A review by constantine2020
Idaho by Emily Ruskovich

dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Literary Fiction

Idaho is a novel by Emily Ruskovich that tells the story of Ann and Wade, a couple who have built a life for themselves in the rugged landscape of northern Idaho. Their lives are turned upside down when Wade's memory begins to fade, and Ann is forced to confront the truth about what happened to his first wife, Jenny, and their daughters.

The novel is told from multiple perspectives, including those of Ann, Wade, and Jenny, and it gradually reveals the shocking act that fractured their lives. It is a story about love, loss, memory, and the power of forgiveness.

The prose was undeniably beautiful, weaving a tapestry of words that painted the harsh Idaho landscape and the fractured lives within it. Yet, like a song with a beautiful melody but a jarring rhythm, the reading experience itself was more of a struggle than a serenade.

The story's premise held immense intrigue - a family grappling with memory loss, a hidden tragedy, and the weight of the past. However, the pacing was glacial, and the non-linear timeline felt more like a frantic hopscotch game than a cohesive narrative. The constant jumps between the different timeframes left me disoriented, unable to fully immerse myself in the story.

Perhaps most frustrating were the unanswered questions. The novel concluded with a resounding "What was that?" echoing in my mind. Key plot points felt unresolved, the characters' motivations remained mysterious, and the ending offered little closure. While ambiguity can be powerful, here it felt more like a missed opportunity to tie the story's threads together into a satisfying knot.

If you're seeking a literary experience that prioritizes lyrical language and introspective exploration over a tightly woven plot, "Idaho" might resonate. However, be prepared for a slow journey riddled with unanswered questions and a timeline that might leave you feeling more lost than enlightened. For me, the beauty of the writing couldn't quite compensate for the frustration of the narrative's execution. This one left me wanting more, but not in a good way.