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The Girl Who Came Out of the Woods
A commune hidden from the world. A terrible accident. A lifetime of secrets to uncover. The new YA thriller from Emily Barr.
I've been trapped here for days. What if I die here? I decided to write down my story so that one day, when I'm discovered, they will know who I was and why I was here.
Arty has always lived in the Clearing, a small settlement in the forests of south India. But their happy life, hidden from the rest of the world, is shattered by a terrible accident. For the first time in her sixteen years, Arty must leave the only place she's ever known, into the outside world she's been taught to fear.
Her only goal is to get help from a woman called Tania, who used to live in the forest, and the Uncle she knows is out there, somewhere. As she embarks on the terrifying journey, pursued by an enemy she can't fathom, Arty soon realises that not everyone is to be trusted. She's looking for answers, but what she'll learn from Tania and Uncle Matthew is a shocking truth about her past.
Everything is changing too fast for this girl who came out of the woods, and is she running into a trap...?
I've been trapped here for days. What if I die here? I decided to write down my story so that one day, when I'm discovered, they will know who I was and why I was here.
Arty has always lived in the Clearing, a small settlement in the forests of south India. But their happy life, hidden from the rest of the world, is shattered by a terrible accident. For the first time in her sixteen years, Arty must leave the only place she's ever known, into the outside world she's been taught to fear.
Her only goal is to get help from a woman called Tania, who used to live in the forest, and the Uncle she knows is out there, somewhere. As she embarks on the terrifying journey, pursued by an enemy she can't fathom, Arty soon realises that not everyone is to be trusted. She's looking for answers, but what she'll learn from Tania and Uncle Matthew is a shocking truth about her past.
Everything is changing too fast for this girl who came out of the woods, and is she running into a trap...?
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2019
52 people are currently reading
1710 people want to read
About the author
Emily Barr
43 books583 followersEmily Barr worked as a journalist in London, but always hankered after a quiet room and a book to write. She went travelling for a year, writing a column in the Guardian about it as she went, and it was there that she had an idea for a novel set in the world of backpackers in Asia. This became Backpack, which won the WH Smith New Talent Award. She has since written eleven more adult novels published in the UK and around the world, and a novella, Blackout, for the Quick Reads series. Her twelfth novel, The Sleeper, is a psychological thriller set on the London to Cornwall sleeper train.
In 2013 she went to Svalbard with the idea of setting a thriller in the Arctic. The book that came out of it was The One Memory of Flora Banks, a thriller for young adults, which attracted universal interest from publishers before being bought pre-emptively by Penguin earlier this year. It will be published globally in January 2017.
She lives in Cornwall with her partner and their children.
In 2013 she went to Svalbard with the idea of setting a thriller in the Arctic. The book that came out of it was The One Memory of Flora Banks, a thriller for young adults, which attracted universal interest from publishers before being bought pre-emptively by Penguin earlier this year. It will be published globally in January 2017.
She lives in Cornwall with her partner and their children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
April 29, 2019
This is my first Emily Barr book. I feel like I’ve missed out, but chuffed to have found a new author’s books to read!!
Arty has grown up in the woods with only 11 other people, they sleep in tree houses and are 1 big family. She has no inclination to leave but when something bad happens Arty has to leave her small community behind and go out into the big world that she has only ever read about.
Alongside this story is about someone who is locked in a basement, who plans on how to escape. The link to these stories are later revealed even though I was desperately trying to guess!!
I loved this book, which proved that there are some Samaritans out there willing to help.
I was fully engrossed in this book, Arty was a wonderful character struggling to find her way, not knowing who she can trust and what is the cryptic message “do not go into the basement” all about.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Arty has grown up in the woods with only 11 other people, they sleep in tree houses and are 1 big family. She has no inclination to leave but when something bad happens Arty has to leave her small community behind and go out into the big world that she has only ever read about.
Alongside this story is about someone who is locked in a basement, who plans on how to escape. The link to these stories are later revealed even though I was desperately trying to guess!!
I loved this book, which proved that there are some Samaritans out there willing to help.
I was fully engrossed in this book, Arty was a wonderful character struggling to find her way, not knowing who she can trust and what is the cryptic message “do not go into the basement” all about.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
May 5, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley & Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review!
The premise sounded so good and I was so excited to read this book because I really enjoyed The one memory of Flora Banks - Emily Barr’s writing is wonderful but I just felt confused by what was happening in the book, I wasn’t really enjoying picking this one up probably because I was so confused with what was going on. Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me, which I’m really sad about because I wanted to love it.
The premise sounded so good and I was so excited to read this book because I really enjoyed The one memory of Flora Banks - Emily Barr’s writing is wonderful but I just felt confused by what was happening in the book, I wasn’t really enjoying picking this one up probably because I was so confused with what was going on. Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me, which I’m really sad about because I wanted to love it.
May 1, 2019
An intriguing novel and one I read fast but I think suffers from the tag of YA Thriller when it's more of a character drama and coming of age tale.
A girl comes out of the woods to a world she knows nothing of. This is a dual narrative timeline with the girl readjusting to life outside, having been living in a forest commune for her entire remembered life and an unknown person trying to escape a basement torture.
How these two tales eventually intertwine forms the central premise and there is some beautiful writing here, especially in relation to the girls journey of discovery, about her family, the reasons why she and her mother ended up in the commune and some emotional and life affirming themes running throughout.
However I'm not sure the basement part really works, it felt a little like it was simply a plot device to allow for the possibility of a twist - when in fact my personal opinion is that the mystery aspect wasn't really required. The heart of this book is with Arty, in the same way that Flora Banks was all about Flora, Emily Barr writes character drama especially involving younger protagonists absolutely brilliantly. It's her writing super power. I see no need to try and shoehorn her into thriller territory but perhaps that's just me. It is after all her book not mine.
Overall a lovely and clever story which loses focus a little in the middle but gives a wonderfully nostalgic and thoughtful finale.
A girl comes out of the woods to a world she knows nothing of. This is a dual narrative timeline with the girl readjusting to life outside, having been living in a forest commune for her entire remembered life and an unknown person trying to escape a basement torture.
How these two tales eventually intertwine forms the central premise and there is some beautiful writing here, especially in relation to the girls journey of discovery, about her family, the reasons why she and her mother ended up in the commune and some emotional and life affirming themes running throughout.
However I'm not sure the basement part really works, it felt a little like it was simply a plot device to allow for the possibility of a twist - when in fact my personal opinion is that the mystery aspect wasn't really required. The heart of this book is with Arty, in the same way that Flora Banks was all about Flora, Emily Barr writes character drama especially involving younger protagonists absolutely brilliantly. It's her writing super power. I see no need to try and shoehorn her into thriller territory but perhaps that's just me. It is after all her book not mine.
Overall a lovely and clever story which loses focus a little in the middle but gives a wonderfully nostalgic and thoughtful finale.
April 28, 2022
The shocking truth we were promised was not nearly as interesting as I thought it would be, and throughout her journey, things happened to Arty in a very smooth and convenient fashion. She never really had any real difficulties with anything, despite having lived in a forest all her life and had no experience in how the world actually worked, other than from books. I did like her as a character tho.
January 3, 2021
This wasn't the book I was expecting it to be. It's not really a thriller, more of a coming of age story and a mystery.
The book is told from two perspectives. One is Arty, who is 16 and has lived in a commune in the woods of India all her life, and the other is a mystery person being kept in a basement against their will. The second person's story was what intrigued me the most, because there was only a small part of what they were going through told at the end of every chapter. The main story was Arty's after she left the woods.
At first, I liked reading about Arty and her discoveries of the modern world but about half way through I was starting to get a little bored. I knew there was lots to be revealed and wanted to get to it already! Part two of the book was where everything fell into place and I had a little "Wow" moment. I didn't expect that twist, and thought it was very clever of the author.
Overall, it was a thought provoking book and had me fooled, but I just felt like something was lacking a little. I'll definitely read Emily Barr's other books, they're unique and I imagine will have me thinking about the message inside them.
The book is told from two perspectives. One is Arty, who is 16 and has lived in a commune in the woods of India all her life, and the other is a mystery person being kept in a basement against their will. The second person's story was what intrigued me the most, because there was only a small part of what they were going through told at the end of every chapter. The main story was Arty's after she left the woods.
At first, I liked reading about Arty and her discoveries of the modern world but about half way through I was starting to get a little bored. I knew there was lots to be revealed and wanted to get to it already! Part two of the book was where everything fell into place and I had a little "Wow" moment. I didn't expect that twist, and thought it was very clever of the author.
Overall, it was a thought provoking book and had me fooled, but I just felt like something was lacking a little. I'll definitely read Emily Barr's other books, they're unique and I imagine will have me thinking about the message inside them.
August 17, 2019
I picked this up in the bookstore the other day because I had a voucher and I wanted to try something a little different from my usual fantasy or cozy mystery. Plus, it has this super pretty cover that just catches your eye and asks for a second look; it hooked me. I was stuck with a few hours up my sleeve today and read three and a half books, but I simply flew through this one because I wanted to know what happened!
I feel like saying too much about the story itself would give away spoilers no matter what I say, but I'll leave it with the idea that this meanders along, and there is some conflicting information that I couldn't work out the meaning of for ages. I wondered if I was reading two books at once, because it felt like there was no connection or if there was, it was weak. It made the ending so much better, I guess because I was curious the entire way through.
This wasn't like any book I've read before, and as I said early in this review, it was completely different from what I have been reading lately. I think that added to my enjoyment; the uniqueness. It's hard to describe how you feel when it's over, because you want more from the characters but at the same time it's basically a happy ending? Actually some parts of it reminded me of the old school stories I read where in the end they discover a treasure or find out they're really a princess or something.
A really odd book that I can see dividing readers too; but if you're in the mood for something odd then give it a go. Four stars, I think this one is going to stay with me for a while to come.
I feel like saying too much about the story itself would give away spoilers no matter what I say, but I'll leave it with the idea that this meanders along, and there is some conflicting information that I couldn't work out the meaning of for ages. I wondered if I was reading two books at once, because it felt like there was no connection or if there was, it was weak. It made the ending so much better, I guess because I was curious the entire way through.
This wasn't like any book I've read before, and as I said early in this review, it was completely different from what I have been reading lately. I think that added to my enjoyment; the uniqueness. It's hard to describe how you feel when it's over, because you want more from the characters but at the same time it's basically a happy ending? Actually some parts of it reminded me of the old school stories I read where in the end they discover a treasure or find out they're really a princess or something.
A really odd book that I can see dividing readers too; but if you're in the mood for something odd then give it a go. Four stars, I think this one is going to stay with me for a while to come.
March 3, 2023
This story started out so depressing, but did end on an uplifting, positive note that showed me that Arty's future was going to be an incredible one. In a clearing in India where Arty has lived her whole life, we follow her as she loses everything, and has to grapple her grief, learn how to navigate the modern world and travel thousands of miles to England to live with a family she's never met.
In between this, there's another story, of someone trapped in a basement, not being allowed to leave. We follow them through deliriousness as they plot their escape. I couldn't work out what was going on with this story until the reveal later on in the story. It was impactful, but I'm not sure it was needed.
In between this, there's another story, of someone trapped in a basement, not being allowed to leave. We follow them through deliriousness as they plot their escape. I couldn't work out what was going on with this story until the reveal later on in the story. It was impactful, but I'm not sure it was needed.
December 14, 2024
Oh, I loved this wonderful tale of a girl finding her way around the modern world, having been brought up in a secret community. I loved the main character! Her innocence, naivety suggest that the human race would be so much nicer without the trappings of the modern world. So it’s not exactly believable, but I loved it.
June 7, 2019
Review to come.
July 7, 2019
Actual rating: 3.5/5 star
I finished reading this book two days ago and not quite yet know how to put my thoughts together.
I think the idea of living in the clearing, totally cut from the outside world is a really cool concept. I've heard about this community but to actually see it spin into a fiction book is pretty new to me. I also like the message of feminism through matriarch way of living in the community, like men and women live harmoniously with any kind of oppression towards any gender. And this not like 'Women are the greatest, women are the best' kind of feminism, which could kinda over the top at times. Each of the people who live in that place has their own role to play in the clearing.
However, the writing style to me felt a bit distant. Like I could hardly connect to the characters. The main character is of mixed heritage of Indian and Britain. The characters speak Hindi and such, the setting is in India half of the book but I just don't think there's a good representation of POC in this book, except the description of the city Mumbai, which idk, pretty general?
For the plot twist, I have mixed feelings about it. Maybe I have set my expectations too high, I was expecting something really crazy but it turns out not to be THAT crazy.
I finished reading this book two days ago and not quite yet know how to put my thoughts together.
I think the idea of living in the clearing, totally cut from the outside world is a really cool concept. I've heard about this community but to actually see it spin into a fiction book is pretty new to me. I also like the message of feminism through matriarch way of living in the community, like men and women live harmoniously with any kind of oppression towards any gender. And this not like 'Women are the greatest, women are the best' kind of feminism, which could kinda over the top at times. Each of the people who live in that place has their own role to play in the clearing.
However, the writing style to me felt a bit distant. Like I could hardly connect to the characters. The main character is of mixed heritage of Indian and Britain. The characters speak Hindi and such, the setting is in India half of the book but I just don't think there's a good representation of POC in this book, except the description of the city Mumbai, which idk, pretty general?
For the plot twist, I have mixed feelings about it. Maybe I have set my expectations too high, I was expecting something really crazy but it turns out not to be THAT crazy.
May 1, 2019
A stunning read!
This book was a slow starter but by the middle i was hooked.
Visually beautiful, wonderfully written, and with a fantastic storyline, I just loved it.
Beautiful stuff.
This book was a slow starter but by the middle i was hooked.
Visually beautiful, wonderfully written, and with a fantastic storyline, I just loved it.
Beautiful stuff.
July 2, 2019
4/5 stars.
This review was originally posted on my book blog.
Following The One Memory of Flora Banks and The Truth and Lies of Ella Black, Emily Barr is back with The Girl Who Came Out of the Woods and another tale about a girl on the cusp of womanhood who finds herself out on her own in an extraordionary situation.
I loved Flora Banks, but was sadly less fond of Ella Black, so went into this book with a slight sense of trepidation. I'm very happy to report that, while I didn't think it was as briliant as Flora, in her latest book Barr gives us another truly sympathetic heroine. Arty is a young women who, in the most dire of circumstances, digs deep and proves resourceful in looking after herself and the pursuit of her goals.
I apologise if this review seems wishy-washy, but the less you know about the plot of The Girl Who Came Out of the Woods, the better your experience of it will be. However, without spoiling anything, I can mention the use of a dual timeline throughout the book, with mysterious chapters popping up at regular intervals to disrupt the main plot. At times these secondary chapters feel frustratingly obtuse, but they eventually set up a nice reveal to prepare the ground for the final twist which ties up all loose ends in a satisfying bow.
The Indian setting is wonderfully colourful and vibrant, providing a lively backdrop for the majority of Arty's journey.
My one criticism is that of a sad, cynical adult: to me is seemed Arty was perhaps too fortunate in the people she meets when she strikes out on her own. Almost everyone wants to help her and is benevolent in their aims. You could either find this unrealistic or life-affirming, depending on your world view. I did wonder if it was entirely likely, especially given Arty's sheltered upbringing and lack of experience of the wider world. On the other hand, the title of the book does suggest that there is something of the fairy tale about this story, and perhaps that's the best spirit in which to approach questions of how fortunate Arty is in the people she meets on her journey.
Overall: If you enjoyed Flora Banks but perhaps weren't so keen on Ella Black, I'd encourage you to read The Girl Who Came out of the Woods, both for its loveable heroine and the vibrancy of its Indian setting.
This review was originally posted on my book blog.
Following The One Memory of Flora Banks and The Truth and Lies of Ella Black, Emily Barr is back with The Girl Who Came Out of the Woods and another tale about a girl on the cusp of womanhood who finds herself out on her own in an extraordionary situation.
I loved Flora Banks, but was sadly less fond of Ella Black, so went into this book with a slight sense of trepidation. I'm very happy to report that, while I didn't think it was as briliant as Flora, in her latest book Barr gives us another truly sympathetic heroine. Arty is a young women who, in the most dire of circumstances, digs deep and proves resourceful in looking after herself and the pursuit of her goals.
I apologise if this review seems wishy-washy, but the less you know about the plot of The Girl Who Came Out of the Woods, the better your experience of it will be. However, without spoiling anything, I can mention the use of a dual timeline throughout the book, with mysterious chapters popping up at regular intervals to disrupt the main plot. At times these secondary chapters feel frustratingly obtuse, but they eventually set up a nice reveal to prepare the ground for the final twist which ties up all loose ends in a satisfying bow.
The Indian setting is wonderfully colourful and vibrant, providing a lively backdrop for the majority of Arty's journey.
My one criticism is that of a sad, cynical adult: to me is seemed Arty was perhaps too fortunate in the people she meets when she strikes out on her own. Almost everyone wants to help her and is benevolent in their aims. You could either find this unrealistic or life-affirming, depending on your world view. I did wonder if it was entirely likely, especially given Arty's sheltered upbringing and lack of experience of the wider world. On the other hand, the title of the book does suggest that there is something of the fairy tale about this story, and perhaps that's the best spirit in which to approach questions of how fortunate Arty is in the people she meets on her journey.
Overall: If you enjoyed Flora Banks but perhaps weren't so keen on Ella Black, I'd encourage you to read The Girl Who Came out of the Woods, both for its loveable heroine and the vibrancy of its Indian setting.
August 9, 2019
3.75 stars.
“Life was peaceful and happy, right up until the moment when it went catastrophically wrong.”
My first book by this author.
It was a very quick read, easy to get into.
Loved Arty <3
The story had a few twists and really made you think and question a lot of things. Enjoyable read.
“Life was peaceful and happy, right up until the moment when it went catastrophically wrong.”
My first book by this author.
It was a very quick read, easy to get into.
Loved Arty <3
The story had a few twists and really made you think and question a lot of things. Enjoyable read.
May 7, 2019
Not really my cup of tea, found it quite slow, quite often confused, just found it disappointing and wanted so much more from the book.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
April 15, 2019
(Gifted)
Blog Post: https://museofnyxmares.wordpress.com/...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/museofnyxma...
*I was provided with an ARC by the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was such a unique read for me in a lot of ways, and I truly treasure and champion it for that. As the synopsis suggests, this is a story about a girl who has grown up in a society closed off from the rest of the modern world. This in itself is so interesting, given societies reliance on modern inventions. Everyone has probably contemplated ‘going off the grid’ when the pulse of society beats a little too strongly, but to actually do it, is another thing altogether. Arty’s mum didn’t even fathom that this community that she’d built could last for more than a couple of weeks or years, but then miraculously, they’ve carved this home called ‘The Clearing’ deep into the forest, where they’ve had some come and go, established a matriarchy and given birth, for 20 whole years. Arty herself was the first ever clearing baby and our journey begins with her when she’s 16 years old, about to celebrate the 20th Kotta day. Things have more or less run smoothly for all these years, but when disaster strikes and the majority of the 11 members of this community become ill, they are all forced to consider the fact that they need help from the outside world. It is through this trying time that Arty’s world begins to turn upside down, with her not knowing whether she’ll land in the clearing or in the greater outside when her world finally stops being shaken.
I’m not quite sure what’s considered ‘spoilers’, so I’ll just tread lightly. After one of the little boys, Hercules, becomes ill, there’s almost a domino effect and several of the other members become ill and eventually pass away too. With Arty’s mother and father succumbing to the illness as well, Arty and her mother realise that her and Zeus, another little boy, need to go to the outside world and seek help. With the purpose of trying to save what’s left of her family, Arty sets off with Zeus. What ensues for the rest of the book, is Arty and Zeus trying to find out how and where they fit in this ‘New world’, as they learn that there’s no one left in the clearing to go back to. I cannot even fathom the idea of losing so many people you love in one fell swoop and then being thrust into a world that you’ve only caught glimpses of from books. I thought that the author did a fantastic job of conveying the whirlwind of emotions that Arty was feeling. There was her expected feelings of grief, abandonment, fear and confusion, but also this fierce love and protectiveness over who she considers to be her little brother and also the curiosity and excitement of getting to know this new world and the people that inhabit it.
It was a pleasure to accompany Arty on her journey exploring the world, as she sets off in search of Zeus when they are separated, with him finding a home with his long lost auntie. Arty strikes out on her own, doing things she’s never done before in order to get back the last bit of family she has. Arty is highly intelligent but she has no experience of this world and so things go wrong a number of times, but they also go right and she ends up meeting some truly amazing people during her search. There was the kind taxi driver, the Bollywood movie star and the goddess that is Cherry. Arty’s relationship with each of them was so endearing and really warmed my heart, that she’d found these precious individuals in such a traumatic and uncertain time in her life, this was probably what I cherish most about this book. Another thing that I loved though, was Arty’s fresh perspective on everything in society, such as why people feel the need to look a certain way, the unhealthy addiction to our phones and money, and capitalism more broadly, her dislike of the patriarchy and her eagerness to see the good in things and her general innocence. She was a beautiful character with such a well established personality and I adored her tremendously and was rooting for her the whole of the way.
This was a refreshingly different story to what I’ve come across before and I think that the author executed such a fascinating premise amazingly. I was engaged the whole time and definitely felt an emotional connection to the characters, which meant that my heart was put through the wringer a lot. The creativity of this story also extends to its structure, as we get full chapters told in a third person narrative following Arty, which are numbered. And then we get smaller chapters installed that are from a first person narrative that seem to be set in the past, which are labelled by months, this was definitely attention grabbing and I was very curious to see how the two different perspectives would be linked. And I can honestly say that I did not expect what eventually came to light at all, it was seriously a major plot twist and a very clever one at that. I took my time with this one and I’m glad that I did, because it was a story worthy of one’s full attention. I don’t think I’ll forget the girl who came out of the woods, as she was a fantastic protagonist, with a remarkable story and I highly recommend experiencing it for yourself.
Blog Post: https://museofnyxmares.wordpress.com/...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/museofnyxma...
*I was provided with an ARC by the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was such a unique read for me in a lot of ways, and I truly treasure and champion it for that. As the synopsis suggests, this is a story about a girl who has grown up in a society closed off from the rest of the modern world. This in itself is so interesting, given societies reliance on modern inventions. Everyone has probably contemplated ‘going off the grid’ when the pulse of society beats a little too strongly, but to actually do it, is another thing altogether. Arty’s mum didn’t even fathom that this community that she’d built could last for more than a couple of weeks or years, but then miraculously, they’ve carved this home called ‘The Clearing’ deep into the forest, where they’ve had some come and go, established a matriarchy and given birth, for 20 whole years. Arty herself was the first ever clearing baby and our journey begins with her when she’s 16 years old, about to celebrate the 20th Kotta day. Things have more or less run smoothly for all these years, but when disaster strikes and the majority of the 11 members of this community become ill, they are all forced to consider the fact that they need help from the outside world. It is through this trying time that Arty’s world begins to turn upside down, with her not knowing whether she’ll land in the clearing or in the greater outside when her world finally stops being shaken.
I’m not quite sure what’s considered ‘spoilers’, so I’ll just tread lightly. After one of the little boys, Hercules, becomes ill, there’s almost a domino effect and several of the other members become ill and eventually pass away too. With Arty’s mother and father succumbing to the illness as well, Arty and her mother realise that her and Zeus, another little boy, need to go to the outside world and seek help. With the purpose of trying to save what’s left of her family, Arty sets off with Zeus. What ensues for the rest of the book, is Arty and Zeus trying to find out how and where they fit in this ‘New world’, as they learn that there’s no one left in the clearing to go back to. I cannot even fathom the idea of losing so many people you love in one fell swoop and then being thrust into a world that you’ve only caught glimpses of from books. I thought that the author did a fantastic job of conveying the whirlwind of emotions that Arty was feeling. There was her expected feelings of grief, abandonment, fear and confusion, but also this fierce love and protectiveness over who she considers to be her little brother and also the curiosity and excitement of getting to know this new world and the people that inhabit it.
It was a pleasure to accompany Arty on her journey exploring the world, as she sets off in search of Zeus when they are separated, with him finding a home with his long lost auntie. Arty strikes out on her own, doing things she’s never done before in order to get back the last bit of family she has. Arty is highly intelligent but she has no experience of this world and so things go wrong a number of times, but they also go right and she ends up meeting some truly amazing people during her search. There was the kind taxi driver, the Bollywood movie star and the goddess that is Cherry. Arty’s relationship with each of them was so endearing and really warmed my heart, that she’d found these precious individuals in such a traumatic and uncertain time in her life, this was probably what I cherish most about this book. Another thing that I loved though, was Arty’s fresh perspective on everything in society, such as why people feel the need to look a certain way, the unhealthy addiction to our phones and money, and capitalism more broadly, her dislike of the patriarchy and her eagerness to see the good in things and her general innocence. She was a beautiful character with such a well established personality and I adored her tremendously and was rooting for her the whole of the way.
This was a refreshingly different story to what I’ve come across before and I think that the author executed such a fascinating premise amazingly. I was engaged the whole time and definitely felt an emotional connection to the characters, which meant that my heart was put through the wringer a lot. The creativity of this story also extends to its structure, as we get full chapters told in a third person narrative following Arty, which are numbered. And then we get smaller chapters installed that are from a first person narrative that seem to be set in the past, which are labelled by months, this was definitely attention grabbing and I was very curious to see how the two different perspectives would be linked. And I can honestly say that I did not expect what eventually came to light at all, it was seriously a major plot twist and a very clever one at that. I took my time with this one and I’m glad that I did, because it was a story worthy of one’s full attention. I don’t think I’ll forget the girl who came out of the woods, as she was a fantastic protagonist, with a remarkable story and I highly recommend experiencing it for yourself.
May 16, 2019
This was such an enjoyable reading experience- the writing flowed so well, the characters were engaging, and I just did not want to put it down! I could vividly picture “the clearing” where this story begins, and I was so invested in what happened to our main character Arty. There are some beautiful moments and interactions between characters that are so subtle, but so sweet. This is definitely a book that is full of hope! My only real criticism is that it did drag a little in the middle, and it is definitely light on the thriller/mystery element. I think if you like YA, contemporary, or are looking for a good entry into YA thriller/mysteries (or prefer your thrillers to be more subtle and less blood and gore) then you’ll really enjoy this one too!
Thank you to Penguin NZ for sending me a copy for review!
Thank you to Penguin NZ for sending me a copy for review!
June 14, 2019
Thank you to Penguin Books NZ for providing me with a copy for review.
I both loved and hated this book. There was many aspects which pulled me in and others which repelled me far away. In the past, I have read one other book by this author and it was a five star read from me, but this book was nowhere near as good. I still loved her writing in this book, it was the story which was a let down to me.
It felt as if the thriller component of the book was somewhat forced and incorporated into the story for the sole purpose so that it can be a thriller. It felt the author was conflicted of what she was writing about. I was curious about it but once I understood what was happening in this part, I was almost disappointed. I didn't mind the story of it, but I would've liked it told in a different way.
What I was truly invested with in this story, was Arty's story and how she discovers the world after coming out of the clearing. I found this journey shined on it's own and the other part of the story was unnecessary. This book held so much potential and a few alterations could have made it an amazing book.
I both loved and hated this book. There was many aspects which pulled me in and others which repelled me far away. In the past, I have read one other book by this author and it was a five star read from me, but this book was nowhere near as good. I still loved her writing in this book, it was the story which was a let down to me.
It felt as if the thriller component of the book was somewhat forced and incorporated into the story for the sole purpose so that it can be a thriller. It felt the author was conflicted of what she was writing about. I was curious about it but once I understood what was happening in this part, I was almost disappointed. I didn't mind the story of it, but I would've liked it told in a different way.
What I was truly invested with in this story, was Arty's story and how she discovers the world after coming out of the clearing. I found this journey shined on it's own and the other part of the story was unnecessary. This book held so much potential and a few alterations could have made it an amazing book.
May 14, 2019
Now I’m normally the biggest Emily Barr fan, but it was too predictable. Maybe I’ve read too many books like it, but by page 90, I’d guessed what would happen.... and I wasn’t really interested in the story. So I went online and found out everything I thought was right. I don’t like that.
I really really wanted to love this, but it just didn’t work for me
I really really wanted to love this, but it just didn’t work for me
May 11, 2020
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Not really what you would call an enjoyable book
Took sooo long to get where it needed to have some sort of a plot.
Didn't like the characters.
This book was a massive nope from me
Bookstagram
Website
Not really what you would call an enjoyable book
Took sooo long to get where it needed to have some sort of a plot.
Didn't like the characters.
This book was a massive nope from me
May 31, 2019
this is, my first DNF of 2019......... yeah.
DNF @ PAGE 177
SENT VIA THE PUBLISHERS FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
I'd recommend this to much younger readers but this story was just very bland and there was no element of a thriller to it. It feels like a mislabeled coming of age story that's littered with meh writing and meh character growth. I've spent like, six days trying to get through this and I just can't make myself do it anymore.
DNF @ PAGE 177
SENT VIA THE PUBLISHERS FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
I'd recommend this to much younger readers but this story was just very bland and there was no element of a thriller to it. It feels like a mislabeled coming of age story that's littered with meh writing and meh character growth. I've spent like, six days trying to get through this and I just can't make myself do it anymore.
April 11, 2019
I was very surprised, on finishing this book, to read some pretty negative advance reviews, because I completely loved it. I’ve read most if not all of Emily Barr’s books, and I think this is up there with her best.
Artemis has grown up in a tiny community of eleven people, cut off from the outside world, in a clearing in a forest sixty miles from Mumbai. It’s a matriarchal society, close to nature, where the inhabitants have all taken the names of gods and goddesses. She has never left, nor wanted to. But when something almost incomprehensibly terrible happens, Artemis, now aged “about sixteen”, is forced out of the woods and into the world the adults referred to as “the Wasteland”. (This sounds a bit post-apocalyptic but it’s just our world, and it’s not an entirely inaccurate description.)
Meanwhile, running alongside Artemis’s story is a first person narrative from a person, clearly not doing very well mentally, who appears to be being held prisoner in a basement and plots escape. While there was clearly more to this than met the eye, it was an intriguing strand which I had various ideas about as the story progressed.
(With nothing to read in the basement except a Jeremy Clarkson book, hitting oneself on the head with it instead and later setting fire to it seems reasonable, by the way.)
I loved Arty’s character - although completely new to the outside world, with little idea about how things work and deeply traumatised by her recent experiences, she proves incredibly resourceful and resilient, though is also helped along by a fair bit of luck. (Turns out there are good, kind people even out there in the Wasteland.) As Arty, separated from her last link to the world of the clearing, sets out to follow the barest of instructions from her mother, even a Bollywood superstar known as AMK has a part to play. (I could only picture Amitabh Bachchan...)
I really adored reading The Girl Who Came Out of the Woods. It was incredibly enjoyable and something totally unexpected near the end brought tears to my eyes. It’s not a thriller, so some readers
may be disappointed by that, although there are definitely elements of mystery involved. For me it was a brilliantly engaging read. The ending is maybe a bit too neat, but what the hell, I loved it.
Artemis has grown up in a tiny community of eleven people, cut off from the outside world, in a clearing in a forest sixty miles from Mumbai. It’s a matriarchal society, close to nature, where the inhabitants have all taken the names of gods and goddesses. She has never left, nor wanted to. But when something almost incomprehensibly terrible happens, Artemis, now aged “about sixteen”, is forced out of the woods and into the world the adults referred to as “the Wasteland”. (This sounds a bit post-apocalyptic but it’s just our world, and it’s not an entirely inaccurate description.)
Meanwhile, running alongside Artemis’s story is a first person narrative from a person, clearly not doing very well mentally, who appears to be being held prisoner in a basement and plots escape. While there was clearly more to this than met the eye, it was an intriguing strand which I had various ideas about as the story progressed.
(With nothing to read in the basement except a Jeremy Clarkson book, hitting oneself on the head with it instead and later setting fire to it seems reasonable, by the way.)
I loved Arty’s character - although completely new to the outside world, with little idea about how things work and deeply traumatised by her recent experiences, she proves incredibly resourceful and resilient, though is also helped along by a fair bit of luck. (Turns out there are good, kind people even out there in the Wasteland.) As Arty, separated from her last link to the world of the clearing, sets out to follow the barest of instructions from her mother, even a Bollywood superstar known as AMK has a part to play. (I could only picture Amitabh Bachchan...)
I really adored reading The Girl Who Came Out of the Woods. It was incredibly enjoyable and something totally unexpected near the end brought tears to my eyes. It’s not a thriller, so some readers
may be disappointed by that, although there are definitely elements of mystery involved. For me it was a brilliantly engaging read. The ending is maybe a bit too neat, but what the hell, I loved it.
May 5, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
"The new YA thriller from the acclaimed author of The One Memory of Flora Banks.
A commune hidden from the world. A terrible accident. A lifetime of secrets to uncover.
I've been trapped here for days. What if I die here?
I decided to write down my story so that one day, when I'm discovered, they will know who I was and why I was here.
Arty has always lived in the Clearing, a small settlement in the forests of south India.
But their happy life, hidden from the rest of the world, is shattered by a terrible accident. For the first time in her sixteen years, Arty must leave the only place she's ever known, into the outside world she's been taught to fear.
Her only goal is to get help from a woman called Tania, who used to live in the forest, and the Uncle she knows is out there, somewhere. As she embarks on the terrifying journey, pursued by an enemy she can't fathom, Arty soon realises that not everyone is to be trusted.
She's looking for answers, but what she'll learn from Tania and Uncle Matthew is a shocking truth about her past.
Everything is changing too fast for this girl who came out of the woods, and is she running into a trap...?"
If I'm completely honest, I'm a bit baffled by how many glowing reviews this book has received. Maybe I was just feeling a bit let down by the fact that it's marketed as a YA Thriller. It might just be my perception of what a 'thriller' is but this certainly isn't it.
The book isn't all bad. I really enjoyed Arty. She was such a lovable character and watching her learn about this new world was pretty entertaining, but I didn't feel a connection to any of the other characters.
The clearing in the woods sounded like such an interesting place. I would have loved to have had more attention and time set here, learning about the matriarchy and the set up. Emily Barr's writing style really suited this environment so I would have preferred to have spent more time here.
I just felt that the book lacked the detail and depth that I wanted. I wanted something raw and gritty but this is not what I got. Not a bad book, but wasn't what I was expecting so I was left very disappointed.
"The new YA thriller from the acclaimed author of The One Memory of Flora Banks.
A commune hidden from the world. A terrible accident. A lifetime of secrets to uncover.
I've been trapped here for days. What if I die here?
I decided to write down my story so that one day, when I'm discovered, they will know who I was and why I was here.
Arty has always lived in the Clearing, a small settlement in the forests of south India.
But their happy life, hidden from the rest of the world, is shattered by a terrible accident. For the first time in her sixteen years, Arty must leave the only place she's ever known, into the outside world she's been taught to fear.
Her only goal is to get help from a woman called Tania, who used to live in the forest, and the Uncle she knows is out there, somewhere. As she embarks on the terrifying journey, pursued by an enemy she can't fathom, Arty soon realises that not everyone is to be trusted.
She's looking for answers, but what she'll learn from Tania and Uncle Matthew is a shocking truth about her past.
Everything is changing too fast for this girl who came out of the woods, and is she running into a trap...?"
If I'm completely honest, I'm a bit baffled by how many glowing reviews this book has received. Maybe I was just feeling a bit let down by the fact that it's marketed as a YA Thriller. It might just be my perception of what a 'thriller' is but this certainly isn't it.
The book isn't all bad. I really enjoyed Arty. She was such a lovable character and watching her learn about this new world was pretty entertaining, but I didn't feel a connection to any of the other characters.
The clearing in the woods sounded like such an interesting place. I would have loved to have had more attention and time set here, learning about the matriarchy and the set up. Emily Barr's writing style really suited this environment so I would have preferred to have spent more time here.
I just felt that the book lacked the detail and depth that I wanted. I wanted something raw and gritty but this is not what I got. Not a bad book, but wasn't what I was expecting so I was left very disappointed.
December 1, 2020
- thanks to @penguinbooksaus for this #gited copy!
I had no idea about what this novel was about when I started reading it, but I certainly was not expecting to find such an entertaining and thought-provoking story.
Barr's novel has a little bit of everything: from thriller-y to coming-of-age elements; however, what I enjoyed the most was the author's perspective on what our reality would look like to a person that has been isolated from our ways of living, and especially from technology and social media. Nowadays, it is difficult to think about reality without the perks (or cons) of our modernity, and having the opportunity to reflect on what seems so ordinary and underestimated was greatly appreciated.
I wasn't too shocked nor too keen on the darkest side of Arty's story, but I didn't mind it. I wasn't too invested in discovering the truth and unravelling the 'secrets of the past' because I was too focused on following Arty's journey in the 'outside' world. The scenes where she faces an unknown world on her own, motivated by the search of her brother, was what kept me turning the pages.
The author's straightforward writing style and a well-paced narrative resulted in a steady reading rhythm. There is some underlying unbalance throughout the story due to the multiple genre crossover -which resulted in avoidable confusion- but it was somehow unimportant in comparison with the book's inherent questioning of the ways of modern life.
Overall, The Girl Who Came Out of the Woods was a surprisingly unique and thought-provoking YA Contemporary story that delves into cults, friendship, and what it means to be a family. Definitely entertaining, I'd recommend it to any readers looking for an atypical quick read.
I had no idea about what this novel was about when I started reading it, but I certainly was not expecting to find such an entertaining and thought-provoking story.
Barr's novel has a little bit of everything: from thriller-y to coming-of-age elements; however, what I enjoyed the most was the author's perspective on what our reality would look like to a person that has been isolated from our ways of living, and especially from technology and social media. Nowadays, it is difficult to think about reality without the perks (or cons) of our modernity, and having the opportunity to reflect on what seems so ordinary and underestimated was greatly appreciated.
I wasn't too shocked nor too keen on the darkest side of Arty's story, but I didn't mind it. I wasn't too invested in discovering the truth and unravelling the 'secrets of the past' because I was too focused on following Arty's journey in the 'outside' world. The scenes where she faces an unknown world on her own, motivated by the search of her brother, was what kept me turning the pages.
The author's straightforward writing style and a well-paced narrative resulted in a steady reading rhythm. There is some underlying unbalance throughout the story due to the multiple genre crossover -which resulted in avoidable confusion- but it was somehow unimportant in comparison with the book's inherent questioning of the ways of modern life.
Overall, The Girl Who Came Out of the Woods was a surprisingly unique and thought-provoking YA Contemporary story that delves into cults, friendship, and what it means to be a family. Definitely entertaining, I'd recommend it to any readers looking for an atypical quick read.
July 8, 2019
This story by Emily Barr is definitely one to go into without really knowing too much.
Initially I found the split in narrative quite disconcerting. We focus on sixteen year old Arty who is forced out of her commune when illness affects many of the group. She is thrown into a world of which she has no experience and her story as she navigates what so many of us take for granted was interesting. Alongside this is a curious story told from the perspective of someone locked in a basement.
As the story progressed I confess to getting quite carried away trying to plot how the two would be linked. It did become evident where it was heading, but not before I’d imagined things far worse than we were faced with.
I enjoyed the story, though the reaction of characters to Arty’s innocence did, on occasion, make me frustrated. That irritation aside, this was quite enchanting while not being afraid to touch on some rather unpleasant things.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read it in exchange for my honest review.
Initially I found the split in narrative quite disconcerting. We focus on sixteen year old Arty who is forced out of her commune when illness affects many of the group. She is thrown into a world of which she has no experience and her story as she navigates what so many of us take for granted was interesting. Alongside this is a curious story told from the perspective of someone locked in a basement.
As the story progressed I confess to getting quite carried away trying to plot how the two would be linked. It did become evident where it was heading, but not before I’d imagined things far worse than we were faced with.
I enjoyed the story, though the reaction of characters to Arty’s innocence did, on occasion, make me frustrated. That irritation aside, this was quite enchanting while not being afraid to touch on some rather unpleasant things.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read it in exchange for my honest review.
June 12, 2019
Real rating 3.5 stars
August 28, 2019
I had read one of Emily Barr’s books before but I have to say that whilst it was enjoyable I wasn’t sure if the author’s style was entirely for me, however I was instantly attracted to the cover of this book and when I read the blurb I decided that I really needed to give this book a shot.
I was definitely pleasantly surprised, although it is not what I would call a thriller as the blurb labels it, it is more of an exploration of Arty coming to terms with the outside world whilst trying to deal with the end of the life she has always known. I really liked that the book was mostly set in India, that there was the contrast between the seclusion of the forest and the bustle and chaos of Mumbai and I think that it would have been difficult to capture that same atmosphere in a different setting.
This book is the kind of book that will be spoiled with too much information, so I won’t say too much about the plot, but it is written in a dual timeline, and this really does add some tension and a little bit of mystery to the story. There is a variation in tone between the two timelines and it is quite nice to have the distinction it breaks up each part of the story well and does keep you invested in the story. There are a few unexpected things that happen that shake up the story a little and there are things that come up that all tie back in together in a very clever way, which was enjoyable.
Arty was a great character, I loved the ethos of the clearing and how they all worked together to build a life away from the modern world, and it was really interesting to hear her experience of this. Her optimism in the face of so much uncertainty was refreshing, as was her loyalty to her family, she was naive but in a very natural way for this kind of situation and she was the kind of character that I easily found myself rooting for.
The only thing that maybe caused a bit of a pause for me was when Arty finds herself out of the woods, she is in a lot of situation where she was almost too lucky all of the time, I kept thinking that something bad was going to happen or someone was going to take advantage of her, but it was fairly smooth sailing. I just felt that she would have had a little bit more trouble than she did but then I wonder if I’m just being overly cynical.
The Girl Who Came Out Of The Woods is an interesting book with an element of mystery but at its heart is an emotional story of loss and survival with a bright spark of a main character.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
I was definitely pleasantly surprised, although it is not what I would call a thriller as the blurb labels it, it is more of an exploration of Arty coming to terms with the outside world whilst trying to deal with the end of the life she has always known. I really liked that the book was mostly set in India, that there was the contrast between the seclusion of the forest and the bustle and chaos of Mumbai and I think that it would have been difficult to capture that same atmosphere in a different setting.
This book is the kind of book that will be spoiled with too much information, so I won’t say too much about the plot, but it is written in a dual timeline, and this really does add some tension and a little bit of mystery to the story. There is a variation in tone between the two timelines and it is quite nice to have the distinction it breaks up each part of the story well and does keep you invested in the story. There are a few unexpected things that happen that shake up the story a little and there are things that come up that all tie back in together in a very clever way, which was enjoyable.
Arty was a great character, I loved the ethos of the clearing and how they all worked together to build a life away from the modern world, and it was really interesting to hear her experience of this. Her optimism in the face of so much uncertainty was refreshing, as was her loyalty to her family, she was naive but in a very natural way for this kind of situation and she was the kind of character that I easily found myself rooting for.
The only thing that maybe caused a bit of a pause for me was when Arty finds herself out of the woods, she is in a lot of situation where she was almost too lucky all of the time, I kept thinking that something bad was going to happen or someone was going to take advantage of her, but it was fairly smooth sailing. I just felt that she would have had a little bit more trouble than she did but then I wonder if I’m just being overly cynical.
The Girl Who Came Out Of The Woods is an interesting book with an element of mystery but at its heart is an emotional story of loss and survival with a bright spark of a main character.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
May 24, 2019
I gave The Girl Who Came Out of the Woods by Emily Barr a 4 and a half star rating
A huge thank you to Penguin NZ who sent me this copy in exchange for an honest review
This was my first read from Emily Barr and what a journey I was taken on! This book is based on a teenage girl who goes by Arty. Her family live in the middle of the forest living off the land and following what I would call a 'conscious way of living'. When a sickness arrives, Arty is forced to step out of the forest and enter a world she has never experienced before to get help for those she loves. Along the way, we watch Arty meet people who are good to her and others who use her and her situation for their own gain. We see her process this over-stimulating world she has stepped into, trying to get to grips with the ways of life and social norms all the while she is processing the loss of those she loves deeply.
This book was absolutely fantastic and I loved every page of it. We read this book from two perspectives. One which comes off as a 'future self' and another that's retelling how Arty got to the place that she is now. I loved this split of perspectives and chapters because it kept me on my toes a lot. I was constantly being pulled in with the basement chapters wanting to know how things came about. This was so well written and flowed beautifully.
The characters we come across in the book were all so different with different intentions around Arty and her situation. Barr managed to write in a way that made me doubt EVERYBODY'S intentions and had me convinced that characters who were good actually had negative intentions. It was one heck of a journey.
Plot twists came through SO STRONG at the end of this book that I had almost thrown my book across the room (which of course I didn't because I wouldn't to my books!) and shedding many happy and healing tears at the end of the book. I won't give any spoilers, but this book wrapped up lovely. I would have loved to have spent some more time with particular people at the end, but I'm happy and content with how things finished.
Overall, this book was very light and easy to read, but also touched base on some sensitive topics / could be quite heavy to read. Emily Barr has written a fantastic book perfect for reading on a hot sunny day or in the middle of winter (depending where you are in the world!)
A huge thank you to Penguin NZ who sent me this copy in exchange for an honest review
This was my first read from Emily Barr and what a journey I was taken on! This book is based on a teenage girl who goes by Arty. Her family live in the middle of the forest living off the land and following what I would call a 'conscious way of living'. When a sickness arrives, Arty is forced to step out of the forest and enter a world she has never experienced before to get help for those she loves. Along the way, we watch Arty meet people who are good to her and others who use her and her situation for their own gain. We see her process this over-stimulating world she has stepped into, trying to get to grips with the ways of life and social norms all the while she is processing the loss of those she loves deeply.
This book was absolutely fantastic and I loved every page of it. We read this book from two perspectives. One which comes off as a 'future self' and another that's retelling how Arty got to the place that she is now. I loved this split of perspectives and chapters because it kept me on my toes a lot. I was constantly being pulled in with the basement chapters wanting to know how things came about. This was so well written and flowed beautifully.
The characters we come across in the book were all so different with different intentions around Arty and her situation. Barr managed to write in a way that made me doubt EVERYBODY'S intentions and had me convinced that characters who were good actually had negative intentions. It was one heck of a journey.
Plot twists came through SO STRONG at the end of this book that I had almost thrown my book across the room (which of course I didn't because I wouldn't to my books!) and shedding many happy and healing tears at the end of the book. I won't give any spoilers, but this book wrapped up lovely. I would have loved to have spent some more time with particular people at the end, but I'm happy and content with how things finished.
Overall, this book was very light and easy to read, but also touched base on some sensitive topics / could be quite heavy to read. Emily Barr has written a fantastic book perfect for reading on a hot sunny day or in the middle of winter (depending where you are in the world!)
March 8, 2020
kind of unrealistic, and barely any details. this book is about a commune, that’s apparently matriarchal but seems way more rooted into feminism and marxism. we learn basically nothing about how this commune actually works day by day OR in the grand scheme of things. it’s gone on for longer than sixteen years. what are their dwellings? how do they eat? do they grow crops?
we are given some sparse detail, water droplets onto a thirsty tongue, but it’s never enough to actually get a picture in your head. this is mainly why my rating is so low, despite the fact the book wasn’t *thaaaaat* bad. the book is being advertised as something about a girl who lives in a commune, trying to find a cure for a illness that has spread.
and yet, the book isn’t about that. like, at all.
i have no idea why it can’t just be what it is, which is about a girl from a commune, but a girl from a commune learning how to re-enter capitalist and mainstream society. it’s still interesting. you don’t need to lure me in with false pretences over here.
in general, i liked some of the social commentary/remarks that’re given. it’s refreshing to see it in YA literature. but it just missed the mark for me, it never delved deep enough to really make an impression.
also, the main narrative voice is so young. so infantile. you may be thinking, oh well yes she grew up completely out of mainstream society, sheltered and only knowing eight other people! yet we are hammered home by the author CONSTANTLY that this girl is very clever. reads shakespeare for fun clever. great expectations is easy clever. don’t get me started on how unrealistic that is. either way, the voice sounded 12 years old, not 16.
idk. i just didn’t get hugely along with it. interesting idea, failed in execution. it’s a shame as i think barr could’ve done it. i think this one falls on her editors/agents not pushing hard enough for the story that falls between the lines.
we are given some sparse detail, water droplets onto a thirsty tongue, but it’s never enough to actually get a picture in your head. this is mainly why my rating is so low, despite the fact the book wasn’t *thaaaaat* bad. the book is being advertised as something about a girl who lives in a commune, trying to find a cure for a illness that has spread.
and yet, the book isn’t about that. like, at all.
i have no idea why it can’t just be what it is, which is about a girl from a commune, but a girl from a commune learning how to re-enter capitalist and mainstream society. it’s still interesting. you don’t need to lure me in with false pretences over here.
in general, i liked some of the social commentary/remarks that’re given. it’s refreshing to see it in YA literature. but it just missed the mark for me, it never delved deep enough to really make an impression.
also, the main narrative voice is so young. so infantile. you may be thinking, oh well yes she grew up completely out of mainstream society, sheltered and only knowing eight other people! yet we are hammered home by the author CONSTANTLY that this girl is very clever. reads shakespeare for fun clever. great expectations is easy clever. don’t get me started on how unrealistic that is. either way, the voice sounded 12 years old, not 16.
idk. i just didn’t get hugely along with it. interesting idea, failed in execution. it’s a shame as i think barr could’ve done it. i think this one falls on her editors/agents not pushing hard enough for the story that falls between the lines.
January 28, 2020
This book was not what I expected, and I am glad of it because this is one of the best books I’ve read this year. From the cover I expected a teen murder mystery sort of thing. Instead I got a moving and brilliant story about a girl who leaves the commune of 11 people she’s lived in all her life and venture out into the world after a plague takes hold of the community.
The book has two main viewpoints, one in third person following Artemis, the girl who came out of the woods, and a first person narrator whose identity is not revealed at the start. The different viewpoints had markedly different tones, with the first person narrative being tense and confusing while the third person one was more rational and emotionally engaging, but both were very gripping. At some points the story it was so unbearably gripping I did not know if I would make it to the end of the book without sneaking a peak at the ending, and that almost never happens to me! I wanted my eyes to move faster so I could absorb the story quicker, from the plague and the fascinating dynamic of the commune to Arty discovering the rest of the world for the first time. Barr’s writing of Arty reacting to the world around her was excellent and eye opening, showing how strange things that we take for granted would look to someone who has lived in the woods her entire life.
The book is split into two parts, the first as described above and the second similar, but with a slightly changed atmosphere. As some of the mysteries have been cleared part two is slightly less tense, albeit just as engaging as before. The ending was incredibly satisfying, I felt like I could let go of all the tension I had built up over the course of the novel with one last mystery solved. This book is sad and emotional and gripping, and I highly recommend it.
Would I survive this novel? I think so, it’s set in the real world.
The book has two main viewpoints, one in third person following Artemis, the girl who came out of the woods, and a first person narrator whose identity is not revealed at the start. The different viewpoints had markedly different tones, with the first person narrative being tense and confusing while the third person one was more rational and emotionally engaging, but both were very gripping. At some points the story it was so unbearably gripping I did not know if I would make it to the end of the book without sneaking a peak at the ending, and that almost never happens to me! I wanted my eyes to move faster so I could absorb the story quicker, from the plague and the fascinating dynamic of the commune to Arty discovering the rest of the world for the first time. Barr’s writing of Arty reacting to the world around her was excellent and eye opening, showing how strange things that we take for granted would look to someone who has lived in the woods her entire life.
The book is split into two parts, the first as described above and the second similar, but with a slightly changed atmosphere. As some of the mysteries have been cleared part two is slightly less tense, albeit just as engaging as before. The ending was incredibly satisfying, I felt like I could let go of all the tension I had built up over the course of the novel with one last mystery solved. This book is sad and emotional and gripping, and I highly recommend it.
Would I survive this novel? I think so, it’s set in the real world.
April 26, 2019
My first time reading thriller and what I can say is, I'm not disappointed at all. Although I think this book is more about mystery than thriller.
This book is about a teen girl, Arty who have to find her way through a “new world” after a terrible disaster strikes her family. For the past 16 years, Arty’s world is limited to only 11 people living their life in a forest in India known as “The Clearing”, isolated away from the rest of the world. When a sudden outbreak spreads among themselves caused almost everyone in her communities sick and died one by one, Arty knows that she has no choice but to seek help from outside world – “The Wasteland”.
I love almost everything about this book. The writing is so perfect and unique. This book alternates between short chapters written in MONTHS and full chapters which are labelled by NUMBERS. I think it’s brilliant as it makes me wondering what exactly happened and how it links to one another. At first, I thought that both short and full chapters are about the same person but then, there comes the plot twist. Never see it coming at all.
Moving on to the characters. I find that all the characters in this book are very strong especially Arty. She’s such a brilliant girl with a great personality even though she has no experiences of the outside world. Throughout her journey, she meets a lot of new people who are mostly kind enough to help her. I really love how she easily makes friend with these people that have crossed path with her. Every friend she made alongside her journey really helps to build Arty character to become more interesting.
My only problem with this book is that the ending is so short. We have all the answers, YES! But it is not enough. However, I still highly recommend this book to all my fellow readers. Don’t forget to add it in your TBR lists. Out on 2nd of May. My thanks to Times Reads for this ARC.
This book is about a teen girl, Arty who have to find her way through a “new world” after a terrible disaster strikes her family. For the past 16 years, Arty’s world is limited to only 11 people living their life in a forest in India known as “The Clearing”, isolated away from the rest of the world. When a sudden outbreak spreads among themselves caused almost everyone in her communities sick and died one by one, Arty knows that she has no choice but to seek help from outside world – “The Wasteland”.
I love almost everything about this book. The writing is so perfect and unique. This book alternates between short chapters written in MONTHS and full chapters which are labelled by NUMBERS. I think it’s brilliant as it makes me wondering what exactly happened and how it links to one another. At first, I thought that both short and full chapters are about the same person but then, there comes the plot twist. Never see it coming at all.
Moving on to the characters. I find that all the characters in this book are very strong especially Arty. She’s such a brilliant girl with a great personality even though she has no experiences of the outside world. Throughout her journey, she meets a lot of new people who are mostly kind enough to help her. I really love how she easily makes friend with these people that have crossed path with her. Every friend she made alongside her journey really helps to build Arty character to become more interesting.
My only problem with this book is that the ending is so short. We have all the answers, YES! But it is not enough. However, I still highly recommend this book to all my fellow readers. Don’t forget to add it in your TBR lists. Out on 2nd of May. My thanks to Times Reads for this ARC.
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