In The Woods Sparknotes

Over the summer I read In the Woods by Tana French; a suspenseful, crime-based novel that focuses on the main character of Detective Adam Robert Ryan. The protagonist narrates the story off of his own personal account, which leads to a detailed telling that’s based off of personal opinion and could be deprived of a fully accurate telling. This doubt is even addressed by the protagonist himself; Adam Ryan states that his account may be tainted by his own memory. Although he worked the case closely beside his partner and best friend, Detective Cassie Maddox, he was the one chosen to share his experiences due to his colorful past and specific personal connection to the case. Throughout the novel, it can be easily seen how Adam Ryan’s personal …show more content…
Detective Ryan hadn’t remembered anything about that day when the police had questioned him as an eleven year old. and he’s made large efforts to keep it hidden in the dark corners of his mind. This includes introducing himself as Rob Ryan rather than Adam Robert Ryan as well as the concealment of his dublin accent with an english one. Although he was able to go for years without thinking of the incident, this case is conveniently able to stir up his past and unravel his present as well. The mystery that constantly surrounds this story was a key aspect that was able to keep the reader’s attention throughout each progression of the case. I enjoyed this book because of how invested I was able to becoming while reading it. I was frustrated along with the detectives and I was constantly needing to understand more about Adam Ryan’s past to see if it would truly have any significance with the murder in the …show more content…
Since the book is based on a crime being solved by detectives, everyone wants to serve justice to the murderer. I feel the same way that the justice system does. Criminals should be punished for their actions which are wrong regardless of motive. The simplicity of this idea of justice was challenged by this book when Rosalind was revealed as the mastermind behind her sister’s murder. Damien who had actually committed the murder was undoubtedly guilty, but he was under Rosalind’s misguidance. She warped his thoughts until he actually believed that Katy was the cause of serious harm that had supposedly been done to her sisters. He was just a tool to her, while he believed that he was saving her because he truly loved her. During a bugged conversation between her and Cassie, Rosalind states (397) ,“Damien’s barely intelligent enough to tie his own shoelaces.” This statement was said by a person without any feelings or sense of remorse, yet it still stands. Of course Damien should be held accountable for his actions, but even the person who manipulated him can openly comment on his lack of intelligence. Later in the conversation, while Rosalind brags about all of the misfortune she shed on her sister, she says (P.400), I mixed juice with detergent, or cleaning things, or whatever I felt like that day, and I told Katy it was a secret recipe to improve her dancing. She was stupid enough to believe me.” Rosalind admits