Tawnie O'Dell has written a compelling and disturbing first novel (Viking is the publisher). BACK ROADS at once announces the arrival of a formidable new literary presence.

It's a tough tale set in a rural western Pennsylvania town. The central character, Harley Altmyer, approaching his 20th birthday, is burdened as the head of a household of quite a dysfunctional family. Harley has been left custody of his three younger sisters after his mother is imprisoned for killing his abusive father. Joyce Carol Oates couldn't have discovered a more troubled clan.

Harley struggles in therapy as his family relationships unravel. Nothing is as it seems, or should be. This basically decent young man - with mild aspirations - should be dating and exploring his vocational future. Circumstances draw him into a morass of psychological and sexual problems. Nothing is predictable in Ms. O'Dell's dark, always surprising and riveting saga.

This is a book and author, neither of which can be ignored. BACK ROADS is a first rate novel and introduces us to a most talented story teller.