THE BASICS
- Title: The Line That Held Us
- Author: David Joy
- Genre: Thriller
- Structure: Linear third-person narrative
- First Line: “Darl Moody didn’t give a wet sack of shit what the state considered poaching.”
Synopsis: From critically acclaimed author David Joy comes a remarkable novel about the cover-up of an accidental death, and the dark consequences that reverberate through the lives of four people who will never be the same again. When Darl Moody went hunting after a monster buck he’s chased for years, he never expected he’d accidentally shoot a man digging ginseng. Worse yet, he’s killed a Brewer, a family notorious for vengeance and violence. With nowhere to turn, Darl calls on the help of the only man he knows will answer, his best friend, Calvin Hooper. But when Dwayne Brewer comes looking for his missing brother and stumbles onto a blood trail leading straight back to Darl and Calvin, a nightmare of revenge rips apart their world. The Line That Held Us is a story of friendship and family, a tale balanced between destruction and redemption where the only hope is to hold on tight, clenching to those you love. What will you do for the people who mean the most, and what will you grasp to when all that you have is gone? The only certainty in a place so shredded is that no one will get away unscathed.
THE GOOD
This is not a book or a story I typically ever go for. Honestly, when I opened the first page, I groaned a little because I thought I wasn’t going to like it at all. Plot twist: loved it. I know nothing about hunting. The idea of growing up in a rural location in the US is so foreign to me. So, I was nervous that if I couldn’t relate, I wouldn’t enjoy it. Man, I was very wrong. Here are a few things I loved:
- Some books you read in black and white, but this one you experience in full color. The vivid imagery in this book makes it a truly pleasant read. I felt like I was transported through the pages and walking through this book, experiencing it. Every moment the characters had, I was there to witness. One of my favorite parts of reading are discovering gems like these.
- I love books that are seasonal and pay attention to the season, especially when I’m reading it during the same season. This is literally the perfect fall/winter book. If you’re looking for an amazing read to curl up with, this is it.
- The characters are interesting and complex. Each character has a depth to them that isn’t fully revealed so the reader gets to experience them like you do with people in real life. In reality, we don’t know someone’s every thoughts and why they do the things they do. There’s enough explanation along the way, but I enjoyed the aspect that not everything is laid out on the table.
- The storyline is intense. The pivots make you pause. David Joy knows how to write thriller. There were moments where I definitely felt my heart pick up in pace. For that reason, this is a quick read because you’re not going to want to put it down once you start.
THE UNFAVORABLE BITS
I don’t have much to say in this section. David Joy wrote a fantastic novel. My only complaint is that there were points where I thought the descriptors dragged on, but it was mainly around gun type and assembly and the nuisances of hunting (what to look for, etc.). Anybody who is into hunting and guns would probably find it interesting, so I think it’s a matter of taste.
As always, I give you a heads up about strong language or graphics in case you’re sensitive, or if the person you’re recommending the book to is sensitive. This book does have strong language and depictions of graphic violence.
CONCLUSION
I rate this book 4/5 stars. I think David Joy is an exceptional writer and created a work of art. This book is a hidden gem as I haven’t heard it talked about a lot, which is a shame because it’s a magnificent, thrilling read. However, definitely read something more light-hearted after this as it is quite dark. If you’re looking to get sucked into a book during the fall/winter season, then this is the perfect choice.
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