39 pages • 1 hour read
Tim O'BrienIn the Lake of the Woods
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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 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.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
HL730L