Swamplandia!

Over-esteemed. Pretty good, yes. Great premise. Great first half-chapter. But quickly I found the alternating chapters/stories distracting, whole sections boring, and the reunion on the lake greatly unbelievable. Very interesting aspects (the Chief's secret life/job, anything that would explain Osceola's behavior, the arc of Kiwi's story that actually carries him forward) lose out to the overly long dredgeman's story (a throwaway for me), meaningless visits with Sawtooth, the tale of Mama Weeds that's a useless tangent, and other tedium. I should probably read the author's short stories, as her weaknesses for me – deviating story ideas, uneven pacing, character gaps – seem reserved for novel writing while her strengths – unique concepts, sudden shimmering language – seem perfect for shorter bursts.