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The God of the Woods

Liz Moore| 2024 | 490 Pages | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Historical Fiction, Suspense, Adult


SUMMARY

When a teenager vanishes from her Adirondack summer camp, two worlds collide...


Early morning, August 1975, a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found.


As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.

 

MY THOUGHTS & OVERVIEW

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore weaves a haunting tale of mystery and drama, centering on the disappearance of 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar from a summer camp in 1975. Set against the lush backdrop of the Adirondacks, the novel delves into the lives of the Van Laar family and those around them, revealing buried secrets and tangled relationships. The narrative gracefully shifts between the 1950s and 1970s, creating a rich, multi-layered story steeped in emotion, suspense, and tragedy.


Plot:

When Barbara Van Laar vanishes from Camp Emerson—a camp founded by her own family—the ripples of her disappearance disturb the very fabric of the community. But this isn't the first tragedy to strike the Van Laars—16 years earlier, Barbara’s older brother Bear also disappeared without a trace. As the story unfolds, we meet a cast of interconnected characters: Barbara’s emotionally frayed mother, Alice, struggling with addiction; Louise, the camp counselor who becomes an easy target for blame; Tracy, Barbara’s troubled bunkmate; and Judyta, a young detective fueled by determination. Each character's journey adds depth and complexity to the mystery as they wrestle with their own demons while facing the implications of Barbara’s absence.


The plot is a slow burn, gradually revealing the characters' lives across different timelines. The non-linear narrative, which jumps between past and present, heightens the drama and deepens the emotional impact of the search for the missing girl. As secrets slowly unravel, the novel touches on themes of motherhood, gender roles, class, and identity, all building toward a devastating and unforgettable ending.


Thoughts:

Liz Moore has crafted a novel that is as much a deep dive into its characters as it is a mystery. The setting is vivid and immersive, drawing you into the dense woods and secluded cabins of the Adirondacks, where the beauty of nature stands in stark contrast to the darkness lurking beneath the surface.


The characters are meticulously developed, each one flawed but also human. The women in the story, particularly, struck a chord with me. Moore’s exploration of their inner lives is raw and honest, allowing us to feel their pain, fear, and resilience. The narrative doesn’t just explore the mystery; it delves deep into the heart of what it means to be human, to grapple with loss, and to confront the shadows of the past.


Its masterful blend of genres sets this story apart. Yes, it's a mystery, but it's also historical fiction and a profound character study. The suspense builds with a steady, unrelenting pace, with twists that keep you questioning until the very end. The dual timelines are handled with precision, allowing you to piece together the puzzle right alongside the characters.


Conclusion:

The God of the Woods lingers in your mind long after turning the last page. It's a novel of loss, secrets, and how the past shapes the present. Moore's writing is exquisite, her characters unforgettable, and the mystery utterly absorbing. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves an emotional and brilliantly crafted story.


 

CHARACTERS

The characters form the novel's beating heart, each intricately woven into the narrative.


Barbara Van Laar is a rebellious, artsy teenager whose disappearance drives the plot. She is a complicated figure, born into privilege but battling her own inner turmoil and the weight of her family's dysfunction.


Alice Van Laar Barbara’s mother, a woman shattered by the loss of her son Bear and consumed by addiction. Alice’s story is one of profound grief and disconnection as she retreats further from reality and her role as a mother.


Louise, a 26-year-old camp counselor burdened by her family responsibilities, finds herself entangled in the fallout of Barbara’s disappearance. She is a survivor, fiercely protective of her younger brother, yet vulnerable to the harsh judgments of those around her.


Tracy is Barbara’s bunkmate. She is a quirky, shy girl reeling from her parents' divorce. Tracy's profound bond with Barbara makes her disappearance all the more painful.


Judyta Luptack is a young, driven detective determined to unravel the mystery of Barbara's disappearance. She navigates the male-dominated world of law enforcement with intelligence and tenacity, and her commitment to the truth is unwavering.


Jacob is a delinquent figure hiding in the woods, living on the fringes of society. His presence adds a sense of danger and unpredictability to the story, and his connection to the Van Laar family slowly comes to light.


The God of the Woods is a deeply affecting exploration of human nature, a story that captivates with its rich characters, intricate plot, and emotional resonance. This novel demands your full attention, leaving you haunted and thoughtful long after you've finished

 

WHERE TO READ / BUY

  • Paperback: $24.99

  • Hardback: $19.71

  • Kindle: $14.99




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