Well I will make no bones about it, I did not want to rate this book – to do so would definitely be to rate the author as well, and that I only did under duress, and with an accuracy only I know about. This was certainly not what I normally read, but in the shade of the stories, folklore and so on I was promised, I actually found a Mary Roach-styled, highly readable look at what some might call the semiotics of death and suicide. Readable, morbid, probably very triggering, but with just enough global reportage of deathly ideas and practices that it can be recommended to the right reader. But never believe any star rating.

The Bleeding Tree by Hollie Starling is a powerful and deeply moving exploration of grief and healing. Set against the backdrop of the transition from summer to autumn, the book follows the protagonist, Hollie Starling, as she grapples with the devastating news of her father's suicide. This heartbreaking event thrusts her into a state of profound grief, and she finds herself searching for a way to navigate through the darkness that goes beyond the conventional approaches.

What sets this book apart is Hollie's embrace of her lifelong interest in folklore and her recognition of the healing power of nature and ancient rituals. As she embarks on her first year without her father, she delves into the rich tapestry of traditions surrounding bereavement, seeking solace and understanding. The author fearlessly explores the depths of grief, offering an unflinching portrayal of the pain and confusion that accompanies such a loss.

The prose is beautifully crafted, capturing the essence of the ebbing days and the murkiness of the hours between sunset and sunrise. The metaphor of the bleeding tree, with its deep roots, serves as a poignant symbol of the enduring pain and resilience of the human spirit. Hollie's journey becomes a guidebook for others facing grief, reminding us that by looking back to the wisdom of past traditions, we can forge our own unique path forward.

Throughout the book, Hollie's voice is authentic and raw, allowing readers to connect with her on a profound level. Her exploration of nature and the changing seasons provides a sense of solace and renewal, as she discovers the transformative power of the natural world. The blending of personal narrative with folklore and ancient rituals creates a rich tapestry of emotions and insights, offering readers a deeper understanding of their own experiences with grief and loss.

The Bleeding Tree is a triumph of storytelling, offering a compelling and empathetic portrayal of grief that resonates long after the last page is turned. Hollie Starling's honest and heartfelt prose invites readers to embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of ancient traditions to guide us through the darkest of times. This book is a testament to the enduring human capacity for hope, growth, and transformation.

I really enjoyed this interesting perspective on grief and healing. I found it compelling and well written.

I would definitely recommend this book.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Whilst not entirely what I expected, it was a really unique and beautiful read.

I guess that I am fortunate enough that I have managed to evade grief for my life but I can see the benefits of looking through different mediums and understanding different ways of approaching the subject.

Hollys style of writing is lovely and made this intriguing work easy to read even though for me it was not 100% relatable.

I will be purchasing the hardback version of this book as the artwork is lovely.

A heartfelt tribute to both the ancient and modern traditions of mourning and grief. Although dealing with a very heavy subject matter this book is incredibly compelling, revealing and uplifting. As a society in general there is still a lot of mystery and taboo surrounding death, and sadly of suicide, in The Bleeding Tree the author offers bravely their own experience of such tragedy bound by folklore and traditions across the globe, presenting an honest and beautiful but raw account of both life and death.

A book about grief, how to overcome it and how nature can help to heal.
A mix of diary and worldwide tradition, well written and moving.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Summary:

Hollie Starling is hit by the heart-stopping news that her father has died by suicide. This memoir tells how Hollie gets through the next year, processing and trying to understand grief. The memoir is interwoven with folk tales and stories of how different cultures come to terms with death through ritual, ceremony and story telling.

Review:

5⭐️

This is a beautifully written book which really brings to life the heartbreak and complexity of grieving a parent.

It is an unflinching honest account of the relationships between a daughter and father which evolves from the hero worship of a younger child through to the developing understanding of a parent being a flawed individual who has capacity to cause pain to those around him. But the overwhelming feeling is one of love - you really get the sense of the authors love for her father and the real loss now he is gone.

The folk stories and tales from different cultures are beautiful and woven in with the memories in such a clever way that it really adds to the reading experience.

The issues of mental health and suicide are dealt with in an open and transparent and sensitive way highlighting the impact not only for the individual but for all those who love them.

As a member of the ‘dead parent community’ this had a powerful impact on me. I felt seen and no longer alone. Thank you

Trigger warnings: death by suicide, parental death, mental health