In the Lake of the Woods

By: Tim O'Brien

Narrated by: L. J. Ganser

Length: 8 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

On a lake deep in the Minnesota woods, Kathy Wade comforts her husband John, a rising political star, after a devastating electoral defeat in which he's been pursued by rumors of the atrocities he committed in Vietnam. But it is clear that something is horribly wrong between them - too much has been hidden. Then Kathy vanishes, along with their boat.

Pursued by rumors of the atrocities he committed in Vietnam, a politician and his wife seek refuge in a cabin in Minnesota, where a mystery unfolds, in this widely acclaimed, best-selling novel.

©1995 Tim O'Brien (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A beautifully written, haunting novel that evokes lives in deep crisis." ( Booklist)

"O'Brien develops several maddeningly plausible explanations, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions in this dark but wonderful novel that should gain him a host of new fans. For fiction collections both large and small." ( Library Journal)

"Was she murdered? Did she run away? Instead of answering these questions, O'Brien raises even more as he slowly reveals past lives and long-hidden secrets. Included in this third-person narrative are 'interviews' with the couple's friends and family as well as footnoted excerpts from a mix of fictionalized newspaper reports on the case and real reports pertaining to historical events - a mélange that lends the novel an eerie sense of verisimilitude. If Kathy's disappearance is at the heart of this work, then John's involvement in a My Lai-type massacre in Vietnam is its core, and O'Brien uses it to demonstrate how wars don't necessarily end when governments say they do." (Amazon.com review)

May need a second go

This book is complicated but interesting. There are so many flashbacks and possible story lines and interviews for quotes though that I’m sure I need to read it myself or listen to it again to truly understand it’s intricacies.

Solid Tim O’Brien Novel

I read this book nearly a decade ago and decided to try it in audiobook form. The entire middle part of the book feels a bit airy, but it all comes together beautifully at the end. I recommend all of Tim O’Brien’s books, save for July, July and Dad’s Maybe Book since I haven’t read those.

Vietnam meets Houdini meets murder mystery

I liked the gradual revelations of John’s past, mixed with hypotheses about what happened with Cathy. It keeps you guessing all the way.

This is a unique type of Vietnam novel: dealing with the mental and moral fallout in a mesmerizing thriller.
Only 2 drawbacks of this book: the cursing + the quotes at the beginning of several chapters were long-winding.

I was glued to my car seat while listening to this audiobook. What a story!

Too much story for me

I listened to this book for a Literature class. I have read several short stories from the same author. I had a hard time with this one because it felt very redundant to me in comparison to his other works.

Kept me guessing

The book had some grisly and graphic descriptions of the Vietnam war that were hard to listen to at times. But the story kept me guessing and ended perfectly.

spell bound

I loved every minute of it. this book really made me think about the complexity of the human mind and what we are all capable of as human beings, good and evil.

Lake of the woods

What did you like best about In the Lake of the Woods? What did you like least?

Attention to detail, I live by the lake. The ending could have had more punch

Who was your favorite character and why?

The neighbor

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

nothing

Do you think In the Lake of the Woods needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Yes, the ending was weak need clifacation

Any additional comments?

no

Mystery for sure.

Must experience this story. Own the book as well as listened. Check out "The things they carry".

Could not stop listening

Couldn't get it off my mind. Will contemplate its questions for some time. 15 unique words.

Powerful writing and performance

If you could sum up In the Lake of the Woods in three words, what would they be?

Tim O'Brien is Tim O'Brien whether the setting is Vietnam or the Minnesota lake country.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

The ending left me a bit cold

Which character ??? as performed by L. J. Ganser ??? was your favorite?

The wife - by far.

If you could rename In the Lake of the Woods, what would you call it?

I wouldn't rename it. Title is perfect.