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In this adventurous novel, readers meet Brent and his wife Janey, a couple who have been together since their youth. Brent and Janey vacation with their friends, as they have done for many years. As the couples navigate the New Zealand bush, their idyllic vacation of riding horses and camping takes a very dark turn. When a shady character named Slade appears, violence and mayhem grip each character. A series of violent events leads the characters to question not only their trust in one another but also whether or not they will survive the dramatic events and heartbreak of loss unfolding before them.
Part of the novel’s appeal is its exotic setting. Set in the New Zealand bush, the environment’s exoticism might be unfamiliar to many readers. The allure of the locale grows as readers progress through the novel. However, the bush’s outward beauty juxtaposes the violence that envelopes the characters. The violence and Slade’s appearance are symbolic, almost biblical. Just as the snake entered Eden and offered Eve the fruit, which changed the fate of humanity, Slade enters the couples’ domain and changes the course of their lives forever. Juxtaposing Slade’s character is Janey, one of the novel’s heroines. In a moment of selfless bravery, Janey defends Sue from Slade. Janey’s selflessness is a turning point in the novel, one that shifts readers from a sense of hopelessness to one of determination.
The book moves quickly because of careful pacing and adept writing. Part of the book’s deep psychological effect exists in its chapter construction. Some chapters are long, while others are a single paragraph in length. This waxing and waning of long chapters and short chapters intensifies the novel’s emotional, mental, and intellectual twists and turns. This structure also mirrors the beautiful, yet rugged, landscape in which the novel takes place. The characters, too, in their own ways, are as rugged as the New Zealand bush. This adds a philosophical element to the book, leaving readers to think about its human versus human and human versus nature themes. This opens discussions about the fine lines existing between good and evil, as well as individual choice and free will. These philosophical anecdotes do not overpower readers either, making the book accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Thus, this book is not merely a book. It is an entire experience.
Marshall's novel is in many ways a psychological thriller. The author’s smooth writing style quickly catches the reader’s attention. The adept dialogue usage also engages readers and makes them feel as though they are watching a film. For those who enjoy works filled with adventure, this book is a perfect choice. It combines an exotic locale with a gripping, thrilling plotline. It even houses a romantic flair, since Brent and Janey’s marriage and relationship are integral to the plot. However, those romantic elements don’t overshadow the action, which will appeal to many readers. For readers looking for a crime thriller or a mystery novel, this book also contains those elements and much more. This is a book sure to top many readers’ must-read lists.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review