I don't usually review books in the main body of my blog. I mostly just relegate book reviews to the left sidebar, over there under the title of "Books Read in 2011," or whatever year it happens to be.
But I have just finished a book that was one of the most entertaining reads of the year for me. The Silent Land by British novelist Graham Joyce, caught my attention when I read a blurb that said, "Stephen King says, 'This book scared me.'" Well, I'm a complete sucker for any book that King says that about, so I promptly downloaded this one to my Kindle.
The book didn't scare me a lot; it's not really a horror novel as such. It's a suspense thriller, yeah, but also a love story. The chilling physical setting of The Silent Land combines with the chilling, mysterious atmosphere of the narration to completely captivate a reader's attention and keep you on the edge of your seat. It's not fear that permeates Joyce's storytelling but dread, cold, bone-chilling dread. All the while I was reading it, I kept pulling my blanket closer to me and craving a cup of hot tea.
In the opening scene, a young married couple, Zoe and Jake, are on a ski vacation at a resort in the French Alps. They survive a sudden avalanche only to find that the village has been evacuated. There's nobody anywhere, not one soul. While all the utilities and machinery continue to operate, except for telephones and compasses, the couple is unable to contact anyone on the outside or leave the village. Each time they try to leave, whether by auto or on skis or foot, they return to the same village they leave behind.
In some ways, time seems to be either standing still or progressing very slowly here. Candles continue to burn for days without melting. Logs in the fireplace burn on without turning to ash. Fresh meat and vegetables left out on the kitchen counter never go bad.
The couple is trapped in the village for many days of snow and mist before time starts to speed up--faster and faster. Zoe begins "seeing things" and is conflicted about sharing with her husband a secret that she carries. Slowly but surely Jake comes to believe that time is running out for them unless they find a way out of the village.
I don't think any reader of this book will fail to realize that it is not merely a suspense novel but also a love story. True love can conquer all, the reader learns. At least for a while.
Several times, I thought I had figured out the mystery of The Silent Land. But it was only near the end that I came to know what was actually happening to Jake and Zoe. And after Jake explains it to Zoe, she still doesn't understand.
This is the first of Joyce's books that I have read. It will not be the last.
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On 05/25/2011, Brenda Kula said ...
I've never read this author. I'm proud of myself for finally nearly getting a book read! Yeah, too bad about the new CM. They said CBS had too many hit shows. And it was either that one or CSI NY. I would have chosen the former. But what can you do? I even missed the season finale of CM (#1) because of cable problems last week!
Brenda
On 05/25/2011, Beverly said ...
You've hooked me. I'll download it.
I hope to see you this weekend for The Pink Saturday 3rd Birthday Celebration.
On 05/25/2011, Jan S. said ...
Books are really my first love, even before quilts, and I really enjoy seeing what you're reading. Your taste seems to parallel mine. Hope my library has this!
On 05/26/2011, Alison in the UK said ...
I got goosebumps just reading your review!
On 05/26/2011, Barbara Anne said ...
Yikes! This is not my favorite kind of book at all and you can have my share of Stephen King books in the whole wide world! Decades ago I read The Shining in one day, finishing at 3am with all of the lights on in the house and DH forced to stay up with me. I decided then that life was too short to give myself tachycardia and loose sleep over tension in a book! :) Enjoy yourself, my friend!!
Hugs!
On 05/13/2012, Deborah said ...
You've convinced me,too. Sounds a little like a movie I just watched, Enter Nowhere.
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