Book Review: God of the Woods
Title: God of the Woods
Author: Liz Moore
Length: 496 pages
Genre: Fiction, Mystery
Plot Summary: A haunting mystery unfolds in the Adirondack Mountains, spanning two pivotal summers separated by fourteen years. In 1961, 9-year-old Peter “Bear” Van Laar mysteriously vanishes during a family gathering. Fourteen years later, in August 1975, his 13-year-old sister Barbara disappears from Camp Emerson, the family’s summer property. The novel alternates between these timelines, unraveling family secrets and exploring the complex relationships between the wealthy Van Laars and the local community. As the search for Barbara intensifies, long-buried truths about Bear’s disappearance come to light, revealing the dark undercurrents of power, wealth, and deception that have shaped the lives of all involved.
Review: I generally stay away from books about teenagers, deeming them rather juvenile. However, “The God of the Woods” by Liz Moore defies this expectation. Moore’s beautiful writing style thoroughly engages readers in both the mystery and the characters, elevating the narrative beyond typical young adult fare. The use of alternate timelines proves to be a masterful strategy, adding complexity to the dual mysteries of Bear and Barbara Van Laar’s disappearances. As the plot unfolds, it’s hard not to feel a mix of pity and frustration for Alice, Bear’s and Barbara’s mother. (She’s such a tragic character!) While the ending provides resolution, it feels rather anticlimactic. Nevertheless, the novel skillfully blends elements of urban legend, family drama, and coming-of-age narrative, creating an immersive reading experience.
Rating: 3.5/5
