Karen Russell

December 14, 2011 2011 was a terrific year for fiction — both from first-time novelists and much-decorated veterans. Maureen Corrigan's recommendations range from Karen Russell's dazzling debut, to David Foster Wallace's posthumously published novel, to what may be the Sept. 11 novel.

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July 27, 2011 Dennis Lehane returns to a torn character he invented a decade ago, Ruth Rendell visits London's Portobello Road, Karen Russell sets her debut in the Florida swamps, and Anne Fortier explores Romeo and Juliet in a modern love story. Meanwhile, Rosanne Cash reflects on her life and famous family.

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February 9, 2011 Author Karen Russell talks to All Things Considered co-host Melissa Block about her eclectic literary tastes, life in the Everglades and other influences for her debut novel, Swamplandia! — about a gator-wrestling, theme-park-owning family

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February 2, 2011 In her debut novel, Swamplandia!, Karen Russell tells a fantastical story of a gator-theme-park-owning family trying to make ends meet in the lush (and dangerous) Florida swamplands.

Summary

September 3, 2006 Ten of Karen Russell's short stories make up her first book. One character's father is a Minotaur; another sings in an Alaskan boys choir. The title story is St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves. The Florida-born Russell, 25, has also graced the pages of The New Yorker and other magazines.

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