This novel blew me away in so many ways -- Groff's ability to inspire compassion is astounding. Appreciated hearing your thoughts and interpretations as always!
I’m so excited already to read this, but this glowing review ignites it even further. Just a gentle correction, understandable as you’re not an American, but the colony she’s leaving from is not in New England, but the Jamestown colony in future Virginia, which is considered The South. It is important as the complete and utter failure and disappearance of this colony and why looms large in American mythology and mystery to a great extent. So, the knowledge of where she’s leaving from will not survive at all and end in complete devastation is an even more intensifying element to the story, knowing she was doomed if she didn’t go.
@@WillowTalksBooks I knew the element of Jamestown added to the intensity of the story, but I thought also a milder winter season then one would have in New England might be an important part in her survival within the story and another reason to set it there. Though not Deep South, snow, even in northern Virginia tends to be very light compared to the nearby Mid Atlantic states that buffer between New England, which starts in Connecticut.
This book was one of my top reads of the year. As soon as I finished it I just sat staring off into space thinking . I think it’s an immersive….. triumph 😂. Really though, this book seems like a masterpiece to me 📖🪱💚
I'm dropping the book I'm reading to read my first Groff novel. The beautiful written page you read, and the bear being awed by a waterfall and the Girl reframing her understanding of the universe because of what she's sensitive enough to witness herself....
The Vaster Wilds piqued my interest when I first heard about it. Your lovely review has made it a must read. ❤ Thanks for discussing your reactions to reading it.
I finished the audiobook before watching this. It is a beautiful book. If it hadn't been for you then I might have passed it up, so thanks for promoting it. Soon I'll start Matrix. :)
One of my favorite books of the year! Just finished I Who Have Never Known Men, by Jacqueline Harpman (translated from French). Different, but reminded me of The Vaster Wilds in the themes of isolation, journey and probing what it means to be human when all else is stripped away. I would add another word - Transcendent.
Once again your sharing the depths of your experience, Willow, was a deep experience for me. Your review will haunt me as I go about deciding whether or not I am yet ready for this book. I just finished Matrix simply because of your recent description of Groff's writing style. Her writing is surely as solid as you say. I am still feeling the weight of it weeks later.💜⚖️💜
Not relevant to the review or novel but I am SO Jealous of the beautiful hard copy jacket designs you have for both her books in the UK! Why can’t we have such nice things here in the states? I’m going to watch the video now because I too loved this book❤
