The book has a slow start that lets you, the reader get comfortable and even bored on purpose. A casual pace, almost like a lazy stroll on the beach with words that start building up as the story moves forward.

So we have Jon, a normal hardworking man, out of his luck due to the financial crisis, facing severe tension on his relationship and overall life, and after an incident on his way to work on the gold prospecting site with his family, we get the feeling that we will be witnessing a horror spectacle in the woods.

This book feels like you are watching a movie, which is really cool, and the simple narrative used by Thorsten Nesch, allows the imagery to be adapted by each person that reads the book while keeping it stable enough so the details are general for everyone when they need to be. Nicely done

A very interesting thing here is that, the Grolar, our main character, that is a bear, a monster bear, is described in primal ways of behaviour and thought. It’s very interesting to see how Thorsten Nesch describes the moods, tactics and perceptions of the beast. The way it walks, its intentions, and even the plans he makes before killing. It’s something new, this beasty “first impressions”.

As the story progresses and we get to the goings of it, we start taking notice that Thorsten Nesch did dedicate a good amount of time in the dialogue, that although might seem simple, it reveals how can short-talk be the sign of a dying marriage. There is a lot of tension between Jon and his wife, although he is trying to do his best everyday, and keep his family fed, his kid safe. We also notice that the tension is also due to the expectations of the part of the wife of marrying a man that “makes it” someday, and that wants that man to make it now, as she becomes tired of the man she supposedly loves.  

.... Full Review Here.