Vanishing in the Adirondacks: A Captivating Tale from the President's Reading List – The God of the Woods
Forest Deity's Domain and the Unruly Decade of the '70s
Imagine a child darting into the woods and never returning... What sends a chill down your spine, though, is when it happens a second time in the same family. Steeped in drama, wild nature, and a hint of mystery, "The God of the Woods" by Liz Moore is a fascinating read that once made its way onto Barack Obama's famous reading list.
Set in 1975, the tranquil life of the Van Laar family, nestled near a lake nestled deep within the awe-inspiring Adirondacks, is disrupted by an unspeakable tragedy. Their eldest son, Bear, vanishes without a trace when he runs into the woods as a young boy of eight. Fast-forward 15 years, and a new horror engulfs the family – their daughter, Barbara, also goes missing from the family's summer camp.
This thrilling narrative does not focus on a central detective figure, but instead pulls the reader into the world of the Van Laars and their summer camp through several intertwining perspectives. The search for Barbara and Bear is just one piece of a larger, more intricate puzzle.
It's not a traditional crime novel filled with loud suspense, blood, or graphic violence. Rather, it is a literary thriller where the magnificent, yet ominous backdrop of the Adirondacks and the domineering Van Laar family instill a sense of unease that leaves readers gripped in anticipation.
Now, let's dive into the world of the Adirondacks, where the lush forest and mountains are as much a character as Tracy, the 12-year-old protagonist, or Alice Van Laar, a grieving mother. The summer camp children are constantly reminded of the wild, hazardous nature surrounding them, with warnings against wandering, shouting for help, and swimming alone in the lake.
Within its nearly 600 pages, this novel explores themes of loss, family conflict, and the dark underbelly of seemingly idyllic settings. With its intricate plotlines, large ensemble of characters, and three distinct timelines, it can be an arduous read, but translator Cornelius Hartz masterfully captures the novel's essence through his clear and understated style.
The myth of the 1970s, where children frolicked freely in the woods while adults reveled at parties, is challenged in "The God of the Woods." Instead, the story presents nature as a force to be reckoned with, rather than an inviting playground. Though the role that nature played in the Van Laars' tragedies remains murky, its inhospitable environment certainly complicates the investigation.
If you're a fan of enthralling suspense, family drama, and rugged landscapes, "The God of the Woods" has something for you. While initially published in German, the ordeal of keeping track of multiple time periods, characters, and generations is made easier by the skillful translation of Cornelius Hartz.
In the end, Liz Moore masterfully delivers a satisfying conclusion, even if every plot thread isn't immediately apparent. Whether you're a president or just an avid reader, "The God of the Woods" promises to captivate your imagination.
genres: thriller, crime, mystique,USA, forest, missing persons
Fascinating Fact:
Did you know that the selection of books for a president's reading list isn't governed by formal rules or public procedures? Instead, these lists typically reflect the personal interests, recommendations, and intellectual curiosities of the president and their advisors. Presidents tend to receive recommendations from friends, family, staff members, advisors, or experts, with some books also gaining prominence due to media buzz or critical acclaim[1][5].
♪ I'm not gonna let you go ♪, echoing the relentless pursuit of truth and answers in "The God of the Woods". Immersion into this captivating narrative offers a glimpse into an outdoor-living lifestyle situated among the tranquil home-and-garden settings of the Adirondacks, where lush forests and mountains serve as a stark reminder of nature's unpredictability – a stark contrast to the idyllic vision of the seventies, where children once frolicked freely.
