Reviews

Greenwood by Michael Christie

kylie_marie_'s review against another edition

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5.0

A multi-generational family story with the characters, timeline, and plots all connected by trees. The unique timeline (based on rings of a tree), the slow burn telling of each story, and then the clues unfolding how each story is connected really makes this a 5 star read. Definitely a great book to read if you love nature and like climate fiction.

alarason03's review against another edition

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4.0

Ended up loving this book. I liked how the different generations were impacted by the ones before them and decisions had such long term ramifications. The environmental theme was interesting as well

10downing's review against another edition

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4.0

There are frequent references to layers in this book, and objects are compared to the rings of a tree. The narrative of this book is layered, like the rings of a tree; thicker in good times, thinner when struggling for survival. It wasn't until I finished the novel that I appreciated the middle rings. I think I will revisit this book someday, I enjoyed the prose, the images and the story.

adamcanread's review against another edition

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There is some grand irony in finding the writing of a multi-generational story about trees incredibly wooden.

sarah_doyle6's review against another edition

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5.0

I haven’t left a review for anything in my entire life, I tend to just stick to my comfortable role as the quiet consumer. But my gosh, did this book touch me. The structure and design of the book to mimic a tree itself is brilliant. What really won me over in the end were the themes of human resilience, chosen and biological families, intergenerational trauma, eco-terrorism, activism, and generosity presented through the eyes of incredibly beautiful, flawed, and well-developed characters intricately linked together. This story was breath-taking and immediately made it onto the list of my top 5 favourite books. I’ll never look at trees the same way again, and I’m so grateful for that.

sdefilippi89's review against another edition

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adventurous 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? No

5.0

A long but great read. A story of a family that spans more than a century  with a Canadian backdrop. 

janey's review against another edition

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4.0

This is a very good book that I should have enjoyed more than I did, but I came to it thinking it would be the Canadian version of The Overstory. That it is not should not deter anyone from reading it. This one is about people the way The Overstory is about trees, and about trees the way The Overstory is about people.

yerggggggg's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious 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

4.0

hollabills8's review against another edition

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4.0

this was epic. so well written, crazy concept and had me hooked from the first sentence. The comparison of families and trees and forests was so interesting and I found a way to be attached to every character. I would recommend this to almost anyone with the statement a good book is just a good book. It was unlike anything I've read before and I enjoyed it immensely. 

aaronboonstra's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced

3.5