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Book Review of Swamplandia!

Swamplandia!
Swamplandia!
Author: Karen Russell
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
reviewed on + 40 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7


Up until the ending a wry and darkly funny account of life in a family of alligator wrestlers and carnival hucksters on the fringe of what passes for normal society in swampy Florida - land of reptile farms and bizarre theme parks. Loved the early chapters that set up the central conflicts of the story, but as the three siblings seek their way off the family island the story veers off course and just becomes increasingly depressing. I'm not sure what the point was at the end, and almost felt betrayed on behalf of characters so well fleshed out that they really deserved better from their author. Four stars for a strong start, but three stars overall for the weak finish.