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A review by onemorepagecrew
These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This novel was not what I expected in the most wonderful way. The story is set in the Appalachian woods, a place I have lived in and hiked in, so it immediately intrigued me when I read the book description. The setting is a remote cabin without a connection to the broader world where a father and daughter have made their lives. There is a series of events that makes it more challenging for them to continue surviving in the wilderness undetected and ultimately it leads to some tough moral questions for the protagonist.
What the book description does not say is that the beautiful, and at times heartbreaking, inner monologue of the father will unveil a story far deeper than survival in the woods. The suspense for me did not come from the unexpected visitor or the threat of being discovered, it was much subtler than that. The moral dilemmas and choices that love and war placed in the father’s path are what built the feeling of tension.
I felt gratitude that the author did not bring in other character perspectives in first-hand. I loved learning about the father’s past and some of his struggles from his point of view and listening to how he observed the experiences of those around him. I appreciated the honest look at what veterans are faced with in terms of mental health and re-entry to civilian life. He was aware of his limitations and worked through them as best as he could, in the moment and when he spent time with them afterwards. The love he has for his daughter was so tangible and raw, it broke me down a few times along the way. Overall this was a gem of a book and I am so glad I picked it up.
What the book description does not say is that the beautiful, and at times heartbreaking, inner monologue of the father will unveil a story far deeper than survival in the woods. The suspense for me did not come from the unexpected visitor or the threat of being discovered, it was much subtler than that. The moral dilemmas and choices that love and war placed in the father’s path are what built the feeling of tension.
I felt gratitude that the author did not bring in other character perspectives in first-hand. I loved learning about the father’s past and some of his struggles from his point of view and listening to how he observed the experiences of those around him. I appreciated the honest look at what veterans are faced with in terms of mental health and re-entry to civilian life. He was aware of his limitations and worked through them as best as he could, in the moment and when he spent time with them afterwards. The love he has for his daughter was so tangible and raw, it broke me down a few times along the way. Overall this was a gem of a book and I am so glad I picked it up.
Content Warnings
Minor: Gun violence, Murder, War, and Mental illness