Man In The Woods, by Scott Spencer
Ecco – September 14, 2010 – Hardcover – 320 pages
Source: Sent by the publisher for review
Paul has lived a rootless existence for most of his life but recently has found the love of a good woman in best-selling inspirational author and recovered alcoholic, Kate, and has made a family with her and her daughter Ruby. A carpenter by trade, Paul is on his way home from a disappointing quest for work in New York City when he stops off at a state park to clear his head. There he encounters a man with a dog who changes his life, and the lives of those he loves, forever.
This was my first foray into Scott Spencer. He appeared on my radar when one of my readers mentioned his name on a list of books she was recommending to me I read. It was very easy to slip into this novel and start to feel things about the characters, almost against my will. I appreciated that they were well rounded, with their good points and their struggles with their flaws, so much so that I wanted to see things work out for them when they hit some rough patches.
I loved the way both Kate and Paul approached their faith in such different ways, and then the way they embrace it and readjust in the aftermath of what Paul experiences in the park. The supporting characters with whom they interact are also so well drawn that I enjoyed the glimpses into their perspectives. The novel is divided into two parts, and as much as I wanted to see how everything tied together, I had to give myself a few days before I started in on part two. I was so satisfied with the way things that had progressed so far that I just wanted to hold that for a while, before facing whatever was going to happen in the rest of the novel.
The strength and finesse of the writing that was on display on each page of this novel was impressive. Nuanced characterizations, and the taut and suspenseful plot examining morality, anger, impulse decisions and faith kept me riveted throughout. Scott deftly examines the intricate decisions, responsibilities and compromises which comprise family life and the lengths to which people will go when comfort and security are threatened. The intense psychological suspense was hard to bear (in the best way!) and I read the book with the distractingly delicious feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Recommended.
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Other reviews and posts:
The cover would somehow never have convinced me to pick this up, but it sounds good!
Iris´s last [type] ..My Week in Reading
First, I love the cover. It conveys so much emotion in that simple picture. You’ve made a compelling argument to stop what I am doing and read this. Anytime a title includes some mention about “woods” I know we are in for an emotional ride.
Sandy´s last [type] ..Monday Movie Meme – The Stuff of Legends
This book has been getting a bit of hype. I’m glad to see that you enjoyed it.
diane´s last [type] ..Its Tuesday – How the Heck Did I Miss That Book
Uh oh — I guess I’m going to have to track this down and put it on the ol’ list.
Beth F´s last [type] ..Todays Read- Keys to Good Cooking by Harold McGee
I’ve got to know what happened in the park after your review!!
I loved his early novel, Endless Love, but haven’t liked any of the subsequent ones. Maybe I’ll have to give him another chance with this one.
Jeanne´s last [type] ..Islands
I love that bit about caring about the characters against your will! And isn’t that fun when that happens?!!!
rhapsodyinbooks´s last [type] ..Review of “Broken” by Karin Slaughter
I haven’t heard of Spencer before but I’ll be adding this one to the list.
Amy´s last [type] ..Kraken- An Anatomy