"This debut novel is a retelling of King Lear in the broadest possible strokes -- the passing of the kingdom, in this case a seafood company in North Carolina; the exclusion of the youngest child; the faithful general named Kent; even a climactic storm. Unlike Lear, however, the focus here is almost entirely on that youngest child and the way he wrestles with his role in events as they unravel . . . Krepp writes beautifully about the water, its many moods, and the significance of its actions. The result is essentially Lear Lite, lacking the brilliant psychological complexity and subplots of the original but still offering an engaging examination of loyalty, greed, and power -- and the devastating upheaval that results when these potent forces combine. -- Booklist
Drew Krepps fine first novel, The Salt Marsh King, shuffles a deck of wealth, power, betrayal, and family secrets and then deals us lucky readers a royal flush -- with suspense and tension ratcheted up degree by degree, page by page. Along the way, Mr Krepp masterfully describes places that you smell and feel while he weaves themes that touch on the nature of time and our trajectories in it. -- Clyde Edgerton, author of five New York Times notable books of the year, including the "Night Train", "Solo" and "Walking Across Egypt"
The explosively entertaining Salt Marsh King is a captivating story mixed with strikingly poetic elements. Krepps passion for the nautical outdoors is reminiscent of a young Hemingway, while his contemporary prose rivals that of Chad Harbachs. Its a fascinating novel that will make you see Shakespeares King Lear in a whole new light. -- Tony Musico, LA-based Playwright & Screenwriter
Drew Krepp is an impressive young writer whos weighed in with a powerful and thrilling debut novel. Saturated with details of place -- you can smell the ocean and see the marsh -- The Salt Marsh King also delivers the high drama of a strongly rendered Oedipal conflict. A great read. -- David Gessner, author of "Return of the Osprey", "Called by the Boston Globe" & Classic Of American Nature Writing
Drew Krepp understands the meaning of work, how it starts as a living but soon becomes a way of life, making us narrow or open-minded, callous or compassionate. Lear may be his jumping off point, but The Salt Marsh King is all his own, a taut and emotionally powerful story that demonstrates precocious talent. Krepp is definitely a novelist to watch. -- Robert Anthony Siegel, author of "The Novels", "All Will Be Revealed" & "All the Money in the World"
Salute the start of a great career. Drew Krepp boldly steps into the long storytelling tradition of the novel, and this book reads as if Steinbeck took a long walk with Pat Conroy, discussed Shakespeare, and dreamt up this big beautiful book. The story winds around and cares about everything―family, loyalty, manhood, friendship, business. A brilliant debut. -- Rebecca Lee, Author of "Bobcat & Other Stories", A Finalist for the 2014 Story Prize