Cabin at the End of the World by Paul G. Tremblay Book Review

Author: Paul G. Tremblay
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year of Publication: 2018
Date of Publication: June 26, 2018
Pages: 272
ISBN-10: 0062679104
ISBN-13: 978-00626791094
Audiobook Narrator: Amy Landon

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Summary of Cabin at the End of the World by Paul G. Tremblay

Cabin at the End of the World follows Eric, Andrew, and their adopted daughter Wen, who are vacationing in a remote cabin. While Wen is outside catching grasshoppers, a stranger walks up to her and starts making conversation with her. Shortly after, three other strangers walk out of the woods holding weapons.

The strangers insist that they are there to deliver a message and that the choice will be up to the family. The message: Eric, Andrew, and Wen must chose to sacrifice one of the three of them otherwise the rest of humanity (seven billion people) will die. According to them, their decision will prevent an apocalypse. The catch of course is that the family has a limited time to make their decision.

Main Plot & Characters

• Wen – A seven-year-old girl, bright and curious, who loves catching grasshoppers. She’s the daughter of Andrew and Eric.
• Andrew – Wen’s father, pragmatic and protective. He’s skeptical of strangers and deeply concerned with keeping his family safe. He teaches at Boston University.
• Eric – Wen’s other father, more gentle and empathetic. He struggles with a head injury during the events of the story, which makes him vulnerable.
• Adriane – A line cook and mother, whose desperation pushes her to carry out violent acts despite her reluctance.
• Leonard – A large, imposing man who is calm, soft-spoken, and insists that he means no harm. He claims their mission is to prevent the apocalypse.
• Sabrina – A young woman who works as a nurse. She shows guilt and conflict about the group’s actions.
• Redmond – Rough and aggressive, he is the most confrontational member of the group.

Writing Style

Tremblay tells the story from multiple perspectives. We view things from Wen, Andrew as well as Eric’s perspectives. Throughout the book, you may find yourself questioning how all four of the strangers are convinced about their beliefs.

Memorable Quotes

• “What if it’s all real?”— Eric
• “Trust the protects.”— Sabrina
• “Dumbly believe things are how they’re supposed to be and that they will work out simply because of that belief, even if you know better.”— Sabrina
• “Anyone who says they’re not taking shit has a mouthful.”— Andrew

Impact of Cabin at the End of the World

The novel has been adapted into a film.

Book Rating

Characters ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Plot ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Writing ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Book Cover ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Audiobook ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Overall ★★★★☆ (4/5)

What are your thoughts on this book? Have you had a chance to read it? What did you think about the ending? Let us know in the comments!