Heartwood by Amity Gaige: A Journey of Connection and Disappearance
As a lover of both literature and the great outdoors, I found myself irresistibly drawn to Heartwood by Amity Gaige, a novel that encapsulates the intrigue and emotion surrounding the mysterious disappearance of Valerie Gillis, a 42-year-old hiker on the Appalachian Trail. With summers spent in a tiny New Hampshire town bordering the trail, I’ve often marveled at the brave souls who set off to conquer such an expansive journey and the stories they carry within them. Gaige’s exploration of this poignant topic had me hooked from the very first page.
Gaige’s narrative is structured uniquely: we are introduced to the story through transcripts of tip-line voicemails, interviews, and the intertwining perspectives of three compelling characters. The seasoned game warden, Lieutenant Bev, leads the search, her confidence belying the ache to prove herself in a world shaped by maternal expectations. Then there’s Lena Kucharski—a 76-year-old retired scientist who obsessively follows Valerie’s case online, seeking a connection that her estranged relationship with her own daughter denies her. Finally, we gain insight into Valerie herself through her heartfelt letters to her mother, Janet, where the true essence of Heartwood blooms:
"Sometimes, in your lap, I would press my hand against your chest so that I could feel the center of you—your heartwood, your innermost substance, like the core of a tree that keeps it standing."
The exploration of motherhood permeates the book, layered with themes of absence, longing, and devotion. Each character reveals unique struggles with familial relationships, allowing the reader to empathize deeply with their journeys. Valerie’s quest for understanding, Bev’s yearning to be recognized, and Lena’s quest to untangle her past all underscore a universal desire for connection.
A standout character is Ruben Serrano, affectionately known as Santo, whose humor and warmth provide a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the search. Gaige’s careful critique of the often exclusive world of outdoor culture shines through as we see Ruben, a Dominican American with ill-fitting secondhand gear, navigate the Appalachian Trail in a way that speaks volumes about representation in outdoor spaces.
The tension keeps building throughout the novel; as readers, we unearth truths about Valerie that evade the search team. This deliberate approach fosters an atmosphere of suspense that challenges our perceptions of safety and vulnerability in the wilderness. Gaige intricately reminds us of the desperation and exhaustion faced by search-and-rescue teams, beautifully illustrating how nature can be both mesmerizing and treacherous.
Listening to the audio version was an immersive experience, coming in at nearly nine hours. I was captivated by the talented full cast of six narrators, including Justine Lupe and Alma Cuervo, who brought the characters to life with such vibrancy that I felt as if I was walking alongside them on the trail.
Heartwood is a rich, emotional journey that will resonate with anyone intrigued by the complexities of human relationships and nature’s mysteries. I believe this book will particularly appeal to readers drawn to character-driven narratives and those who appreciate stories about the intricate bonds of motherhood. Personally, it left me reflecting on the connections we forge, both with each other and with the wild spaces that nurture our souls. I came away from the experience with a deeper appreciation for the bravest among us—the hikers who embark on journeys not just to conquer mountains, but to discover themselves.
In a world so often focused on the superficial, Heartwood invites us to delve deeper, reminding us of the heart—the essence that binds us all.
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