Reviews tagging 'Alcoholism'

The Family Tree by Mal Peet

1 review

beautifulpaxielreads's review

Go to review page

emotional 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

3.5

Despite being the size and shape of a children's book, The Family Tree is not for them - or at least, not for the younger ones. 

Told simply and yet elegantly by Mal Peet, accompanied by Emma Shoard's evocative, almost abstract illustrations, this short book is told from the perspective of a youngish man called Ben as he reflects on his parents' divorce nearly twenty years previously.

The "tree" of the title refers to a huge beech tree standing in the yard behind the family home, in which Ben's dad Sean builds him a treehouse.  As the relationship between Sean and his wife deteriorates, the treehouse, dubbed "The Nest",
becomes Sean's home
.

(Review to be completed after 01/06/23)

Expand filter menu Content Warnings