But Not for Long

Hard-shelled, career-minded Greta is the newest and least likely member of a sustainable foods cooperative house in Madison, Wisconsin. Shortly after she joins Karin and Hal in their stately residence near campus, the husband Greta left appears on their porch, drunk, and the reason for her sudden appearance becomes clear. Yet the house members already have plenty to occupy them: a series of summer blackouts has unearthed a disquietude lurking just under the surface for each of the three residents. Gas is dwindling, electricity is unreliable, and the natural world around them is in upheaval. The uneasiness of the environ ment mirrors that of Greta, Hal, and Karin as they each make efforts to resolve their own personal crises. With subtle attunement to the hovering uncertainty affecting each of her characters, Wildgen crafts a story both terrifying and beautiful.

MICHELLE WILDGEN is a senior editor at Tin House. Her first novel, You’re Not You, a New York Times Editor’s Choice and one of People Magazine’s Ten Best Books of 2006, is now in development for film by Hilary Swank and Denise DiNovi. Wildgen’s work has appeared in O, The Oprah Magazine, The New York Times, and literary journals including Prairie Schooner and TriQuarterly.

"A stirring meditation on modern angst and the meaning of selflessness."--Joanna Powell, People

"What if the apocalypse comes gently, this memorable book asks, not with a bang or a blaze but with the silence of refrigerators no longer buzzing and the 'fuzzy dandelions of candlelight floating past the curtains'?"--Rebecca Tuhus-Dubrow, The New York Times Book Review

"Wildgen is great at catching the moments of connection and conflict between people. . . .Her characters are touching and believable, her place descriptions vivid."--Emily Carter, Star-Tribune (Minneapolis)

"A sensitively conceived and crafted novel."--Barbara Fisher, The Boston Globe