A Review: Tana French's In the Woods

So, unlike most people, I actually read French's latest novel, Faithful Place, before I read the books published prior to it's release.  However, I found that it didn't really matter. I think that if you intend to complete all three novels, definitely read In the Woods before The Likeness. In reverse order, I thought it was insightful, given that Frank's character in Faithful Place, an undercover detective, especially detests the Murder Squad, where Rob (Adam), our narrator for In the Woods, is employed. Remember: there are always two sides to the story.

The novel opens with a chilling recount of Adam Ryan's past: a boy found in the woods, alone, with blood filled sneakers, while two of his dearest friends remain lost.  The reader is then brought back to present day;  Adam is Rob, and a member of the Dublin Murder Squad. Rob and his partner, Cassie, take the case of a missing 12 year old girl in the same wood.  Again, French forces the audience to examine the painful associations of character when faced with memories they'd much rather forget.

Unlike Frank, Rob's been educated in England wtih an accent that proves it, is sharply dressed and a has uncanny sense of observation (or so he believes).  Rob's character is one you love to hate.  He's obnoxious, a stereotypical man and full of ego.  He even asserts at one point in the novel that the reader is as blind to the events that have unfolded as he is.  I'm thinking, "Ok, I'm not an idiot."

French's writing is lyrical, and I believe it's one of the reasons I find her novels so alluring.  I find that I can't put them down, even if, in the end, I'm a little disappointed.  The novel is a bit character driven, and you're left wanting more, but the anticipation of solving the crime is too heavy to walk away.  Furthermore, I find that her stories are quite realistic, even if Adam's disappearance in the woods is a little unbelievable.  Additionally, the dialogue between Rob and Cassie is fun and warm, that is, up until Rob becomes a douchebag and screws the whole thing up.  Side note: The inclusion of Cassie's romantic relationship in the end is, outright, laughable. 

I found that Faithful Place had a bit more substance for me, which I really liked.  French's discussion of the psychology of family life and the demons that haunt the soul after a rough childhood were much more interesting than the semi-ridiculous story our narrator, Rob, conveys in this title.  In the Woods is definitely a great first novel, and I would strongly recommend reading the series. 



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A Review: Tana French's Faithful Place

I’ve been getting a little behind on the book reviews.  I read The Thirteenth Tale after finding a great used copy at my local Goodwill back in January.  I LOVED the book, but because of so many unexpected situations, I never had the chance to sit down and write a review that would do it any justice. Although I really enjoyed the novel, there was so much information that I’d literally have to go back and re-read sections just to give you an accurate picture of what the novel has in store for the reader.  Mystery abound, the dark nature of the storyline is gripping from the start.  To make the title even more fantastic, our narrator is a book-loving young woman who spends her hours reading and perfecting the shelves of her father’s book shop.  It’s a must read if you like Southern Gothic literature and/or mystery/suspense/thriller titles.

Because I’ve never really sought work labeled mystery/suspense/thriller, I've found that I sort of stumble upon it when I see a really intriguing review or short snippet of a synopsis.  This is precisely the case with Tana French’s Faithful Place.   I’m so glad I have her previous novel, In the Woods, to read next, because it was so captivating.

Frank, our protagonist, is called back to his hometown neighborhood, 20 years after pledging never to return, when the suitcase of a girl he loved is found in an abandoned building.  Frank, himself, is an undercover cop by profession, and vehemently disliked by the seven family members he’s left behind.  Frank is faced with painful memories from a childhood that was anything but stable and healthy.  His father, an alcoholic, who frequently physically abused his mother, drove Frank to leave his five siblings behind, and forge a pact with his young love, Rosie, to set sail for England.  When his plans are mysteriously foiled, Frank sets off alone without looking back.  Back at Faithful Place, Frank is forced to face the failed attempt to depart with the young woman that night so long ago.  


I'm not quite sure I've read many fictional titles that portray such a negative family life.  At times, I found it extremely hard to consider the way in the which the family members interacted with one another.  Based on one of Dublin's poorer neighborhoods, French captures the essence of the neighborhood and the period, and perplexes the American reader with strong dialect.  Frank is an all-around interesting character and keeps the story going.  


A captivating read from start to finish, Faithful Place is perfect if you're looking for a little suspense.                                                                                                                                               

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