Customer Reviews

But Not for Long

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

But Not for Long is an incredibly compelling novel, one that couldn't be more timely. As in Wildgen's first novel, the prose sparkles and the imagery is rich and sensuous. This is a character driven novel--all of them round, layered and believable--but there is also a dark, almost apocalyptic veil over the narrative. This is a world that feels just one click away from our own. To her writerly credit, Wildgen shows great restraint and exactitude in this book, which suits her story. A taut, wonderfully written, satisfying read that will keep you thinking about it long after you put it down.

Once again, I was impressed by the insightful details and vivid characters that populate the novels of Michelle Wildgen. I was thoroughly hooked by the end of the first chapter of But Not For Long, and had a difficult time putting it down once I started to read. Her ability to bring you into a world that closely mirrors the one in which we live, and to feel a sense of urgency, dismay, and hope all at once, impacted me in a way that few books do. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves language and relishes the chance to sit and consider all that makes life difficult and worth living. It's an unforgettable read.

But Not for Long is one of those books that still haunts me, but in a good way. In this book, Wildgen has created a situation that we can't help but identify with, but her artful prose manages to make what would otherwise be preachy or plain depressing into engaging and thought-provoking. This book constantly delivers unforgettable scenes of beauty and death, hand in hand, with a few nuggets of humor to keep us reading. This is a book I'm eager to revisit, as I know I'll uncover another thought or image to ponder and probably laugh a bit along the way.

Michelle Wildgen's novel is subtle, thought-provoking, and nuanced. It's the type of read that feels so real it makes you think for weeks after about the characters as if they are long lost friends. I am in awe at Wildgen's ability to set an intriguing and ominous tone without any disappointment or unfortunate pay-off. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all amazon-goers.

I read "You're Not You", also by Michelle Wildgen, and thought it was very well written and emotionally engaging. So I looked forward to this new novel but, unfortunately, was very disappointed. I, too, read it half way, hoping it would get better, but finally gave up. Nothing about it was engaging or thought provoking I'm sorry to say. Let's hope future novels by Ms. Wildgen live up to her first.

I think this book had some really good parts, but overall it was too slow and there wasn't enough plot movement to keep it interesting. I thought the back to the earth people and end of times theme was eye opening and made me think of what it would be like to live more simply. Just too bad that it wasn't put together in a more compelling package. I felt like there were a couple awesome short stories in there wrapped in a not so great novel.

Wildgen's prose to me is pretty simple and allows the story and dialogue to carry the whole. Sometimes interesting writing style can compensate for lack of story, but that wasn't the case here (for me).

I give this book five stars for its topic - climate change and resource depletion - and take off a bit for the writing which is a bit understated for my taste. The central metaphor is sneaky and excellent, indeed the author is much more subtle than I had thought at the beginning of the book. I will look at her other work based on my appreciation of this book.

I think this should have been a short story instead of a novel. This author seems to spend a lot of time writing about very little. The story is interesting at times, but overall isn't a very satisfying read.

I loved Wildgen's first book, "You're Not You" and am anxious to see the film. I had hoped this second novel would measure up to my expectations. It seems to have fallen under the sophomore curse.

This is a short book that took me a fairly long time to plow my way through, not with enthusiasm. In "But Not for Long," I give Ms. Wildgen a ten for characters and a two for plotting.

The character I found most interesting was Will, the alcoholic husband. However, "A Fragile Peace" by Jonellen Heckler (very old book) is a far more emotional journey through the lives touched by an alcoholic. Hal, Karin, and Greta,the other protagonists, are all searching to make the world and their own lives bettter by working in non-profits: food distribution, a dairy newspaper, and a college respectively. Wildgen excels at developing the interior lives of her characters, their thoughts and actions and betrayals.

Action begins well in chapter one with a dock floating by, occupied by only a dog. Where's the owner? My problem with the opening is that is does not clearly seem to connect with the ending (is that a spoiler?) The dog seems to be a "save-the-cat" character device, in which case, Will should have been more involved.

During a blackout, the characters wander around Madison and environs, looking for ways to pass the time and avoid the reality of food going bad, relationships souring, and people acting badly under duress. I liked the idea of a non-functioning co-op.

Wildgen makes good use of the blackout and the Wisconsin setting, especially the cheese farm. I simply did not observe rising stakes for her characters, except for Will.

Wildgen created people I believed, people I trusted, people i wanted to follow around in the dark with no ice or honey or perishables. Read this book. It will make you understand the people in your own life better. And the strange, small, quiet mysteries of life.