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allelsefailed 's review for:
The God of the Woods
by Liz Moore
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Pleasantly surprised! I don't usually like mystery but I really enjoyed this book. 1970s murder mystery meets dark acedemia, but stunningly thoughtful and reflective. This would make a GREAT book club selection.
I like that they dropped the title meaning early. I kept thinking about it throughout the book. Who is the god of the woods? Who is panicking and who is causing panic? What are they chasing that they lose their way in the "woods"?
For many it's the woods themselves, for many more it's the Van Laars, for some it's the illusion of a life they will never have, for others it's the promise of a life they've been told they must have. The author does a great job demonstrating how from just about any angle one can lose their way.
The mystery is quite complex, with many possible solutions throughout, you're never quite sure who to trust. All of the possible endings are horrible. And then the truth is so much more sad for its simplicity and the reasons it was hidden and the ripple it had in the community. I really like how this book demonstrates how tragedy ripples out and out and out through time and through a community.
Satisfying ending for pretty much all of the many characters. Only ding for being a little slow at times to develop. I think in the end there's nothing I would cut but it does take it's time.
I like that they dropped the title meaning early. I kept thinking about it throughout the book. Who is the god of the woods? Who is panicking and who is causing panic? What are they chasing that they lose their way in the "woods"?
For many it's the woods themselves, for many more it's the Van Laars, for some it's the illusion of a life they will never have, for others it's the promise of a life they've been told they must have. The author does a great job demonstrating how from just about any angle one can lose their way.
The mystery is quite complex, with many possible solutions throughout, you're never quite sure who to trust. All of the possible endings are horrible. And then the truth is so much more sad for its simplicity and the reasons it was hidden and the ripple it had in the community. I really like how this book demonstrates how tragedy ripples out and out and out through time and through a community.
Satisfying ending for pretty much all of the many characters. Only ding for being a little slow at times to develop. I think in the end there's nothing I would cut but it does take it's time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Child death, Drug use, Grief
Minor: Body shaming, Emotional abuse