and us, in a trip of self-discovery. It might not an easy read, granted, but in these days of literary-lite and I-can't-believe-it's-not-butter flavor-of-the-months, you can't ask for a more rewarding author than Joanna Scott. She's the best of the pack, far ahead and leading the way. And one thing's for sure: you'll be back for more.