Book Review: Swamplandia! by Karen Russell (48 in 2012? #28)

     As I read Karen Russell's first novel, Swamplandia!, I couldn't help but think of it as a lighter version of Geek Love by Katherine Dunn.  That's not to say that Swamplandia! is a lighthearted romp.  If you've read Geek Love you know lighter then that novel could still be pretty dark since Dunn's story is perverse on a Chuck Palahniuk level.  Russell tells a compelling story that delves into the shadows of Florida's swamps without getting graphic or disgusting.  This isn't a story for the light of heart, it is at times creepy, disturbing and heartbreaking, but Russell's true accomplishment is telling it while maintaining a feeling of hope.  Swamplandia! shows that it is possible to create an uncomfortable atmosphere without succumbing to perversion.
     Swamplandia! follows the members of a Florida family that has been running an alligator themed park for generations after the sudden lose of their mother and main draw to cancer.  The park slowly starts to lose visitors due to the lose of their famous draw and the opening of a newer fancier theme park near by until the family starts to fall apart as they search for ways to keep the park alive.  I guess it's the carny nature of the family and their business that reminds me of Geek Love along with the dark ominous tone.  It shares some themes like alienation and naivety of the workings of the real world, but never goes as deep into those themes as Geek Love does.
     Russell has crafted a wonderful novel.  It's characters are deeply drawn and extremely compelling.  Russell effortlessly moves between first person narrative and omniscient without interrupting the flow of the story, giving the story a stronger punch where needed.  She makes you care for the family and their plight even though their behavior and lifestyle can only be described as weird.  She also masterfully sets a dark ominous tone throughout the novel without erasing the hope that the family will find their way to some sort of happy ending.  Russell has created a world that is equal parts creepy and exciting, dark yet inviting.  Though this may not seem like it's in everyone's wheel house, it's a highly enjoyable novel, a must read.