Billy Coffey's newest novel, "In the Heart of the Dark Wood" gripped me in a way that no other book I've read this year has - I found myself setting it aside to ponder the newest revelation, or in trepidation of what might occur next. Do you know those people that yell at the screen in a horror film? That was me, reading this book - not out loud, because that would be crazy, but begging Billy not to let this or that happen to Allie, Zack, Sam or Marshall.
What I love about reading a Billy Coffey book is the depth of his characters, Billy has a masterful way of inviting you into the thoughts and intents of the folks that populate his books - as the story unfolds the sense builds that you can predict what a character will do or say - and just like in real life, they either confirm your suspicions or surprise you in beautiful or frightening ways. I hate to give away any of the story, just because you never know on which page a revelation will strike - because more than just being an intriguing, suspenseful "story" this is an insight into the hearts and souls of 2 individuals hanging onto childhood, taking those faltering steps into adulthood
You can read the Amazon synopsis or other reviews, but I want to give a sense of the wonder I felt while reading - how emotionally involved I became with not just the main characters, but intensely felt the struggles of the supporting cast. Billy does such a great job of allowing us to peer into the motivations for his characters actions, that they somehow become more real than some of the people we actually know. Several times while reading I noted that an attitude held was JUST like one displayed by a co-worker or friend. Billy has such insight into the human heart and a way of drawing out the things we don't like to see in ourselves, but holding up the mirror in such a way that we feel inspired to change, rather than condemned to judgement.
Above all else, Billy is a master storyteller, and while "in the heart of the dark wood" is my current favorite and most compelling of Billy's stories, I can't finish this review without mentioning the education into human nature that I gained while reading this, his latest revelation. I received a free copy of this book on Netgalley for purposes of review, and I'm grateful to Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to have read it pre-release, but I have already bought several copies (5) for gift giving and to have a hard copy of my own to highlight and for the reading group guide.
I did not want this book to end, and in fact re-read the Epilogue several times, just trying to hang on and get my own sense of closure from the roller coaster ride. Billy has masterfully walked that tightrope between a compelling, moving story and a deep, thoughtful presentation into coming of age and to grips with spiritual truth, while never being pushy or preachy.
I'll leave you with a portion of question one from that guide: "...makes the point that 'a life with pain means more than a life without it.'" this is a hard truth that you may or may not agree with, but once you've read "In the Heart of the Dark Wood" not only will you have read a fantastic, compelling story, but you'll be able to present a reasoned, well thought out argument as to yes or no.
