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"Before you know it as the years go by, you're just like other people you have seen, with all those peculiar human ailments. Just another vehicle for temper and vanity and rashness and all the rest. Who wants it? Who needs it? These things occupy the place where a man's soul should be." -- Henderson the Rain King

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

A Woman Named Drown

Book #30 of my 2006 reading list was Padgett Powell 's second novel A Woman Named Drown.

I've blathered on about how much I dig Powell before. The man can just flat out write. In A Woman Named Drown his lyrical prose, understated humor and ear for Southern dialect is back in full force. Though the story line behind the novel isn't as strong as some of his other works the prose is powerful enough to carry it through and is just a joy to immerse yourself in. If you're new to Powell I'd start with Aliens of Affection or Typical but if you're already a fan of his work I think you'll find A Woman Named Drown to be a nice addition to your reading list.

For a good in-depth review and summary of the book check out T.C. Boyle's New York Times book review here.
"We did towns. Quincy, Panacea, Sopchoppy, Carrabelle, Blountstown--the best town names in the world. We even tried to take a tour of Chattahoochee, the largest state asylum. We'd try something like that and never think of something like Disney World." -- Padgett Powell


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posted by Jamie at 11:30 PM