Stephen King says: "Sisters Ava and Ossie Bigtree are left in charge of their family’s fading Everglades theme park, Swamplandia!, when a flashier attraction (World of Darkness — think hell with roller coasters) opens nearby. Russell is a tremendously gifted writer, and Swamplandia! goes rollicking right along...until you get to the bone-chilling second half, which is as terrifying as Deliverance. It’ll be published in early 2011. Don’t miss it."


I thought this book was wonderful; the writing sublime, the characters well-developed and compelling. The inside flap does not hint at the sinister side of the story; I found it surprising they omitted this important component. There is a definite supernatural and haunting feel to a good part of this book. A great coming-of-age, loss-of-innocence tale. The descriptions of the swamp made me want to be there; even with all the mosquitoes! I'm surprised by how many less-than-enthusiastic reviews there are here. I thought it was unique and enthralling.