Penn’s Woodland by David Connor

Penn’s Woodland by David Connor


Review by Lauren


source: copy from netgalley; all opinions are my own


Official Summary: Years ago, Penn’s lover was attacked in the woods, and most think Penn
is to blame—including Penn. Ever since, he’s been a prisoner in his home
and his mind. When world renowned architect Ewan Parish arrives to
construct a secure, enclosed walkway through those woods, Penn is
surprised, suspicious, and also fearful.

Ewan finds himself intrigued by the mysterious, reclusive Penn, his
journals, and the beautiful artwork he’s drawn, which Ewan recreates in
the walkway’s iron scrollwork. Determined to free Penn, Ewan sets out to
unravel the mystery that has resulted in Penn’s imprisonment by his
family and conscience all these years…

Review: Penn’s Woodland is a historical fiction M/M novel about Pennsylvania and Ewan. When I first started reading the book, I didn’t realize it was historical fiction, but I soon got used to the way the story was told and how the people spoke. Pennsylvania – or Penn- has been locked in his room for eight years by his older sister, Georgia. The town they live in believe Penn to be a monster, someone who attacked another man in the woods when he was 18 years old. At the time, the fact that Penn likes men is another issue against him as it’s not seen as natural.

Georgia has Ewan, a Scottish man, come to build an elaborate gate around the property and woods they live on, seemingly so that Penn would be able to leave his room every now and then. It doesn’t take long for Ewan to become interested in Penn and he finds ways to communicate with him. The romantic aspect moved a bit fast, seeing as how Ewan starts out engaged to a French woman. Looking past this though, it was nice to see someone treat Penn with respect. Ewan promises to find answers for Penn about the past though, as Penn is afraid he really is a monster on the inside.

Penn’s Woodland almost felt like a novella, but I read it on my Kindle, so it’s difficult to determine the length. Regardless, it was a very interesting story that took an unsuspecting turn near the end. I won’t go into detail, as not to spoil the story, but let’s just say it was quite horrific in a way. I liked the twist though!

Overall, this was a good read. There are some sexual scenes, but I feel like the historical language kind of blurs the nature of it a bit so it’s not overly explicit.