I just finished Tim O'Brien's book In the Lake of the Woods this morning, even though I just started it on Tuesday night. Honestly, I could not put it down. So many elements of the story combined to make it a gripping read: First, the prose. Wow, can O'Brien write. I am in awe of his use of language to stir emotion, render sentiment, and demand thought. Second, the structure. He is a master at mixing genres within a novel. It is as if O'Brien is challenging the definition of a novel, a story, and working within and outside of traditional bounds to bring us something more essential, more captivating, more pure. He brings us the dream that is the story and invites us in, holds us in, and won't let us go. And finally, the content. This novel is at once a love story, a mystery, a war story, a story of dealing with failure, and a story of finding happiness.
If you do check it out, I am curious to know your take on what happens or what may have happened. This is definitely a story that is fun to talk about. And, one that will stay with you. . .
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