A review by rachel17
The Overstory by Richard Powers

challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I have so many thoughts. My climate friends recommended this book to me, saying, “I didn’t really enjoy it, but it’s important.” I kind of agree. Mostly, I thought this was a beautifully-written, piercing set of stories about our relationship with the natural world. But that doesn’t quite encompass all the layers. Some parts were flowery and soothing, other parts: caustic and disturbing. Generally, I think this is a Good Book.™ 

But I’ve a few criticisms. I continue to be frustrated by white male authors. While I appreciated the diversity of the characters, some of the “broken English” parts made me cringe, particularly the parts that were referenced repeatedly. I also thought this book was sorely lacking Indigenous Knowledge attributions, which he sort of touched on in the very end, but barely. And to any male authors out there who may still somehow be unsure: You Don’t Need To Write About Women’s Chests. Though, slightly ironically, I had a hard time keeping the white dudes straight.

I’ve got a lot more opinions about other things in this book, but I think that might make this review into a novella.
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