SWEET CRUDE / BOOK / J. Pahl
"Both a road narrative and a poetic tribute to the Beat generation, Sweet Crude captures the restlessness of travel alongside an attentive fascination with rural life. Those familiar with Jack Kerouac’s On the Road will recognize its interest in movement, landscape, and searching, while Pahl’s voice remains distinctly her own. " — CANREADS BOOK REVIEW
"Pahl’s sometimes-surreal story features some majestic phrases" — Kirkus Book Reviews
"Pahl’s prose is the novella’s defining strength. Lush yet cutting, her language makes even ordinary objects and passing sights feel newly strange and worthy of attention. Although Pahl is new to the literary scene, she possesses the skill of a seasoned writer, weaving complex themes and philosophies into discussions of life and labour in the oil sands without ever seeming out of place." — CANREADS BOOK REVIEW
"Early chapters enjoyably drop in philosophical queries." — Kirkus Book Reviews
"Readers drawn to Alberta, Western Canada, the Beat generation, or stylistically ambitious literary fiction will find much to admire here. Lyrical, surprising, and philosophically rich, Sweet Crude announces the arrival of an exciting Canadian literary voice. For those searching for a writer with the potential to become one of Canada’s next great talents, consider this a sign to pick up Sweet Crude." — CANREADS BOOK REVIEW