Review: Inland

Inland by Téa Obreht
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First of all, I am so glad that i had the chance to read this early and review it. As the sophomore attempt, and much awaited at that, from Obreht, much was expected after the tremendous success of the debut novel. Inland was an interesting story told from two main perspectives, Nora Lark who is a homeowner in an Arizona town during a drought, awaiting her husband's water-seeking return. The alternate story is from the perspective of a pair of camel-riding outlaws. Both perspectives were fascinating and well researched. From a historical perspective, this was a work of art, telling the story from the various POVs that gave a firsthand view of what life would have been like for those who dared to try to live in the western, newly settled regions. The language used in each experience was so vivid and heartfelt that I could feel what the characters were feeling. This character driven story was poignant and compelling. In addition, Obreht adds the element of magical realism into the mix with characters talking to "the other dead" or Josie having these abilities to see and talk to the dead or see things about what was to be in the future. The slow, methodical pacing normally is not my favorite thing in a book but here it worked. It captured the growing thirst in Nora and her family as they waited for the return of her husband with the fresh water. This was a beautiful story and poignant novel that was a fantastic second book from a highly talented author.
Highly recommend.
#Inland #NetGalley #RandomHousePublishingGroup #RandomHouse

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