Summary
The God of the Woods, Liz Moore's latest novel, is set to captivate readers with its gripping tale of mystery and family secrets. Scheduled for release on July 2, 2024, this ambitious work promises to be Moore's most expansive and far-reaching narrative to date.
Set against the backdrop of the Adirondacks in 1975, the story revolves around the disappearance of 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar from her family's summer camp. This incident eerily echoes the vanishing of her older brother 14 years prior, setting the stage for a multi-layered exploration of a dynasty shrouded in secrecy.
Plot
In August 1975, the peaceful summer at a camp in the Adirondacks is shattered when thirteen-year-old Barbara Van Laar disappears from her bunk. The discovery of her absence sends shockwaves through the camp and the surrounding community. Barbara isn't just any camper—she's the daughter of the camp's owners, a family that employs many of the local residents.
The situation becomes even more fraught when it's revealed that this isn't the first time tragedy has struck the Van Laar family. Fourteen years earlier, Barbara's older brother also vanished without a trace, never to be found. This eerie parallel heightens the urgency and fear surrounding Barbara's disappearance.
As a frantic search operation begins, the story unfolds across multiple perspectives. The investigation delves deep into the complex history of the Van Laar family, uncovering long-buried secrets and tensions. At the same time, it explores the lives and struggles of the blue-collar community that works for the Van Laars, revealing a web of relationships and hidden motivations.
The novel weaves together these various threads, creating a tapestry of mystery, family drama, and community dynamics. As the search for Barbara continues, characters are forced to confront their past choices and the consequences of their actions. The story promises to unravel a complex saga of secrets, second chances, and the intricate connections between the privileged Van Laars and the working-class residents of the Adirondack region.
Themes
Family secrets and generational trauma
Disappearance and mystery
Class dynamics in small communities
The impact of loss on families
Nature and wilderness as a backdrop