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I first read FISKADORO when it was published nearly 30 years ago. I'd read Johnson's poetry and his first novel, ANGELS, and I was beyond curious about his second novel. I recall being startled, delighted, surprised, and mystified (in a good way). I'm pleased to say FISKADORO holds up very well. It's still energetic and imaginative. It maintains its dystopian "edge" nicely too; Johnson's observations about American culture remain both harsh and revealing. Best of all, we have Johnson's long and remarkable career over the last three decades -- a career that enriches the context for this inventive novel. Despite the post-nuclear tragedy of its setting, there's something about FISKADORO's spirit and language that will keep this book on my "recommended reading" list, especially for other writers, for a long time.
