The Hike

By Lucy Clarke

Genre

Adult Thriller

Book Summary

old wounds. However, as they venture deeper into the remote and treacherous landscape, the terrain mirrors their unraveling friendships and hidden secrets. The hike turns into a harrowing fight for survival as the women face not only the dangers of nature but also their darkest fears and betrayals. This novel delves into themes of trust, resilience, and the fragility of relationships, making it a compelling read for any book club looking to explore the complexities of human nature under extreme pressure. The tension and psychological depth will leave readers questioning what they would do when pushed to their limits.

Helena and her mother had always worn lipstick. It was armor. 'Here I am world, do your worst.'

Book Club Questions

1. How does the harsh and unpredictable landscape of Norway reflect the inner turmoil and dynamics among the four women?

2. Trust plays a significant role in the story. How does the theme of trust—and the lack of it—affect the characters' relationships and decisions?

3. The hike is both a physical and emotional journey. In what ways do the characters' pasts shape their responses to the challenges they face?

4. How do the revelations and secrets uncovered during the hike alter your perception of each character?

5. What does the novel suggest about the power and limitations of friendship when faced with extreme adversity?

Loneliness wasn't the absence of people, she realized. It was the absence of people who understood you. - Helena

My Opinion

The Hike by Lucy Clarke was a thrilling read that I simply couldn’t put down. The language throughout the book was rich with foreshadowing, constantly hinting at the doom that awaited the four women—Liz, Helena, Maggie, and Joni—as they embarked on their treacherous journey. Each character carried their own misery: Liz was trapped in grief after a personal loss, Helena struggled with her marriage, Maggie felt suffocated by her responsibilities as a mother, and Joni faced a failing career. Liz, in particular, stood out for her stubbornness. Her refusal to turn back, despite the worsening conditions, seemed driven by a need to prove something, both to herself and the others. This stubbornness, I felt, was pivotal in leading them into the storm that became their undoing. For example, even when warned of the dangers ahead, Liz insisted on pressing forward, ignoring the obvious risks. This determination, while admirable, also felt reckless. Despite the dark and suspenseful tone, I found myself completely engrossed, unable to stop reading as the tension built to its inevitable, harrowing conclusion.

There are moments of extreme joy and sadness are interwoven, highlighting the depth of the characters' relationships. Joy is found in small victories, like when the women share a laugh despite their dire situation, or when they reach a breathtaking viewpoint that briefly makes them forget their troubles. For example, Helena feels a fleeting joy when she manages to cross a dangerous section of the trail, thinking, "We can do this."

Sadness strikes harder, particularly when they reflect on their personal struggles—Liz’s grief, Helena’s marital issues, Maggie’s overwhelming responsibilities, and Joni’s career failures. The ultimate tragedy occurs when a friend dies, symbolizing the harsh realities they couldn’t escape. This death could represent the breaking point of their friendship, where unresolved tensions and secrets finally take a deadly toll.

The mix of struggles and joyful moments throughout the novel emphasizes the importance of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery. These experiences shape the characters, leading them to face their deepest fears. The biggest life lesson in the book is the value of embracing life’s challenges with the support of others, and the painful truth that not every friendship can survive extreme pressure.

She loved maps. It was the combination of precise organization married to the promise of adventure.

8 Themes Found in The Hunger Games Trilogy Book Series

• Survival: The women's struggle against the natural elements reflects their fight for survival.

  • Example: Liz insists on continuing despite worsening weather, saying, "We’ve come this far; we can’t turn back now."

  • Example: Maggie battles the storm, driven by the thought, "I can’t leave my children motherless."

• Friendship and Betrayal: The hike tests the bonds between the four women.

  • Example: Helena feels betrayed by Liz’s decisions, thinking, "I trusted you, and now we’re lost."

  • Example: Joni's secrets create tension, as Liz asks, "Why didn’t you tell us the truth?"

• Grief and Loss: Liz is haunted by past losses, influencing her actions.

  • Example: Liz reflects on her personal loss, "I need to keep moving, for him."

  • Example: Helena’s sorrow surfaces as she remembers, "I lost him, and I’m losing myself too."

• Resilience: The characters show determination despite overwhelming odds.

  • Example: Maggie, despite her fears, pushes forward: "I can’t afford to be weak, not now."

  • Example: Liz refuses to give up, thinking, "If we stop, we’re done for."

• Identity and Self-Discovery: The hike forces each woman to confront her true self.

  • Example: Joni realizes, "This isn’t who I want to be anymore."

  • Example: Helena admits, "I’ve been hiding behind my fears for too long."

• Isolation: The remote setting amplifies feelings of loneliness and fear.

  • Example: Helena feels the vastness of the wilderness, thinking, "We’re alone out here; no one can save us."

  • Example: Maggie, separated from her family, feels lost, "I’ve never felt so far from home."

• Power and Control: Liz’s need for control leads to dangerous decisions.

  • Example: Liz takes charge, saying, "We go forward, my way."

  • Example: Helena struggles with Liz’s dominance, thinking, "She’s leading us into danger."

• Nature’s Indifference: The wilderness is portrayed as a powerful, uncaring force.

  • Example: The storm is described as "relentless, uncaring," emphasizing its threat.

  • Example: The landscape is depicted as "beautiful, but deadly," underscoring the danger they face.

These themes weave together to create a compelling narrative about human endurance, relationships, and the natural world’s unpredictability.

Other Books I want to to Read

One of the Girls

The Castaways

The Blue