The effect is jarring, and the two parts never quite gel into a cohesive whole. Perhaps the biggest of these is his decision to structure the story in two parts, the first set in the forest, and the second, well, not far from the forest.
There is some commentary on the “modern world,” especially insight into how friendship in the West has (d)evolved into “PR.” Short, punchy sentences move the story forward.īut Nevill makes missteps that weaken The Ritual and denude its potential. The early dynamics Nevill establishes seem to point toward a psychological thriller in the tradition of Scott Smith’s 2006 novel The Ruins, but his analysis of his protagonists’ behavior and motivations is shallow and remains firmly located with Luke. Indeed, Luke is the most likable of the four characters. Nevill wisely situates the perspective with Luke, the outcast, with whose anger and self-doubt readers are likely to identify. Nevill’s talent extends to human habitats, as well an especially strong scene involves an abandoned church surrounded by prehistoric mounds. Readers will be drawn into the woods with Luke and his friends: The endless rain, the dark, overhanging branches, the rocky hills where lost hikers might hope to find gentle slopes. He is skilled at describing his setting, in this case the heaths and boreal forest of northern Sweden. Readers will not be surprised that this is the moment when things really begin to go wrong. During a heart-to-heart, Hutch tells Luke, “Cities don’t work,” an ironic statement, given the circumstances. The next day, demoralized, lost, low on food, and aware that they may not be alone in the woods, the men face grim prospects. Luke et al do not enjoy a pleasant night. Only Luke, heeding his instincts, balks at the idea of taking shelter in the cabin he is vetoed by his friends. Soaked by rain, with night coming on, the group - fortuitously! - discovers an abandoned shack. The story takes an interesting turn as the crew winds its way further into the forest. Dom snipes at Luke, takes swipes at his record store job, his string of failed relationships. Predictably, amid their bickering, they lose the trail near the forest south of the Arctic Circle. Luke, from whose perspective the story is told, is the odd man out.
Dom and Phil are husbands, fathers, successful businessmen. Their relationship is tense: Hutch takes the role of leader and peacemaker.
Seasoned readers will be familiar with The Ritual’s conceit: Four friends (as they are English, perhaps they are best referred to as “mates”) head to Sweden for a camping holiday.
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