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benplatt's review against another edition
4.0
A slower burn, more character-focused piece of eco-fiction than I expected, but still a remarkably immersive look at a fading redwood logging community in Northern California being slowly, relentlessly worn down by forces that are much bigger than anyone is equipped to handle and feel inevitable. Davidson's writing implies an intimate familiarity with all the details of life in a town like this, and even though the cast of characters was often a little too large for my memory to hold onto, and I had to adjust to the slow pace, the gut punches by the end land with a hell of a force, even if they look inevitable in hindsight.
lricker's review against another edition
5.0
I was a little iffy on this book, but it came as a suggestion. I'm really glad I snagged a copy and read so quickly I didn't think my eyes would keep up.
This book will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions and make sure you have a few tissues handy, especially towards the end, I promise you will need them.
You are transported back to the late 1970's to logging country on the coast of California. I love how the author breaks the chapters apart with each of the characters speaking to you.
This book will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions and make sure you have a few tissues handy, especially towards the end, I promise you will need them.
You are transported back to the late 1970's to logging country on the coast of California. I love how the author breaks the chapters apart with each of the characters speaking to you.
genthebookworm's review against another edition
5.0
Damnation Spring is described as "...The the deeply human story of a Pacific Northwest logging town wrenched in two by a mystery that threatens to derail its way of life" - and when I saw it was one of the Book of The Month Club August selections, I was immediately intrigued.
I alternating reading and listening to Damnation Spring (which clocks in at 464 pages) and while my overall reading is slow going right now (thank you Pandemic Fatigue), I found it completely compelling.
It's a character-driven novel, and I found that author Ash Davidson built her characters so well that I could almost feel their emotions, which is my favorite kind of reading. The intricate premise, focusing on friendship, marriage and how far someone will go to protect their community and way of life made this book both thought provoking and moving.
It's beautifully and intricately crafted and the environmental issues combined with the deeply human experiences make this an impressive debut novel. I also think it would make a great fall book club discussion because there is just so much to unpack. 5/5 stars.
Thank you to Scribner Books for my gifted copy. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I alternating reading and listening to Damnation Spring (which clocks in at 464 pages) and while my overall reading is slow going right now (thank you Pandemic Fatigue), I found it completely compelling.
It's a character-driven novel, and I found that author Ash Davidson built her characters so well that I could almost feel their emotions, which is my favorite kind of reading. The intricate premise, focusing on friendship, marriage and how far someone will go to protect their community and way of life made this book both thought provoking and moving.
It's beautifully and intricately crafted and the environmental issues combined with the deeply human experiences make this an impressive debut novel. I also think it would make a great fall book club discussion because there is just so much to unpack. 5/5 stars.
Thank you to Scribner Books for my gifted copy. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
bookhoarder76's review against another edition
2.0
Wow this one was SUPER long. TOO long for me in fact as I DNF it. I was really excited to get my hands on this one I just knew it was going to be a favorite of mine. The writing wasn't "bad" but I just felt like it dragged on a lot and there was a lot of logging jargon too. I'm sad that I didn't love it. I encourage you to give it a try though perhaps this is right up your alley!
shealwaysreads's review
4.0
Literally just finished reading and here is my latest review.
Ash Davidson novel Damnation Spring is a captivating novel that immerses readers in the rugged beauty and harsh realities of the Pacific Northwest. Davidson’s vivid descriptions of the landscape and the characters bring the story to life in a way that keeps you glued to the page.
It follows a diverse group of characters grappling with the aftermath of a tragic logging accident in a small town. From the fiercely independent biologist determined to uncover the truth to the troubled logger haunted by his past, each character is complex and multi-dimensional, making them feel like real people you could meet on the street. It’s very Erin Brockovich.
The narrative is gripping and fast-paced, with plenty of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. Davidson’s writing is both lyrical and gritty, striking a perfect balance between the beauty of the natural world and the harsh realities of human nature.
If you’re a fan of books like “Where the Crawdads Sing” and “Into the Wild” that explore the intersection of nature and humanity, “DAMNATION SPRINGS” is a must-read. It’s a compelling and thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
#BookReview #SheAlwaysReads #DamnationSpring #AshDavidson
Ash Davidson novel Damnation Spring is a captivating novel that immerses readers in the rugged beauty and harsh realities of the Pacific Northwest. Davidson’s vivid descriptions of the landscape and the characters bring the story to life in a way that keeps you glued to the page.
It follows a diverse group of characters grappling with the aftermath of a tragic logging accident in a small town. From the fiercely independent biologist determined to uncover the truth to the troubled logger haunted by his past, each character is complex and multi-dimensional, making them feel like real people you could meet on the street. It’s very Erin Brockovich.
The narrative is gripping and fast-paced, with plenty of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. Davidson’s writing is both lyrical and gritty, striking a perfect balance between the beauty of the natural world and the harsh realities of human nature.
If you’re a fan of books like “Where the Crawdads Sing” and “Into the Wild” that explore the intersection of nature and humanity, “DAMNATION SPRINGS” is a must-read. It’s a compelling and thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
#BookReview #SheAlwaysReads #DamnationSpring #AshDavidson
curlewcora's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I grew up hearing stories about the logging days. I’ve only heard the “winning” side, despite my dad formerly being a logger and growing up in a former mill town. I worked, testified, and lobbied to protect parcels of land from logging roads. I feel like this book made me finally understand that time, the stakes that existed, the lives the policies affected. It’s also just a really good book. People are complicated, family is complicated, politics are complicated, small towns are complicated. And how beautiful and horrible it all is. What a fucking gut punch the end is, though.