Hint of Hope

"Veronica" is the best work Mary Gaitskill has done in a long time. Unlike Gaitskill's previous books, "Veronica" ends with a hint of hope, which makes it more satisfying than the constant drumbeat of abjection that prevades Gaitskill's writings. (Here's the plot, if you're interested.) Although the lead character is still doomed, she makes a slight human connection with another character (a major change for Gaitskill). The writing is bloody dense; basic story, backstories, tangential anecdotes are all crammed in there, weaving back and forth. Somehow it works. Recommended for doom-and-gloom aficionados who crave just a glimmer of light.