Although Puchner’s novel is a long, deep ride that traverses half a century, it never labors under the weight of its broad scope. Instead, with every chapter, the story feels animated only by the spontaneous possibilities of moments in which loyalty is respected or ignored, passion resisted or sated ... The book’s effect is hypnotically telescopic, a vision of people we come to know across decades. Puchner’s manipulation of time is among his novel’s most magical elements.
At its best when Puchner allows his characters to be unpredictable even to themselves ... Moments of precision shine, and I found myself wishing they had been set free of the dream smothering the landscape.
Riveting ... With interwoven perspectives, Puchner’s layered saga is a deeply felt exploration of relationships and self-identity, and the imperfections hidden by the heart’s pull.
Puchner draws readers right into the seemingly charmed world of a multigenerational summer lake house in the imaginary town of Salish, Montana ... Don’t miss Dream State, whose memorable characters leave readers with plenty to contemplate about life’s most vital aspects.
A moving, psychologically acute, formally surprising family saga ... Sprawling and elegant—a novel that feels both old-fashioned and bracingly inventive.
