The Cabin at the End of the World
By Paul Tremblay
William Morrow, 9780062679109, June 2018, 288pp.
*No Spoilers*
The Short of It:
When I think “cabin” I usually think of tranquility, vacation, rest. I don’t think that anymore.
The Rest of It:
Whoa, Nelly. I originally requested a copy of this one because of this tweet:
I mean, how can you not read it after such an endorsement? However, by the time I actually read it, mixed reviews began to pop up. In some cases I can see why, but for the most part, I agree with King’s assessment.
First off, the setting. Most of the story takes place in a small cabin in the woods. It’s remote and there is no cell service. But that is exactly what Wen and her two dads wanted. A little screen-free downtime.
What they didn’t want, were four strangers, dressed in plaid, overtaking their cabin with a twisted plot to save the world. The world that they believe is ending. Or, is it?
There was one part in this story where I almost completely lost it because I was thinking something was about to happen, but then it didn’t. I was so relieved. But that lead-up! I was on edge and shaking my head from side-to-side because I did not want the story to go that way.
But then the story continued and I really didn’t know what to think. I could not figure out what was going to happen and that BUGGED me but it also had me flipping those pages.
The premise itself it terrifying. People, can be terrifying. Their beliefs, no matter how ridiculous can cause you serious anxiety, This book is like one big panic attack. My mind was all over the place. This was a good thing.
There is one plot point that made me super angry. When I read it, I put my Kindle down and was like, “Seriously?” I had to take a break after that because I could not see the story moving forward but it does.
The Cabin at the End of the World will have you questioning what you would do in a similar situation. How desperate do you have to be to do what’s needed?
If you focus on the plight of these characters, you’ll appreciate it but it’s the type of story that is left wide open for your own interpretation.
Source: Review copy provided by the publisher via Edelweiss.
Disclosure: This post contains Indiebound affiliate links.
Book Chatter 
I’ve read all those mixed reviews so have been on the fence about this one. Do you think it would be a good book club pick?
If your group is squeamish, I’d pass. It’s a little gory. But the “what if” nature of the story would get them talking.
I like the premise of this a lot and I’m curious about what made you angry:) But I tend to avoid books that Stephen King recommends, I think everything I’ve tried based on his positive blurbs I haven’t liked. I’ll keep this in mind for a Halloween read though
What an awesome review, just enough to make me want to pick up my waiting, library audio playaway!
This sounds like a book club pick for my group for sure!
Definitely on my list to read. I have a copy of it somewhere.
You have me curious about what made you so angry. I have been wanting to read this one, but have been hesitant because of the gore factor. I think I can look past that though.
As far as gore it’s not as bad as some other books I’ve read. It’s just a bit gruesome in the telling.
It sounds disturbing but also thought-provoking, but I’m sort of a chicken who likes cabins still. I guess I’m not leaning towards reading it.
Sounds so intriguing! And what a good review, thank you.
Iiiiiiiiinteresting! I’m so curious to know what the somethings that you don’t mention in your review might be. I’m at least interested to try this book, as I do like a good scare.