After the storm, he paddles the flooded streets in a canoe, rescuing stranded people, feeding trapped dogs, and marveling at the sometimes surreal beauty of the devastation. (booklistonline.com)
Even in the 20th century, James Michener's and Nordhoff / Hall's accounts present a region of Eden - like charm, innocent and easy morals, and surreal beauty which belies reality. (bookbrowse.com)