Customer Reviews

Lava: A Novel

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I found this novel recommended by Terri Windling in this year's BEST OF HORROR AND FANTASY anthology (Number 11). I tend to like genre-benders, fiction that has an element of fantasy or unreality and Windling has proven to be a reliable source for many.

At less than 200 pages, this brilliant, stunningly written, often hallucenogenic novel by Ball, a teacher of writing at Florida State, is a compelling afternoon's read.

Sharks, tropical flowers, Tsunanis, mythology, and a theme of loss make for a potent, sensuous blend in a lush tropical Hawaiian atmosphere.

I fully intend to get all my great reading friends to read this one. A remarkable first novel.

****
This novel is a story of obsessive love, full of sad, moving moments, and so well-written. It was enjoyable beginning to end. What I enjoyed most about it was the real main character of the story, though---Hilo, Hawaii. The sounds, scents, and beauty of Hawaii was poignantly described in a way that drew me in from the very first page and made me love Hilo. Although I'd visited Hilo, I didn't truly appreciate it until I read "Lava". If you love Hawaii and want to get to know it better, if you want to read a different type of romance, you'll really enjoy this novel.
****

I love this book! - and like the first reviewer I tend to give it as a gift to all my literary friends. The setting - Hawaii - is wonderful, the characters memorable and the rhythm of the dialogue is great. I would definitely buy another book by Pam Ball.

Pamlea Ball's novel is a subtle and beautiful work set in Hilo, Hawaii, simply one of the best books I have ever read...