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A review by jasminegalsreadinglog
The Safari by Jaclyn Goldis
4.0
The Safari, as the name suggests, is set deep in the wilds of Kruger National Park, South Africa. A family gathers at their luxury lodge to celebrate the matriarch’s upcoming wedding to a younger man. But in this jungle, where humans are no longer the apex predators, simmering tensions and long-buried secrets create a dangerously volatile atmosphere.
The setting is easily the highlight of the book. The vivid descriptions made me feel as though I was on safari myself, immersed in the beauty and danger of the wild. The locked in lodge setting, where the family is essentially trapped, amplifies the suspense. This is a deeply dysfunctional family, and once the story gains momentum (around the halfway mark), it becomes truly gripping.
The beginning was a bit slow for me, and I wasn’t sure if I’d finish it. But I’m glad I pushed through, as the payoff was worth it. Some scenes were disturbing, particularly due to the harsh realities of the environment, and I had to skim past those moments. Still, the novel delivers a compelling blend of psychological tension and atmospheric storytelling.
Thank you to Atria Books for the copy.
The setting is easily the highlight of the book. The vivid descriptions made me feel as though I was on safari myself, immersed in the beauty and danger of the wild. The locked in lodge setting, where the family is essentially trapped, amplifies the suspense. This is a deeply dysfunctional family, and once the story gains momentum (around the halfway mark), it becomes truly gripping.
The beginning was a bit slow for me, and I wasn’t sure if I’d finish it. But I’m glad I pushed through, as the payoff was worth it. Some scenes were disturbing, particularly due to the harsh realities of the environment, and I had to skim past those moments. Still, the novel delivers a compelling blend of psychological tension and atmospheric storytelling.
Thank you to Atria Books for the copy.