American Spirits

From one of America’s most celebrated storytellers come three dark, interlocking tales about the residents of a rural New York town, and the shocking headlines that become their local mythologies.

A husband sells property to a mysterious, temperamental stranger, and is hounded on social media when he publicly questions the man’s character. A couple grows concerned when an enigmatic family moves next door, and the children start sneaking over to beg for help. Two dangerous criminals kidnap an elderly couple and begin blackmailing their grandson, demanding that he pay back what he owes.

Suspenseful, thrilling, and expertly crafted, American Spirits explores the hostile undercurrents of our communities and American politics at large, as well as the ways local tragedies can be both devastating and, somehow, everyday. Ushering the reader through the town of Sam Dent, Russell Banks has etched yet another brilliant entry into the bedrock of American fiction.

F*(/^¡ng Dark!

I didn't realize Subarus were so popular with Trumpers and the economically marginal class in upstate NY. In rural Wisconsin, they wouldn't touch one unless it was a 20YO POS, but relatively reliable mechanically, they could pick up for under $2.5k. Other excellent verisimilitude of setting and psychological character insight.

Brilliant writing by a masterful storyteller

So many great things to say about this book, great writing, compelling story, captures and elucidates the look, feel and fortunes of a region, people and ultimately creates a portrait of humanity and its time on the planet. So sorry won’t be able to hear and learn more from Russell Banks but what he did write is iconic and continues to resonate.