We Went to the Woods presents a compelling premise: a group of disillusioned millennials abandons society to live off the grid. However, the novel ultimately falters, succumbing to underdeveloped characters, a meandering plot, and a frustrating lack of thematic depth.
The initial allure of the novel lies in its exploration of contemporary anxieties surrounding technology, consumerism, and the search for meaning. The author effectively captures the restlessness and disillusionment that plague many young adults. The decision of the group to retreat to the wilderness is presented as a radical act of rebellion, a yearning for authenticity in a world saturated with artifice.
However, the novel quickly loses its focus. The narrative meanders through the daily routines of the commune, dwelling on mundane details that fail to illuminate the characters or advance the plot. While a sense of slow, rustic living is intended, the execution veers into tediousness. The promised exploration of alternative lifestyles and the challenges of communal living remains superficial, rarely delving into the complexities of human interaction or the psychological impact of isolation.
The characters themselves are thinly drawn and largely unmemorable. Despite the proximity in which they live, they remain emotionally distant, their motivations and inner lives obscured. This lack of character development makes investing in their struggles or care about their fates difficult. The protagonist, in particular, lacks a distinct voice and often comes across as passive and reactive, failing to provide a compelling anchor for the narrative.
The novel's attempts at thematic exploration are equally underwhelming. While Dolan-Leach touches upon themes of environmentalism, social alienation, and the search for self-discovery, these ideas are presented superficially and often heavy-handedly. 
The ending of "We Went to the Woods" is particularly disappointing. It fails to provide a satisfying resolution to the narrative's various threads, leaving many questions unanswered and a sense of incompleteness. The supposed climax lacks emotional resonance, failing to deliver the catharsis that the narrative needs.

Unfortunately I was unable to download this book before the archive date, but I look forward to reading and reviewing other books by this author in the future.

Unfortunately this novel was not a dnf. It went on and on without a point. I didn't really get into the character. Perhaps I am the not the target reader for this book.

Highly enjoyed this one! It kept me engaged throughout and was a joy to read, would certainly recommend!

I don’t think I’m cerebral enough for this book. It took me a long time to get through and I didn’t enjoy it the entire time I was reading it.

This is such an amazing book. First, the cover is gorgeous so props to the cover designer. Secondly. The writing was so fluid and immersive and I absolutely loved the story. I eally hope the writer keeps at it bc I'd love to read more books by them!

This was a DNF for me - I think I was just the completely wrong reader for this writer. I couldn't get into the story at all and could tell it wouldn't be one I could recommend.

This book sat very heavy. Not a very likeable main character, the story was just not intriguing, and I was disappointed in all of it. Not my cup of tea and I would not recommend it at all.

The idea of going off into the woods intrigues me. This story has many interesting elements that unfortunately just did not work well together for me.

Thrilling, scary definitely a must read!

This was in my TBR pile for awhile but glad that I got to to it!

The premise seemed really interesting, but the book fell flat for me. I didn't really like the story or the characters.

This book reminded me to so much of the true crimes shows I've watched that revolve around cults. While the group within this group may not specifically be labeled as such, the way they decided to start a compound away from society and with specific rules is very similar to events in real life. Even the jealousies that came about--whether from romantic or sexual feelings or just from one person giving another more attention--it was reminiscent of the things we've heard about happening with Charles Manson and his group. At the same time, I understand wanting to find a place to get away from everyone and everything, to have some peace and quiet, and to just enjoy life and others without extra stressors. I really enjoyed this book, and it made me do a lot of thinking after I finished it.

I'm currently clearing out all of the books that were published in 2019-20 from my title feedback view!

This is the story of how 5 disillusioned twenty-somethings decide that they want to start over. They find the site of an old commune and decide to start there. As time goes on, jealousies, suspicion, and sexual relationships all take a toll on the group. Will it survive?

I have to say that I was not a fan. I’m not really into reading about communes and this story went no where for me.

We Went to the Woods appeared from the description to be somewhat interesting and intriguing. However, the characters and the overall storyline was rather disappointing. The book definitely has potential.

I was very disappointed with this book. I just couldn't care about any of the characters, and felt the ending was not only rushed, but a let-down.

This was just okay for me. I loved Dead Letters but this didn’t measure up for me. I found myself not caring about what was happening.

Not a book for me apparently. Mack was not very bright even when stuff was right in front of her. The ending felt rushed and I think the author made it where you couldn't find a connection with any of the characters on purpose.
Received this book as an ARC and this is my voluntary review.

Meh. That's how I feel about this story. There was so much potential for this book. There were so many directions it could have went. Unfortunately, it wasn't anything like what I had expected or hoped for. I wasn't a fan of the characters. Not really sure why I picked this one up. It was not the book. for me. Others may love it, but being more into psychological thrillers and suspense, this just fell flat for me.