Suspicious River

I read a review, one of the short reviews in the in the New Yorker that are more descriptive than judgemental, many years ago. I only remembered it was intriguing but I bought it recently and read it on this vacation (I am in Mexico as I write). I agree with some reviews that have compared it with Joyce Carol Oates but I would also throw in some other gritty books; Laplante's Cold Shoulder (she wrote the original scripts for the hit TV show Prime Suspect) and Amis' Night Train. The book alternates between the rugged life the central character lives today and her tortured past that continues to haunt her. And yes, have we discussed that she is a poet? I don't have an background in literature and I don't really know anything about poetry (though some of my best friends are poets) but it would appear as though poets do have an excellent command of our language and can use it to great advantage. So if you like grit and you like a talented writer please check this out.I wanted to point out that Ms. Kasischke spoke at the 1999 Michigan Writers Series. Her discussion of this book and some of her poetry can be found via a search for the Michigan State University Libraries.

Although I finished this book several months ago the story of Leila's life has stayed with me. This book is full of haunting dialogue, rich descriptions, interesting characters. Truly writing at its best! I adore books by Laura Kasischke and wish there were more novels by this amazing author.

A nearly perfect novel; a rare mixture of beautiful writing and logical, original story.It's clear Kasischke honed her skill as a poet; the language is just that concise. The opening paragraph is one of the best I've ever read. I was hooked from that moment on. Highly recommended.

i read this book about four years aGo -- picked it up in the NYU library on my lunch break, and it's stayed in my head ever since. tough, uncompromisinG, perfect. really want to read more from laura kasischke.

You hate her, you love her, but in the end, you don't want her dead. Leila is such a punching bag you ask yourself why you care so very very much. Because you do care. I guess it takes a poet like Kasischke to make Leila's world real, and it takes more than mere wordcraft to grab you by the hair on the back of your neck and twist. Because that's the feeling you get as Leila starts to wake up and run from her demons.