Greenwood
A novel of a family tree in a dying forest
by Michael Christie
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Pub Date 17 Oct 2019 | Archive Date 30 Nov 2020
Scribe UK | Scribe
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Description
‘The truth is that all family lines, from the highest to the lowest, originate somewhere, on some particular day. Even the grandest trees must’ve once been seeds spun helpless on the wind, and then just meek saplings nosing up from the soil.’
2034. On a remote island off the Pacific coast of British Columbia stands the Greenwood Arboreal Cathedral, one of the world’s last forests. Wealthy tourists flock from all corners of the dust-choked globe to see the spectacle and remember what once was. But even as they breathe in the fresh air and pose for photographs amidst the greenery, ranger Jake knows that the forest is dying, though her bosses won’t admit it.
1908. Two passenger locomotives meet head-on. The only survivors are two young boys, who take refuge in a trapper’s cabin in a forest on the edge of town. In fourteen years, one of them, now a recluse, will find an abandoned baby in that same forest — another child of Greenwood — setting off a series of events that will change the course of his life, and the lives of those around him.
Structured like the rings of a tree, this remarkable novel moves from the future to the present to the past, and back again, to tell the story of one family and their enduring connection to the place that brought them together.
A Note From the Publisher
- Michael Christie is an acclaimed, award-nominated Canadian author, whose previous novel was called ‘Exceptional’ (The Sunday Times), ‘Lyrical’ (Philipp Meyer), and ‘Impeccable’ (The New York Times Book Review).
Advance Praise
‘This book is why we read books. Why we need books. Wildly inventive, structurally elegant, deeply felt, and so very wise. Greenwood is Michael Christie's best work ever, and that’s saying something.’
Alexander MacLeod, author of Light Lifting
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781925693430 |
| PRICE | US$23.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 512 |
Featured Reviews
Verity H, Reviewer
Greenwood by Michael Christie is a multi-generational saga about genetic families and created families, blended with the interconnectedness of long-lived magnificent trees and also their exploitation by humans. I loved it.
The structure of the book, moving like the rings of a tree from the near future back in time to 1908 then moving forward again to the near future, was innovative and really helped explain the characters’ context and motivation.
A thoroughly recommended read.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing a review copy in exchange for honest feedback.
Pam S, Reviewer
Great story, great writing, very indulging. I loved this book. I'd definitely read from the writer again.
Thanks so much to NG and the publisher for this copy.
Tim F, Reviewer
I loved this book!
I seem to have read a few eco fiction books recently - this is the best so far.
Beginning in the near future, with the world in the grips of the "Withering" (doesn't sound good does it?) the story rewinds into the early 20th century with a multi generational story that spans Canada east to west and back again.
Michael Christie weaves a tight story, with characters you believe in and hope the best for, but your hopes are often dashed as each succumb to their fates.
You'll be transported to old growth forests, logging moguls manor houses and box cars with the hobo's. You can almost smell the sap from the Douglas firs - highly recommended, it would make a great movie!
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