Why people recommend it
Heat and Light by Jennifer Haigh is a contemporary novel that examines the complex, contentious world of hydraulic fracturing through the interconnected lives of residents, energy company workers, and activists in a rural Pennsylvania community. On an episode of The Book Review titled Neil Gaiman's Myths, host Pamela Paul shared that she began reading the novel at home, noting its thematic focus on the fracking industry. Later, on the episode Jennifer Haigh on 'Mercy Street', host Gilbert Cruz brought up the novel directly in conversation with the author, confirming that the book was oriented around the major social and environmental issue of fracking just prior to her subsequent work. Across both podcast episodes, the speakers emphasized how Haigh successfully translated a highly divisive, contemporary socio-political issue into a deeply human narrative populated by compelling characters navigating economic desperation and environmental disruption. The discussions highlighted the author's dedication to researching contentious modern industries and turning them into engaging, morally gray fiction that resonates with readers interested in contemporary American life.
Who recommended it
- Pamela Paul Discussed
- Gilbert Cruz Discussed
Pamela Paul — 2 mentions
“and then at home I started a book that came out last year by Jennifer hay called heat and light which which is about fracking”
“and then at home I started a book that came out last year by Jennifer hay called heat and light which which is about fracking”
Gilbert Cruz — 2 mentions
“so the novel that you wrote immediately before this heat and light was about fracking that was kind of the issue that it was oriented around”
“so the novel that you wrote immediately before this heat and light was about fracking that was kind of the issue that it was oriented around”