This was different from the other books I have read by Jewett. The regional description of the marshland and the people is the same, but the closer look inside the minds of the characters was new. I'm not sure what to make of the complex weave of interplay with the characters. It almost begs to be read again with closer inspection to truly understand Jewett's intent with this novel.

I may be thick, but I don't see the queer, gender bending intent that the book description puts forward. I think Don James McLaughlin put too much of what he wants to see into the story for a more modern interpretation. ( )

What a pity this book isn't better known because it is a beautifully crafted novel. Jewett describes the landscape so richly I could see it as clear as day, her characters are lovely creations, and she dreamed up the most wonderfully undramatic love triangle ever put to page.

Apparently Jewett considered this her best work and while I don't quite agree with her, I can certainly understand her fondness for it.

Received via NetGalley. ( )