Into The Forest

Back to the end of civilization, only now in fiction. A 15 year old girl living in a cabin with her sister narrates this account of how their family survived when the power goes out everywhere they know of, followed by gas and food shortages. At first they have their father to help them cope, but when they bury him it becomes a very grim tale indeed. I stay with it because of the details and because it is grounded in a no-nonsense practicality with a slightly progressive feminist air to it and no religious/spiritual/myth making baggage. It is also well written unlike a lot of fiction based on a contrived scenario and it takes place in Northern California just outside of Redwood so has a familiar setting. The grimness goes on so long that I start trying to re-imagine the story to help out our book loving, studious heroine. Then suddenly the story turns in an unexpected, but transformative shift and a new grace follows our survivors to a satisfying end. Written ten years ago.