Reviews

Greenwood by Michael Christie

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alliegray's review against another edition

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emotional tense 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? No

4.5

krystal_lacelle's review against another edition

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5.0

I’ve never had a favourite book. I can confidently say I do now! Definite book hangover from this one. Absolutely incredible.

I loved the layers of chosen family. The power and importance of chosen family. This book spans through generations over 130 years backwards and forwards. I loved all the metaphoric connections between people and trees and wrote many quotes from this book down.

Reading about the author’s fictitious future after the great withering… didn’t feel like fiction, it felt so real and plausible. Which is obviously terrifying and devastating. Not going to lie, I held my paperback a little tighter, and marvelled at the pages after reading that paperbacks were basically no more, and what was left was an expensive historical marvel.

I connected with all of these characters deeply. Everett especially. I mean how could you not? I’m so glad he was able to have pockets of happiness in his life that made him appreciate just being alive. He deserved that and so much more of it.

I think my only complaint about this book, was I wish there was more of 2038. On the other hand it was heartbreaking to read, which I think is an important reminder that we have to do better with our home, our earth.

I’ve always found peace in nature, and a powerful love and awe of trees. I really connected with this book. It made me want to run away to the forest and hug every tree. This book will stay with me for a long, long time.

hnnhk's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

books_ate_my_brain's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I am like a tree…dead inside. jk.
Listened to the audiobook and it’s hard to keep up with the changing timeline/characters. Felt a bit too long but the ending wrapped it all together nicely.

james_siebs's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I love this book so so much. The multiple story and timelines could have gotten confusing, but Christie interweaves them so seamlessly, it just makes sense.

The character development is phenomenal, the description makes me feel like I’m standing alongside the characters, and Christie is able to blend sad and hopeful in a way I have not experienced before.

Harris and Liam make my heart ache: “I’d turn every tree on this Earth into matchwood if it would keep you from harm, Liam.” The way Christie writes their love is so tender and sweet, I am so sad for what they didn’t get to have. One of the best queer love stories I’ve read.

bobmcbobson's review against another edition

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5.0

It’s hard to describe how much I enjoyed this book. A deftly woven, multi-generational story spanning decades, it’s a masterpiece of prose. As the pieces of the story came into focus, I couldn’t put it down through the entire second half.

This book was sent to me as part of a book club, otherwise I would likely have overlooked it. I am so glad it found its way to me instead.