The Mountain Between Us | by Charles Martin
Last spring for my birthday I asked for and received Charles Martin’s The Mountain Between Us.
My husband and I had recently seen the movie (after first checking to confirm that the dog we saw in the preview lives through the movie and — *spoiler alert* — it does). I liked the movie, a lot. So that was one thing. Plus, I kept seeing this author’s name pop up in readerly circles and wanted to know what the fuss was about.
Now I know. My only question is, what on earth took me so long?
But I’m getting ahead of myself. The book sat on my TBR for months because for me it has to be the right season to read any given book, and springtime was not it for this one.
As it happens, January was. As it also happens, I read much of it on a home-bound day after losing power (due to a windstorm, alas, not a snowstorm), and my reading experience was only enhanced by candlelight and warm, cozy throws.
So, The Mountain Between Us. Let me start by saying that much as I enjoyed the movie, the book is better. The dialogue sparkles and the stakes are sky-high — nothing less than survival. The fact that Charles Martin managed to craft a riveting story featuring pretty much only two people for 80% of the book speaks to his skill. Not unlike the strength of Tom Hanks’ solo performance in the film Castaway. I grew to care so much about Ben and Ashley (and Napoleon the dog, natch) caught in a deadly wilderness. The story’s unique structure works well, and while thanks to the movie I already knew the twist ending, that didn’t spoil anything a bit. In fact, the book was different enough that it made no difference at all.
Finally, kudos to Charles Martin for writing such a clean-but-not-sappy thriller/love story. The word honorable keeps leaping to mind. One more *spoiler alert*: while the movie features the requisite Hollywood sex scene, the book does not — and it’s all the better for that.
As mentioned, this was my first Charles Martin novel but for sure not my last. Yay for me, this writer is prolific, which means I now have the pleasure of looking forward to reading through his lengthy backlist.
The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin
Publication date: 2010.
Buy it here.
Connect with the author: Website | Facebook | Twitter
I’d love to hear from you! Have you read any of Charles Martin’s novels? Which one do I need to pick up next?
Katherine, I always pay attention to your reviews as they are honest and spot on with my tastes in fiction. I have read a couple of his previous novels and they truly are excellent. I’ll read this one next. Thanks friend!
Oh Maggie, I really do think you’ll love this one. I sure did!
Katherine, I borrowed The Mountain Between Us from the library and was blown away. I stayed up WAY too late and finished it within 24 hours of picking it up. Other Martin fans tell me they liked the book way better than the movie, which I have not seen yet, but what encourages me is that those who have seen the movie will now read more of his books, which feature nuanced characters and unique plots. I read “Maggie” (gift from a friend) years ago and just checked out a couple more of his titles this week. Love your reviews and recs!
Books that keep us reading past our bedtimes are the BEST. Love hearing that, Maggie. I’m with you, can’t wait to read more of what this guy writes! Thanks so much for sharing this.
I loved this one as well. Cheers