Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of Master of the Delta

Master of the Delta
notgump avatar reviewed on + 8 more book reviews


This novel builds gradually, laying down disparate elements with a few hints at how it ends, tantalixing hints with no moorings. The conclusion draws it all together breathtakingly fast and artfully, with surprises that flow from the story, but which I never suspected. The atmospheric descriptions of a small town, small-town people and especially of the old plantation are uniquely masterful.

Told in the first person, this novel includes quite original flash-forwards, which may be off-putting at first. But I got used to the technique quickly.

It takes a while to establish the numerous plot elements but the payoff is grand. Leaves me thinking about some big questions.