These Silent Woods

August 12, 2025 /

These Silent Woods ~ Kimi Cunningham Grant

Cooper and his daughter, Finch, live in a remote cabin in the woods. Their only human contact is an annual visit from Cooper’s friend, Jake, who brings them supplies, and a nosy neighbor, Scotland, who spies on them with his binoculars.

When Jake doesn’t arrive and supplies are low, Cooper is forced to go into town. He worries that he and Finch will be recognized, an occurrence that would bring devastating consequences for their secretive way of life.

Why did Jake not come? Why is Cooper so afraid that they might be discovered? Why does Scotland keep such a close eye on them? Who is the young woman they spy from their hunting blind, taking photos?

These are the mysteries to be solved in this atmospheric, beautifully written novel about isolation, PTSD, devotion, and loneliness. Mostly I really liked this book, but I did not like the ending. Recommended anyway, you might like the ending more than I did.

8 Comments

  • Margaret

    August 12, 2025 at 8:25 am

    I’ve read a few books like this where men with PTSD took their child (usually a daughter) off the grid, usually in the woods. I don’t have the survivalist mentality so many of the details are a learning experience for me!

    • J

      August 13, 2025 at 8:18 am

      Interesting, I don’t think I’ve come across this theme before. Yeah, the survivalist mentality is different for sure.

  • PocoBrat

    August 13, 2025 at 6:42 am

    Agree with Margaret about this father-daughter trope. It always seems a bit abusive to me (and frequently is).
    Do you think you could live in isolation? I’m certain I’d go mad.

    • J

      August 13, 2025 at 8:20 am

      Without spoiling the book, I will say that the only abuse in this book is the extreme isolation in which the father is raising his daughter, cutting her off from society. Thankfully.

      I don’t think I could live in isolation either. I’m not nearly as social as you are, but still…humans are social beings at core.

  • Ernie

    August 14, 2025 at 10:43 am

    Hmm, what’s going on here? It seems like there are lots of possiblities and lots to consider. Don’t you hate it when an ending is not quite ‘right’?