This is a captivating, absorbing, little novel aimed primarily at the YA readership but I think there's plenty an OA who will enjoy this magical tale of trees and parallel lives.
For those with spiritual inclinations there is plenty to sustain an interest and maybe even kindle a spark not yet ignited in those who have yet to consider the world on a deeper level.
It's very much the debut novel and possibly overlong in parts due to, what I like to call, 'debut novel exuberance syndrome' but the narrative has a pleasing flow to it with some eloquent descriptions. Characters are mostly functional with the exception of Rainbow whose unpeeling layers will resonate with mothers and adolescents alike.
To reveal anything of the plot would be to do a disservice to the writer and to Rainbow herself but suffice to say it is intriguing and well constructed. There are elements you may discern, if you have the same smart arse aspirations that I do (!), but overall that doesn’t detract from the plot as a whole.
As the book gathers momentum the latter stages are definitely within the YA spectrum and the broader aspects of the novel fall away a little in terms of sustained interest for a wider audience and whilst that may smack of criticism it isn’t really. This IS a book aimed at a younger audience and it should appeal.
It is a credibly debut and I have come away from it thinking about trees a little differently.
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