For me, this book attempts to take on too much at once: climate change, heavy on the science; immigration and racism, leaning heavily into social justice; foster children and abuse; and a cold-case murder resurfacing with a flourish. The result lacks focus and, consequently, also lacks depth.
Pacing is oddly slow, given the many plotlines, likely because so much of the content is repetitive. We’re told the same information about bark beetles leading to fires over and over, with the tone feeling preachy and forced. Likewise, immigration is expounded upon on repeat, without adding anything new to the initial argument. I felt a heavy-handed message being drummed into me by the author, rather than a natural unfolding through the characters.
On a positive note, the atmosphere comes alive. Here, the author excels, planting us in this beautiful, remote New Hampshire setting. I felt what it was like to live there.
Unfortunately, the characters paled in comparison, lacking the vivid presence of the setting.
In the end, while I respect the author’s intent here, I’m just neutral on the experience.
Pacing is oddly slow, given the many plotlines, likely because so much of the content is repetitive. We’re told the same information about bark beetles leading to fires over and over, with the tone feeling preachy and forced. Likewise, immigration is expounded upon on repeat, without adding anything new to the initial argument. I felt a heavy-handed message being drummed into me by the author, rather than a natural unfolding through the characters.
On a positive note, the atmosphere comes alive. Here, the author excels, planting us in this beautiful, remote New Hampshire setting. I felt what it was like to live there.
Unfortunately, the characters paled in comparison, lacking the vivid presence of the setting.
In the end, while I respect the author’s intent here, I’m just neutral on the experience.