Creation Lake: A Novel By Rachel Kushner

Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner is a highly anticipated novel that weaves a tale of intrigue and deception. Set in France, it follows Sadie Smith, a thirty-four-year-old American woman who infiltrates an anarchist commune under the guise of a covert agent. Sadie, a master of strategy and dissimulation, is tasked with inciting provocation among the commune’s members, including her lover, Lucien, a Parisian aristocrat.

As Sadie navigates the rural French landscape and mingles with the activists, she becomes enraptured by Bruno Lacombe, a mysterious figure who communicates only via email. Bruno’s radical belief that liberation lies in returning to the ancient past contrasts sharply with Sadie’s manipulative modern tactics.

Through sharp, evocative prose, Kushner explores themes of seduction, power, and the clash between modernity and tradition. Creation Lake blends high art with dark humor, offering a gripping and sophisticated narrative. With its taut structure and insightful commentary, the novel showcases Kushner’s exceptional talent and promises to be a standout in contemporary fiction.