A review by katepolka
Earthed by Rebecca Schiller

emotional informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

3.5

I enjoyed the disjointedness of this book as it seemed to mirror the movement of a busy mind, leaping around all over the place. My favourite sections were those set in the past - they showed a vivid imagination, bringing characters to life - particularly women - who were just a name on a censor or deed. It’s a clever and important premise. I also enjoyed the magic realist sections as Rebecca leaped into the tree for example, to find herself amongst a rainforest tribe. The main part of the story is about Rebecca and her family’s move to a small holding, her breakdown and subsequent ADHD diagnosis. To me, it seemed obvious that it would be impossible to juggle a busy job, a small holding and a young family, without adding in a compulsion to write. This aspect of Rebecca’s life in the modern world seemed in sharp contrast to the women she imagined in the past. Sometimes we have to accept that we can’t have it all.