A Grounded Sparrow
"Heartwood" tells the story of the search for Valerie Gillis, a 42-year-old hiker known as "Sparrow," who vanishes while navigating the challenging Appalachian Trail. In charge of conducting the search is Beverly, a Maine State Game Warden. A third key player is Lena, a seventy-six-year-old retirement home resident who connects strongly with the missing woman. This trinity of women provides the framework of the book.
Valerie, a nurse, found herself drained and disillusioned after the Covid crisis. "We were called heroes. But we were given only two options-- being a hero or falling apart." The Appalachian Trail was her way to seek rejuvenation. Her journal entries, penned as letters to her mother, offer a glimpse into her emotional and physical deterioration. These entries gradually reveal the reasons why this seasoned hiker strayed so far off course, especially when she was so close to completing the trail.
Beverly's unwavering dedication to her work, even at the cost of her personal life, makes her a fascinating character. Her impressive achievements in a male-dominated industry are commendable. However, the lack of progress in this particular case has raised doubts about her capabilities and cast a shadow over her typically relentless drive.
The introduction of Lena is baffling and makes her the weak link, which ultimately makes her eventual importance in solving the central mystery feel contrived and convenient. Her role creates an imbalance in the overall structure. While Valerie's and Beverly's perspectives drive the plot, Lena's interludes feel like unnecessary diversions.
Gregory, Valerie's husband, seemed somewhat evasive. While husbands are always potential suspects, his behavior was particularly difficult to interpret. In contrast to Santo, Valerie's hiking companion for most of the trail, Gregory's role in the story was clear. Santo's periodic interviews seemed unnecessary and appeared to serve only to introduce another possible suspect. In a motion picture, a decent film editor would leave these scenes on the cutting room floor.
I enjoyed learning of the challenges of search-and-rescue operations. Beverly and Valerie were compelling characters and Valerie's heartfelt journal messages to her mother were moving. Lena and Santo were like speed bumps, however, and detracted from an otherwise smooth reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"Heartwood" tells the story of the search for Valerie Gillis, a 42-year-old hiker known as "Sparrow," who vanishes while navigating the challenging Appalachian Trail. In charge of conducting the search is Beverly, a Maine State Game Warden. A third key player is Lena, a seventy-six-year-old retirement home resident who connects strongly with the missing woman. This trinity of women provides the framework of the book.
Valerie, a nurse, found herself drained and disillusioned after the Covid crisis. "We were called heroes. But we were given only two options-- being a hero or falling apart." The Appalachian Trail was her way to seek rejuvenation. Her journal entries, penned as letters to her mother, offer a glimpse into her emotional and physical deterioration. These entries gradually reveal the reasons why this seasoned hiker strayed so far off course, especially when she was so close to completing the trail.
Beverly's unwavering dedication to her work, even at the cost of her personal life, makes her a fascinating character. Her impressive achievements in a male-dominated industry are commendable. However, the lack of progress in this particular case has raised doubts about her capabilities and cast a shadow over her typically relentless drive.
The introduction of Lena is baffling and makes her the weak link, which ultimately makes her eventual importance in solving the central mystery feel contrived and convenient. Her role creates an imbalance in the overall structure. While Valerie's and Beverly's perspectives drive the plot, Lena's interludes feel like unnecessary diversions.
Gregory, Valerie's husband, seemed somewhat evasive. While husbands are always potential suspects, his behavior was particularly difficult to interpret. In contrast to Santo, Valerie's hiking companion for most of the trail, Gregory's role in the story was clear. Santo's periodic interviews seemed unnecessary and appeared to serve only to introduce another possible suspect. In a motion picture, a decent film editor would leave these scenes on the cutting room floor.
I enjoyed learning of the challenges of search-and-rescue operations. Beverly and Valerie were compelling characters and Valerie's heartfelt journal messages to her mother were moving. Lena and Santo were like speed bumps, however, and detracted from an otherwise smooth reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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