Reviews - The Vaster Wilds

3.5k reviews for:

A young woman is on the run in the winter wilderness, having escaped from a colonial settlement in the north of the U.S. She is alone, hunted, and haunted by what she runs from. It felt a bit like a book version of The Revenant, a movie that evoked a physical, as well as emotional reaction, though a gentler experience, thankfully. It's about the horrors of colonialism, the plight of women in those times, and the need for us to adapt to our situations. I found it quietly beautiful, deeply evocative, atmospheric, thought provoking, and contemplative.

sarahjaneinstpaul's review against another edition

4.0

Groff is a fantastic writer with creative, adept storytelling. This isn’t my favorite of hers, but it’s really well done.

otterlybookish's review against another edition

4.0

dark slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

erinmalec's review against another edition

5.0

I’ve fallen in love with every Lauren Groff book and this was no exception; it’s stuck with me even more than the others. Her beautiful writing is transporting as I felt like I was living alongside this incredible character, willing her to survive. Insight over human darkness mixed with awe over the natural world. Crunchy iambic pentameter delight indeed. So glad to have gotten my hands on an advance copy.