Reviews - The Vaster Wilds

3.5k reviews for:

The Vaster Wilds

Lauren Groff

3.85 AVERAGE

mandersm's review against another edition

4.0

Very beautifully written, but like others of Groff’s, I wanted more to happen. Meandering.

gildedmoth's review against another edition

4.5

challenging hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

there is something i adore so much about the force of nature. flowery but so stark, so bleak. i didn't find myself moved emotionally to tears or anything like that, but i did find myself getting caught up in the marvels of nature along with the main character.

bebidocrimes's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 39%

This was a book club pick that just didn't agree with me. The prose was unusual but not impossible to read, but it was so slow paced and I didn't care what happened to our main character in the slightest.

lizzyreadz's review against another edition

4.0

This story stays with me. It’s a meditation on forward movement, quickness in adapting and the contemplation of survival in the unknown. Every page was a slice of danger and determination. Throughly satisfying from beginning to end.

abeanbg's review against another edition

2.0

Something about Groff just doesn't work for me. I keep feeling like her primary intention is that I be impressed with her prose and that the function of the prose (plot, character, etc) is entirely secondary.

jay_bee_08's review against another edition

3.75

reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

madsreb's review against another edition

4.0

This novel is a masterclass in pacing and point of view. I’ve seen some readers describe it as relentless, and it is in that we are stuck with this character and experiencing her plight alongside her without a single break. But we get to experience her small triumphs, too, and the process of getting to know her was (to me at least) totally compelling. I was rooting for her so hard, but I also wanted her to be set free. I wanted peace for her, and also revenge—Lauren Groff made her so familiar to me in this short book. I know this won’t be for everyone, but to me it was beautiful and profound, and I can see myself going back to it for a reread if only to marvel at how Groff has tied this whole thing together.