A review by bittersweet_symphony
The Girl of the Lake: Stories by Bill Roorbach

3.0

Bill Roorbach was introduced to me as a "kinder and gentler John Irving." High praise, and the exact way that would pique my interest. While I enjoyed The Girl of the Lake: Stories, I have a sense that I may the comparing short-form writing of Roorbach with the long-form, epic, and frequently multi-generational novels of John Irving is an apples and oranges exercise.

I will add that his few couple stories will knockout's, with a fair bit of heart and reality to them. Not as detail-oriented or world-building-oriented as Irving's work is (for obvious reasons), but worthwhile nonetheless.

I will take Roorbach for another turn but next time plan on trying one of his novels instead.