Title: The Mountain Story
Author: Lori Lansens
First published April 14, 2015
384 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780345809025 (ISBN10: 0345809025)
Rating: 3.96
Overview
In The Mountain Story by Lori Lansens, four hikers find themselves lost in the unforgiving wilderness, struggling to survive against all odds. Nola, Bridget, Vonn, and Wolf are all searching for something on the mountain, but they quickly realize that their individual goals are insignificant in the face of their shared struggle for survival.
As they battle the elements and confront their own inner demons, they form an unbreakable bond that will change their lives forever. Lansens weaves a suspenseful, heart-wrenching tale that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the power of human connection.
The Mountain Story is a breathtaking tribute to the untamed beauty of nature and the transformative power of selflessness.
About the Author
Lori Lansens grew up in Chatham, Ontario, a small town with a rich history as a stop on the Underground Railroad. This served as the backdrop for her first three highly successful novels.
For many years, she lived in downtown Toronto before moving to the Santa Monica mountains with her family in 2006. Recently, they moved again to Calabasas, California, which is known as the home of the Kardashians.
Her latest book, “This Little Light,” takes place in this new setting.
Editoral Review
Lori Lansens’ The Mountain Story is a gripping tale of survival and redemption that explores the complexities of human relationships and the resilience of the human spirit. First published on April 14, 2015, the novel has been widely acclaimed for its engaging plot, well-crafted characters, and evocative prose that captures the majesty and danger of the wilderness.
Lansens, who has also written The Girls, Rush Home Road, and other best-selling novels, is a seasoned storyteller who knows how to captivate her readers from the first page to the last. The Mountain Story is a work of fiction that falls under the genre of adventure or survival literature, but it also touches upon a range of themes such as family dynamics, grief, fear, hope, and environmentalism.
Lansens’ writing style is direct, descriptive, and emotionally resonant, and she does a great job of immersing the reader into the world of her characters and their struggles. The story follows the journey of four hikers who become lost in the rugged mountains of California and must confront their own demons as they face hunger, thirst, and perilous terrain.
The main character is Wolf Truly, a middle-aged man who is haunted by his past and seeks redemption by taking his estranged daughter, Caroline, and two other young hikers, Bridget and Singh, on a daring trek to the summit of the mountain. As they ascend higher, however, they lose their way and find themselves stranded without food, water, or communication.
Lansens masterfully interweaves flashbacks and present-day scenes to reveal the backstories of the characters and their motivations, building tension and empathy along the way. The setting is vividly depicted, with Lansens painting a stark and awe-inspiring picture of the wilderness that both enchants and threatens her protagonists.
The character development in The Mountain Story is perhaps its greatest strength. Each member of the group is unique and complex, with their own flaws and virtues.
Wolf is a flawed hero, driven by his love for his daughter and his desire to make amends for his past mistakes. Caroline is initially resentful and rebellious, but as she faces the harsh realities of survival, she grows closer to her father and learns to appreciate his sacrifices.
Bridget is a strong and capable young woman who harbors her own secrets, while Singh is a spiritual and philosophical man who provides much-needed wisdom and humor to the group. Lansens adeptly explores the dynamics between the characters, their conflicts, and their transformations as they try to survive against all odds.
The plot of The Mountain Story is well-paced, with plenty of suspenseful and dramatic moments that keep the reader engaged. Lansens skillfully balances the internal struggles of the characters with the external challenges of their situation, and the story never feels contrived or predictable.
The themes of the novel are also rich and thought-provoking, ranging from the nature of love and sacrifice to the impact of human actions on the environment. Lansens does not shy away from difficult topics or moral dilemmas, and her nuanced approach adds depth and complexity to the story.
Overall, The Mountain Story is a highly recommended read for those who enjoy adventure or survival stories with heart and soul. It is a testament to the human spirit and the power of love, and it will resonate with readers long after they finish the last chapter.
Lansens is a talented author who has crafted a memorable and moving novel that is both entertaining and meaningful. It deserves a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
