"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
A cogent warning indeed, for as in all of Hoffman's novels, the question of whom one chooses to love and who loves in return is the crux of the matter. The River King revolves around triangles. First there is Betsy Chase, a young photography teacher at the Haddan School who has gotten herself engaged--almost accidentally--to a fellow faculty member, even as she is inexorably drawn to Abel Grey, a town policeman. Then there are Carlin Leander, a scholarship student, and her best friend, Gus Pierce. While Carlin is able to fit in, even attracting the interest of the most popular boy on campus, Gus is a defiant outcast, a tall skinny kid in a long black overcoat "who viewed his own life as a prison sentence and experienced his existence much as a condemned man might." Carlin's romance with the charismatic, cruel Harry McKenna creates a rupture between her and Gus, and fuels a mean-spirited practical joke with horrific consequences. In the aftermath of tragedy, each character's heart, conscience, and courage is tested in unexpected ways.
Hoffman spins her web of love and heartbreak and transcendence with a sure hand, and in the process creates characters so palpably human in all their petty flaws and small instances of heroism that one almost expects them to step out of the book and into the room. Indeed, if there is a flaw in The River King, it is that Alice Hoffman doesn't always trust the magic inherent in her characters, relying a little too heavily at times on somewhat precious invocations of the otherworldly. But this is a minor defect in an otherwise satisfying novel, one that will keep the reader spellbound by its emotional complexity and compelling story. --Alix Wilber
Born in New York City, and raised on Long Island, Hoffman graduated from Adelphi University and received an M.A. from Stanford University, where she was Mirrielees Fellow. She currently lives near Boston with her family and her dogs.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 0399145990-11-15237737
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. Brand New Copy. Seller Inventory # BBB_new0399145990
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. Buy for Great customer experience. Seller Inventory # GoldenDragon0399145990
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: New. Dust Jacket Condition: New. 1st Edition. First Edition, no writing, marks, underlining, or bookplates. No remainder marks. Spine is tight and crisp. Boards are flat and true and the corners are square. Dust jacket is not priced. This collectible, " NEW" condition first edition/first printing copy is protected with a polyester archival dust jacket cover. GIFT QUALITY. Seller Inventory # 002258
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. New. Seller Inventory # Wizard0399145990
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: New. Dust Jacket Condition: New. 1st Edition. First Edition, with correct number line sequence, no writing, marks, underlining, or bookplates. No remainder marks. Spine is tight and crisp. Boards are flat and true and the corners are square. Dust jacket is priced. This collectible, " NEW" condition first edition/first printing copy is protected with a polyester archival dust jacket cover. Beautiful collectible copy. GIFT QUALITY. Seller Inventory # 002260
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. New Copy. Customer Service Guaranteed. Seller Inventory # think0399145990
Book Description Condition: new. Seller Inventory # FrontCover0399145990
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. New. Fast Shipping and good customer service. Seller Inventory # Holz_New_0399145990
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: New. Dust Jacket Condition: New. 1st Edition. FIRST Edition AND FIRST Printing with publishers full number line on copyright page. *SIGNED* by author DIRECTLY ONTO the Title Page (Signature only). A MINT volume (Pages Never Turned! ) in same condition UNclipped dust jacket. Only one (1) 'blurb' on rear jacket panel. A PERFECT copy. Mylar protected jacket. Signed by Author(s). Seller Inventory # 003528