If David Vann was the big name in January, then Karen Russell is February’s. Russell is the author of Swamplandia! (and don’t forget that exclamation mark), her debut novel.

So far she’s got the front cover of the NY Times book review and a major interview on NPR. Not bad for a 29-year-old first-time novelist.

The book’s plot sounds bonkers and intriguing – set in the swamps of the Florida Everglades, Swamplandia! is a gator-wrestling theme park run by the Bigtrees. Thirteen-year-old Ava Bigtree is faced with a mountain of problems as things go from bad to worse.

Russell sounded very bright on the NPR interview last night. Signed copies of Swamplandia! are already going for between $50 and $60