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39 pages 1 hour read

In the Lake of the Woods

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994

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Book Brief

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Tim O'Brien

In the Lake of the Woods

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994
Book Details
Pages

326

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Minnesota • 1980s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

HL730L

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Super Short Summary

In the thriller In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O'Brien, John Wade and his wife Kathy retreat to an isolated cabin after John loses a Senate primary in Minnesota and his involvement in Vietnam War crimes is revealed. Kathy disappears shortly after their arrival, prompting a third-person narrator to explore multiple perspectives and hypotheses to solve the mystery of her disappearance. The book delves into themes of love, the psychological toll of war, and human nature. The book explores psychological trauma and war crimes during the Vietnam War.

Mysterious

Dark

Unnerving

Contemplative

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

3.9

24,737 ratings

65%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Tim O’Brien’s In the Lake of the Woods is lauded for its intricate narrative structure and psychological depth. Readers praise its fusion of mystery and drama, though some find the ambiguous ending frustrating. The novel’s exploration of trauma and memory is both haunting and compelling but may not appeal to those seeking clear resolutions.

Who should read this

Who Should Read In the Lake of the Woods?

Readers of In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O'Brien would enjoy psychological mysteries with a nuanced exploration of trauma and memory. Fans of Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl and Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness will appreciate the complex characters and the haunting, introspective narrative.

3.9

24,737 ratings

65%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Character List

John Wade

A complex and troubled protagonist who navigates life through different identities, including a soldier and politician, while grappling with personal demons and a quest for love and acceptance.

John's wife, who is intelligent and idealistic, maintains an enigmatic presence throughout the story as she navigates her relationship filled with secrets and independence.

Kathy's sister, who serves as a critical voice and remains skeptical of John, reflecting concern over Kathy's life choices and disappearance.

A politically savvy campaign manager who understands John's true character and harbors unrequited feelings for Kathy, providing a realistic perspective on John.

A wealthy businessman and supportive figure in John's life, offering refuge and paternal acceptance that helps John cope with his personal crises.

A fellow soldier during the Vietnam War who represents the moral conscience of the story, highlighting the atrocities of war while retaining compassion and humanity.

Book Details
Pages

326

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Minnesota • 1980s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

HL730L

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