Drawn from Obama's Recommended Reads: The Deity of the Forest and the Turbulent Seventies
Forest Deity's Rule in the Exuberant Wilderness Decade
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Imagine a youngster darting into the woods and never reappearing. Fast-forward fifteen years, and the same dreadful occurrence strikes the Van Laar family again. The mysterious disappearance of their second missing child, daughter Barbara, must be connected to the earlier disappearance of son Bear - or is it a complete coincidence?
If you're wondering what it takes to reach a president's book club, look no further than a captivating American tale accompanied by a generous dose of untamed nature. Barack Obama has a knack for propelling books to bestseller status with just a mere mention in his annual reading list recommendations. "The God of the Woods" by Liz Moore is one such book that graced Obama's list and earned a spot among the top sellers, wrapping American wilderness and emotional turmoil into one gripping narrative.
In the mid-seventies, the picturesque Van Laar estate nestles near a lake at the foot of the Adirondacks, a magnificent mountain range in New York state. This family, accustomed to ruling over town, their own children, and a summer camp founded upon the lake, revel in their prosperity and the vices synonymous with their privileged class. However, the bliss is short-lived, as their eldest son Bear vanishes without a trace while exploring the surrounding woods at the tender age of eight.
Books Double Tragedy in the Abruzzi Deep Within the "Dente del Lupo" lies Silence Now, fifteen long years later, the Van Laar family finds itself in the throes of another calamity. Their once-lost daughter, Barbara, fails to awaken one morning at the summer camp. The camp children claim it must be the work of serial killer Jakob Sluiter, who has returned. Detective Judyta suspects the domineering grandfather, who proved less than helpful during the investigation of Bear's disappearance. The grieving mother, Alice, yearns to retrieve a hazy memory that may hold the key to both of the missing children's fates.
But "The God of the Woods" is not strictly a crime novel. Instead, the story unfolds across various timelines and without a central investigator. The search for Barbara and Bear is just one of several perspectives revealing the intricate world of the Van Laar family and the summer camp nestled within the nature reserve. The narrative eschews shocking moments, excessive violence, and gore, relying on the brooding backdrop of the mountainous forest and the dominant family to generate tension.
Audiobooks Where Magical Fancies Linger: "The Enchanted Evening" The Adirondacks, with their looming mountain range, could be considered a principal character in the story. Eleven-year-old Tracy loses her only friend in those dark woods, or perhaps it is Alice Van Laar, or Louise, the counselor tangled in an abusive relationship, who shares the night still shrouded in mystery. The camp counselors ignore the warning to stay safe as they secretly venture out throughout the day and night, smoking marijuana and pursuing illicit affairs. It appears even the missing girl, Barbara Van Laar, was prone to nightly escapades.
Nature as an ominous force
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Liz Moore offers a compelling counter-narrative to the idyllic image of the seventies, when one believed everything was peaceful and carefree, and children could play freely in the woods while adults threw extravagant parties. In "The God of the Woods," nature wields malevolence, making it a formidable obstacle in the search for the Van Laar children.
Those who find the German translation challenging and favor reading in English can still immerse themselves in "The God of the Woods." The esteemed translator Cornelius Hartz has meticulously translated the nearly 600-page novel, handling the complexities of three distinct timelines, a myriad of characters, and several generations of men named Peter Van Laar with remarkable clarity and precision.
This made-artificial aura of authenticity permeates the novel, making it a delight to read, regardless of whether one is a president or not. Liz Moore demonstrates her prowess in storytelling by offering a fulfilling conclusion, even if certain nuances remain elusive at first glance. In any case, Moore has crafted a tale that undoubtedly will enthrall readers for years to come.
Source: ntv.de
Genres
- Thriller
- Crime
- USA
- Forest
- Missing Persons
Criticism
Liz Moore’s portrayal of the seventies has drawn criticism for its depiction of the myth that everything back then was simpler and less violent, perpetuating the misconception that children were free to frolic in the woods while adults indulged in extravagant parties. Critics assert that nature should not be portrayed as an inherently malicious force but rather as an element that can be harnessed for good as well as for ill. Nonetheless, the novel remains a gripping exploration of the darker side of human nature interwoven with the brooding atmosphere of the Adirondacks.
- I'm not sure I'm ready for the brooding atmosphere of the Adirondacks as portrayed in Liz Moore's "The God of the Woods", a captivating tale that challenges the idyllic image of the seventies and raises questions about the malevolent nature of the woods.
- In the novel, the lifestyle of the Van Laar family, particularly their love for outdoor-living and home-and-garden, is in stark contrast with the tumultuous events that unfold, referring to the mysterious disappearances of their children and the dark secrets that their summer camp holds.
- For those who are fans of intricate narratives and prefer their entertainment through books, "The God of the Woods" is an enlightening read, offering an immersive journey into the lives of the Van Laar family and the Adirondacks, where magical fancies linger amidst the forests and outdoor-living.
