Stacking in Rivertown

Rating:
Summary: DISTURBING JOURNEY TO THE DARK SIDE
Review: The obvious opening statement for any review of this book is that it is not for everyone. It is strongly erotic, and deals with some sexual subject matters offense and disburbing to many. For those of us who are more adventerous in our reading habits, however, it is a deep, probing, heart and gut wrenching psychological study of the depths of depravity that some people will endure in order to survive. What separates this book from typical "porno" is its intelligence and depth. There are explicit scenes of sado-masochism and violent and kinky sex, but they are almost secondary to the main story, which is a richly and lyrically written story of a young woman who faces demons most of us can only imagine. The depth of the plot and the characters is what makes this book compellingly readable. The protagonist, Beth or Becca or any of the other identities she assumes, evokes a entire array of emotions from the reader - from admiration to irritation back and forth throughout the story. Ben, the antogonist, is forboding and frightening, and lurks thoughout the book like a great white shark, ready to attack unexpectedly at any time. Make no mistake that this is a fluffy turn-on book. It is beautifully written and deeply probing, making it more of a work of literary erotica.

Rating:
Summary: A SPLENDID DEBUT!
Review: This novel is truly a splendid debut by a new writer with talent to burn! Others have summarized the story. Let me only add that the writing is elegant and sensitive, and that the characters and narrative are deeply haunting. So superior to most first novels, "Stacking In Rivertown" is difficult to put out of mind. In this era of disposable culture, that is as fine a compliment as I can offer. Bravo, Ms. Bell!