The Driftless Area

Drury writes compelling character driven stories set within the marginal areas of the modern northern midwest. Subtle supernatural elements steer the story to a heart wrenching conclusion. Readers might enjoy how this book isn't too long.

I was surprised at this turn in Drury's work, because the previous novels I read were so grounded in reality. But this is a very satisfying kind of romantic ghost story. It reminded me of the movie from a few years ago with that title. You don't want to press too hard on the metaphysics of the thing, but while you are in the spell of it the ride is enjoyable.

I'm also new to Drury. I plucked this book off the Border's shelf of new fiction a few weeks ago, admittedly intrigued by the sultry, alluring woman on the jacket cover. Then I cracked it open, read the first couple paragraphs, and was like, "Done." I bought it, and it was just the sweetest, most satisfying read--funny, suspenseful, seamlessly absorbing right up to the final page, with countless characters that Drury, in no time flat, summons to life deliciously. I was thirsting for a novel like this, and it more than quenched me. I can't recommend this book highly enough; it delivers.

This was my first Drury book; I have since gone out and gotten as many of his books as I can find. This is a slim tome, to be sure, but I think it is perfect in length. I did want it to go on and on since I loved the characters so, but that would have made it a different book. In this book Drury shows his amazing mastery of the English language. He is able, more than any other author I can think of, to use the simplest of language to convey rich thought and complex ideas. This man knows our language inside and out. I can't imagine a translation being any good at all. Not only is the language deceptively simple in this book, but Drury captures vivid characters through the simplest of actions and words. Less is better? Absolutely!