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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sarah Hulse creates a haunting elegy in ‘Black River’

Dan Webster

As the father of a young woman who is working as a film editor/producer in New York, I understand the pride a parent feels when his or her offspring does something creative. Especially when that work receives critical acclaim.

That's why I'm so happy for my former Spokesman-Review colleague Gil Hulse. I have some clue as to what he is feeling over the kudos his daughter, Sarah Hulse, is receiving on the publication of her novel — her first — "Black River." The younger Hulse will read from her book at 7 p.m. Friday at Auntie's Bookstore.

Following are some comments about "Black River":

From the Washington Post: "(T)he possibility of solace, if not redemption, hangs tantalizingly close in this tough, honest novel by a surprisingly wise young writer."

From The Guardian: "Hulse believes that grace happens in a look between two people, or a moment of holding back. It’s a powerful elegy to the knowledges we bear and the silences we hold."

From Publisher's Weekly (whose reviewer clearly was thrown off by Hulse's byline "S.M."): "From the bluegrass theme to the Western rural setting, Hulse handles his (sic) story like a pro."

From Kirkus Reviews: "Profound issues addressed with a delicate touch and folded into a strong story populated by wrenchingly human characters: impressive work from a gifted young artist."

So, don't miss this sterling literary debut, a young author's presentation of what is universally being acclaimed as a finely crafted first novel. Oh, and be sure to congratulate her father.