From time to time I’ll be reviewing books at the Kudzu Vine, the blog associated with Kudzu House Quarterly, where I’m also a reader. This month I had the pleasure of reading and writing about BK Loren’s debut novel Theft.
Loren’s a skillful craftsman, a thoughtful environmentalist, a damn good storyteller. She’s also published Animal, Mineral, Radical: A Flock of Essays on Wildlife, Family, and Food, and she’s a frequent contributor in the pages of Orion Magazine. You can read her “Dreaming in Dirt” in those pages here.
I’m delighted to occupy the planet with a writer paying attention to the tussle between people and place in all the right ways. The publishing editor of her first book told Loren she wrote like she was “raised by wolves.” Which seems about right.
This review does what only the best do– teach me about the book and literature in general. And fabulous to read such a thoughtful and instructive review of one of my favorite books! Love this line from your essay: “Zeb – feral, spiritual, seeking – is at his best when he’s both hunter and being hunted.” Perfect.
Thanks, lovely. Thank goodness for good stories in the world!