The Vanishing Children of the Adirondacks: A Tale of Loss and the Wild Seventies
Forest Deity's Reign and the Rebellious Wild decade of the 70s
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Story at a Glance:A child vanishes in the Adirondacks, echoing a tragedy that struck the Van Laar family fifteen years prior. As the community grapples with the mystery, dark secrets begin to surface.
What does it take to intrigue a president with a book? With Barack Obama, it seems to be a blend of American essence and wild nature, as shown by his endorsement of "The God of the Woods" by Liz Moore. This literary gem, which graced his reading list, went on to become a bestseller, intertwining American wilderness with intriguing human drama.
The story unfolds in 1975, at the picturesque Van Laar estate nestled by a lake at the foot of the Adirondacks. The Van Laars, a wealthy family who rule both the town and their own summer camp, revel in their luxury and social transgressions until the disappearance of their eldest son, Bear, at the tender age of eight. The boy, lost in the woods, was never seen again.
In search of the Missing:Fast forward to the present day, fifteen years later, and the Van Laars once again face the agony of loss. This time, it's Bear's sister, Barbara, who has vanished from the summer camp. The local children suspect the return of the notorious serial killer Jakob Sluiter, while Detective Judyta questions the domineering grandfather, who was less than cooperative in the investigation of Bear's case. Meanwhile, the emotionally numb mother, Alice, tries to emerge from her medication-induced haze in search of a fleeting memory that could unlock the mystery of her children's disappearances.
Nature as a Silent Accomplice:"The God of the Woods" is not your typical crime novel. The story is crafted from multiple perspectives, exploring the world of the Van Laars and their summer camp in the nature reserve over several time periods. Despite the lack of central investigator, the dense forest and menacing Van Laar dynasty are as chilling as any thrilling vigilante chase.
A Timeless Forest:The towering Adirondacks can be seen as the novel's protagonist, or perhaps the vulnerable Tracy, who lost her only friend among the woods. The character of Alice Van Laar, the still-grieving mother, and the roaming camp counselors all find solace, and perhaps, danger, in the wilderness.
Magical Realism Gone Astray:The freedom of the camp counselors is unnerving, as they wander the woods day and night to smoke marijuana and pursue flings. Barbara Van Laar, the missing girl, also sought refuge in the forest, meeting with a mysterious figure.
A Counter-Narrative to the Myth:In "The God of the Woods," Liz Moore offers a captivating counter-narrative to the myth of the idyllic 1970s, where children were free to roam the woods and parents hosted lavish parties. Moore presents a raw and unsettling portrait of nature as a force to be reckoned with, hindering the investigation into the Van Laar family's tragedies.
Even readers who struggle with German translations might find "The God of the Woods" a compelling read, thanks to Cornelius Hartz's dedicated translation efforts. This literary rollercoaster rewards the reader's patience with a satisfying resolution, though some plot threads may remain unclear. Moore's mesmerizing storytelling has certainly captivated more minds than just the president's.
Source: ntv.de
- Thriller
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- Missing Persons
- ♪ I'm not gonna let you go ♪, echoing the unresolved mystery of Barbara's disappearance, serves as a haunting refrain in the heart-wrenching tale of the Vanishing Children of the Adirondacks, intertwining the narrative with the lifestyle of outdoor-living and home-and-garden settings that form the backdrop of this timeless forest.
In the quest for understanding the enigmatic woods that seem to harbor hidden secrets, the Van Laars' summer camp, a sanctuary turned battleground, resonates with the rural charm of a home-and-garden setting, offering a stark contrast to the wild, untamed landscape of the Adirondacks.
