A docile old woman? A city lot, an old tree and a few urchin kids? These are the unlikely heroes of the “eco-friction” novel, Treed, by Virginia Arthur.
Author: Virginia Arthur
Genre: Fiction
My Rating: **** 4 / 5
The Book
The Blurb
A consequence of getting older is that current experiences inevitably get threaded to memories, as Maybelline Emmons learns, when she embarks on (what she thinks) will be a simple road trip to find a tree. She experiences something so confounding, painful, transformational–none of which she signed on for; her evenings drinking Pinot, watching her hummingbirds – this was always enough.
This passionate yet comic story revolves around efforts to save an old-growth tree but things go off the rails in a compelling, edge-of-your-seat way. Per Virginia Arthur’s two previous novels, Treed will curl the tendrils of your heart and blow your leaves off.
The Verdict
Maybelline is a 70 something who spent most of her life as a docile housewife. She is accidentally drawn into the power games of the commercial and government sectors when she goes to see a tree, that she remembered from her youth. She is an almost passive participant at the beginning.
And yet. I found myself drawn along, strapped into the back seat of the car, with Maybelline and the others, on the quest to save the tree. The plot is plausible, the details are well-researched and the cast of characters are nuanced and realistic. The book is heart-warming and funny.
It explores themes of womens’ roles in a partnership and age-ism. The conflict between generations plays out in the interplay between the smart, fiery Joni and Maybelline.
Treed is a powerful call to arms in a time when it can sometimes feel like ‘too little, too late’. And Maybelline finds herself with a purpose, and a family who is not blood, and she becomes freed from her own and others’ conceptions. Laugh and grow along with the main character and perhaps, you’ll want to join the ranks of the eco-warriors too.
This book was provided as an ARC (advanced reader copy) to me in exchange for an honest review.