OFFSHORE by Penelope Fitzgerald >> This book makes you wonder why we ever read anyone else. Ever.

Much is made of this insanely great novel(la)'s economy but it's the RICHNESS that draws me back again and again and again. Everything is so perfectly dark and smart and hilarious and poignant. We dive in (no pun intended) to the unique narrative stance, the richness of her characterization and her masterful employment of figurative language. This book is SO GOOD.