pierre_leclaire

This book builds slowly, establishing characters and situations and gradually introducing layers of complexity to the story and its inhabitants. Goolrick’s writing is gripping, keeping the reader drawn to the page while the story inches deliberately forward. The desperation of the people in this isolated settlement is shown through the stories of rampant and sudden madness that overtakes them in the depths of the interminable winters. Everyone in this story is desperate somehow – for love, for forgiveness, for companionship, for safety. None of the characters are what they seem to be on the surface, but the reader comes to understand that this is the studied intent of each person. The story is full of shame, regret, necessity and in some cases, redemption. I picked up this book based on many enthusiastic and positive reviews. I read it quickly, wanting the story to unfold, wanting to understand the motivations and uncover the shrouded backstories. But at the end of the book, I didn’t come to feel any real satisfaction or even much sympathy. Neither, I think, did the characters. And maybe that parallel of experience between characters and reader is what grabbed so many of the reviewers.

2023-07-11 01:44