IN THE LAKE OF THE WOODS: TIM O'BRIEN

I had read that this was one of the best American mysteries ever written, though I had never heard of it.  O'Brien, I knew, was famous for a couple of books on Vietnam, GOING AFTER CACCIATO and THE THINGS THEY CARRIED.   I remember reading CACCIATO, not particularly taken with it, though it won many awards.  So, it seemed odd to me that he had also written a mystery, a mystery to me, one I had to explore.  The book is mostly about John Wade, a needy, somewhat introverted, young kid, or so we learn as the novel progresses, his pursuit and marriage to Kathy, beginning in college, his career, as he moves up the political ladder, to run, eventually for Governor of Minnesota, his devastating loss, their retreat to a cabin in the woods on  the Lake of the Woods, and her mysterious disappearance two days after their arrival.  The book mostly begins with the disappearance and through flashbacks, to his early years, especially his skill as a magician, much to his father's dismay, but his delight, as he gains the respect and affection of friends and adults alike, something he desperately seeks.  The parallels between politicians and magicians, their sleight of hand, making reality seem unreal, is developed throughout.  I found the book extremely insightful into the minds of politicians, why they seek office, what they must do to stay in office, and how they justify their actions to their inner selves.  And, of course, this book is about Vietnam, as we find out later, how it effects John's career.  I will mention only one name, John's Lieutenant, a William Calley.  If you were conscious during any part of the Vietnam War, you will recognize the name.  The book offers no answers; life is a mystery, as is the disappearance of Kathy Wade, though there are many hypotheses throughout the book, many endings as it were.  O'Brien seems to be saying we can never really know anyone for certain, John Wade being an example. Is he a saint or a sinner?  We, the reader, must decide, using only the facts given.  I liked it enough to keep reading, got a little bored towards the end, perhaps because I wanted, like most people, more closure.  But it was an interesting read, especially the political insights, how the effects of war never end, and ultimately the mystery of life.