‘The God of the Woods’ by Liz Moore is based on an incredibly intriguing setting - an annual summer camp, held in the middle of the woods, in a property owned by a rich, elite banking family, the family Van Laar. The thirteen-year-old daughter of Peter and Alice Van Laar, rebellious in her ways, and therefore well understood by her parents, insists on attending the camp, Camp Emerson. The story is set in 1975, and the author has done well to convey the context. The narrative unravels with the disappearance of Barbara one morning, towards the end of the camp days, and then delves not only into the present search for her, but also into the events of the disappearance of her brother, Peter “Bear” Van Laar, who had disappeared without trace about fourteen years ago from this timeline. 

The author uses multiple points of view to narrate the events that took place in the past and the present. This includes campmate Tracy, camp counsellor Louisa, and Barbara and Bear’s mother Alice. I appreciate the author’s insights into how women were treated at the time, even as the storyline focuses on the disappearance of the children. It helps to understand the background, especially concerning some plot points. I was especially taken in by the setting of the book, I could visualise the woods and the property quite well, and the author’s descriptive narrative enabled this. 

As much as I loved the setting of the book, the character interactions and the mystery itself, I have this sense of dissatisfaction with how the story ultimately unfolded. I was definitely surprised by it, and I compliment the author for the sequence and suspense itself, but I think, with the ending it provided, I needed a slower and deeper narrative towards the end, and some closure for several characters, especially for

Alice Van Laar, because she is ultimately so responsible for the events, and yet, you feel bad for what she went through because of others.

It may be unwarranted, but I wish for it.

I am really glad I read this book. With every hour since I finished, my appreciation for it has grown. I also loved knowing about the Adirondack mountains and woods. It’s always great when a book takes you to a new place, and this writing definitely does justice to its setting. 

Thank you for reading my review. 🌻