God of the Woods Book Club: Analysis, Review, and Wine Pairing

What is God of the Woods by Liz Moore about?

Overview

In this episode, Aly and Niki from the Wine Sisters Book Club dive into "God of the Woods" by Liz Moore, a thriller set primarily in 1975. The story revolves around the disappearance of 14-year-old Barbara Van from Camp Emerson, a wilderness survival camp owned by her family, the Vans. This disappearance echoes a similar event 14 years prior when Barbara's brother, Bear, vanished from the same area. The book explores the search for Barbara, introducing a cast of characters with their own secrets and connections to the Van family. The narrative jumps between two timelines, unraveling the mysteries surrounding both disappearances.

Key Features

• Dual Timelines: The story alternates between 1975 and events 14 years earlier, gradually revealing the truth behind the disappearances.
• Complex Characters: The book features a wide array of characters, each with their own motivations, secrets, and connections to the central mystery.
• Intriguing Setting: The wilderness survival camp in the Adirondacks provides a unique and atmospheric backdrop for the unfolding drama.
• Charity Event: The New Hampshire wine tasting is a charity event, used to fund a food bank.

Our Review

We found "God of the Woods" to be a complex and engaging thriller. The dual timelines and numerous characters require close attention, but they ultimately contribute to a rich and rewarding reading experience. Aly was captivated by the intricate plot and the way the characters' stories intertwined, while Niki found the storyline predictable, and gave the book a 3.5 rating. Despite our differing opinions, we both appreciated the book's atmospheric setting and thought-provoking themes. Overall, we recommend "God of the Woods" to readers who enjoy intricate mysteries with well-developed characters and a compelling sense of place.