Hauntingly beautiful writing. I really cannot say enough about how gorgeous the prose is. Even for a short novel, it packs a big punch.

I absolutely loved this. I wish it had been longer is my only complaint.
I love stories about the mysterious woods and coming from the mouths and minds of babes

I really wanted to like this book. The language was beautiful, but while the concept was intriguing, it never grabbed me. I got names confused at the beginning, no story was ever finished, and while I appreciated the voice of the narrator, I also didn’t feel invested in any of the characters.

Hard to characterize this one. It’s comic and gothic, domestic and philosophical. It twinkles with unexpected language and sudden weighty observations, at others meanders amongst horror, squabbles, speculation on family and behavior. I was often intrigued and impressed by the atmospheric nature. But eventually, even though it’s a short read, I got a bit fed up with the mixing and mooching, and began to wonder exactly how much it added up to. Not memorable for content as much as the intelligence of the writing.

A spectral atmospheric story of cousins at a family party. When the very youngest, Abi, is lost from the group, the gang is quick to investigate themselves rather than involving adults. It's such an gripping story! Bamford articulates the thoughts of children immaculately and we feel their strong emotions as they attempt to rectify the problem.

Bamford seamlessly includes multiple interesting plot devices including a "literary hopeful" tone by the author and the idea that there is more in the woods than what seems. A short novel and a unique one. Perfect for those who love a mysterious story, a family tale gone wrong and those who love literature that captures a child's voice (like me)!
#scribner #idlegrounds #krystellebamford

Beautiful, delicate, and surprising at the sentence level with a mystical and mysterious plot. Really enjoyed this portal of a novel.