Heartwood

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of mental illness.

The woods are a complex symbol, representing both the therapeutic effect of spending time in nature as well as the dangers that lurk there, developing the theme of Nature as Both Sanctuary and Adversary. The author introduces the woods surrounding the Appalachian Trail through Valerie’s hike, which is framed as a feat of strength and opportunity for mid-life reflection. For Valerie, the woods are therefore initially a space of refuge. At the same time, Bev’s point of view establishes that the woods surrounding the Maine portion of the Appalachian Trail are particularly dense and foreboding. They are difficult to traverse, and people get lost in them regularly.

Both of these depictions hold true for Valerie as she completes her hike. The woods do indeed provide opportunities for solitude and reflection for her: On her hike, she reflects on the trauma of nursing during the pandemic, her marriage, and her life writ large. She finds the clarity she was seeking and vows to make key changes after she completes her hike. At the same time, following her kidnapping, Valerie is lost and nearly starves.