Published March 1, 2016 by Lake Union Publishing
Objective rating: 4/5
Publisher description:
Many may dream of a simpler life away from the complications of the modern world. Laurel Saville reveals the dark side of such a life for four young people living in the Adirondack Mountains. This story of misguided decisions, a dangerous back-to-nature cult, and the universal search for meaning and love intertwines these troubled lives into a love story and a tale of tragedy, survival, and love.
At the heart of the drama are four unforgettable characters:
Miranda: A young “heiress”
Dix: A self-assured “mountain man”
.Darius: A preppy trust fund refugee
Sally: A brassy, street-smart social worker
These four will become inextricably entwined in troubles that far exceed simple crimes of the heart.My comments:
It was unusual and refreshing to start a book with the setting in the Adirondack Mountains, far away
from bustling cities that many young people normally gravitate to. The story initially took me back to the 1960s and communes, young men and women "dropping out" of normal society to find their own way in a utopian environment with dreams of a better life close to nature and a more "natural" way of life.
But this was what it was, a utopia that couldn't last for long, until cracks began to appear, with tragedy to follow.
I wondered how many young people these days do seek out a more secluded environment. Maybe the YA and chick lit books I have been reading have just been showing me one side of the picture of contemporary life - the busy city life of ambition and upward mobility in careers. I would like to ask the author about this. It is an intriguing topic. How common is this reverting to the "natural life" these days among young people?
I would recommend the novel as a throw back to the 1960s for those who remember and something interesting for those who didn't live during those times. City versus country and woods? Which would you choose or prefer your children to choose in these competitive days?
Thanks to the author/publisher and TLC Book Tours for a review copy of this book. For other reviews of North of Here, visit the tour schedule.
About Laurel Saville
Laurel Saville is the award-winning author of the memoir Unraveling Anne, the novel Henry and Rachel, and the four-part short story “How Much Living Can You Buy,” as well as numerous essays, short stories, and articles. She has an MFA in Creative Writing and Literature from the Writing Seminars at Bennington College.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25917790-north-of-here?from_search=true&search_version=service
Author's website: http://www.laurelsaville.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurelSaville
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SavilleL
