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lclarotto's review against another edition
3.0
Let’s just say I know enough about economics to know that the scale of the economic fallout of “the Withering” is not only improbable, but that the value of a highly educated forest researcher would increase in that context, not plummet. And enough about ecology and the environment to know that the time-scales (and sheer plausibility) of the Withering are more than ambitious. But hey, this is fiction, right? Why am I so hard on it? Because this led me to being completely pulled out of the narrative in the two sections that take place in 2038. Even though the rest of the book was much more enjoyable, I found myself frustrated and unmotivated by its book-ends. The writing was fine, the narrative interestingly structured, but man, is technical editing of fiction not a thing???
I’m giving it 3 stars for its ambitious structure, its careful weaving of tree imagery throughout that somehow managed to avoid being gimmicky (although it came close a few times), and for the complex male characters that had all sorts of feelings.
I’m giving it 3 stars for its ambitious structure, its careful weaving of tree imagery throughout that somehow managed to avoid being gimmicky (although it came close a few times), and for the complex male characters that had all sorts of feelings.
gimmemoore's review against another edition
5.0
Who knew a 500 page book about trees would be an absolute page turner? Great pacing, rich character development, sumptuous storytelling. Really enjoyed the splitting up of the stories (similar to Cloud Atlas, but sticks the landing better) as though you are traveling through the rings of a tree and back through the other side. Excellent read.
botanigal's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
natalialg236's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
glambert's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
a story about principles and acting in accordance with them, no matter how challenging. a very bleak outlook on the upcoming decade….
specialk3782's review against another edition
5.0
Greenwood is a literary fiction novel following a family's story through 4 generations. It is organized as if you were following the rings of a tree; starting with the most recent story line, progressing older and older to the center and then coming back to the present (in this case the near future). My local library has a nature themed book club and this was the choice. I don't think I would have ever known it existed if it weren't for the book club and I am thankful because it was a beautifully written book.
I have always felt at peace being in nature and surrounded by trees. Trees are the piece that ties this whole book together. Each character in this family has a strong relationship with trees and that relationship is what guides their life choices. There were many points in the book where I felt sad but it was balanced well with points of brightness. I feel that this is a book that will stay with me in my thoughts for a while. 5*
I have always felt at peace being in nature and surrounded by trees. Trees are the piece that ties this whole book together. Each character in this family has a strong relationship with trees and that relationship is what guides their life choices. There were many points in the book where I felt sad but it was balanced well with points of brightness. I feel that this is a book that will stay with me in my thoughts for a while. 5*
colinfdavis's review against another edition
5.0
5 Stars |
What a treasure of a novel. Each character is fully realized. No detail is too small to lead to a storyline later in the book, all storylines piecing together in a completely satisfying conclusion. Even when you could see where things were going it was an incredible journey getting there. This will stick with me.
What a treasure of a novel. Each character is fully realized. No detail is too small to lead to a storyline later in the book, all storylines piecing together in a completely satisfying conclusion. Even when you could see where things were going it was an incredible journey getting there. This will stick with me.
virene's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
hopester84's review against another edition
4.0
Four timelines: 1934, 1974, 2008, 2034. A well-crafted novel of the Greenwood family, and the importance/effect of trees and the environment in their lives. Yet, it is so much more than that. There is suspense, greed, famlly secrets. This novel skips back and forth between timelines, keeping me ON MY TOES to remember who is who and who is related to who. But it was very much worth it, as the author brilliantly revealed the characters in the past, future, and their effects on each other, as well as the environment's effect on their lives.
emillie_parrish's review against another edition
4.0
On the surface, the theme appears to be about saving our forests and follows the pattern of tree rings across the narrative of the story. It also is a story about how family is chosen, not genetic. However, I feel the purpose of the book is best defined by this quote: "There aren't any normal lives, son. That's the lie that hurts the most."