Once Upon a River: A Novel [Paperback]

Bonnie Jo Campbell has built her new novel like a modern-day craftsman from the old timbers of our national myths about loners living off the land, rugged tales as perilous as they are alluring. Without sacrificing any of its originality, this story comes bearing the saw marks of classic American literature, the rough-hewn sister ofWith all the fixingsof a Johnny Cash songlove, loss, redemptionCampbell captures these Michigandersand their earthy, brutal paradise in tales rich with insight and well worth thetrip.Campbell has a ruthless andprecise eye for the details of the physical world. . . . An excellent Americanparable about the consequences of our favorite ideal, freedom.Margos struggle tosurvive proves irresistible, like the tug of the Stark itself.A demonstration of outstanding skills on the river of American literature.