Walking the Tree

Walking the Tree is less a traditional novel with an arc structure, than as a story about stories. The journey is one of discovering the stories that build cultures, and following then Beck to they're roots to discover how history becomes myth. It has the bones of a Bildungsroman, as well, but the growth is almost hidden by the choppy timeline and glacial pace.

There are also overtones of the hero's journey, especially in terms of facing fears as a tool of growth, but there is none of the action that usually entails. The only antagonists are fear, ignorance, and deception.

It's an interesting book, with fascinating world building, but in the end feels somehow half finished.

This book is set in Botanica, an island with a massive tree at the centre. Lillah sets off on the traditional 5-year journey around the tree with her fellow teachers and a group of children. As they travel they encounter the different groups that live around the tree and learn of their different customs and beliefs. Despite their differences all the groups are terrified of disease and Lillah becomes increasingly concerned about her half-brother who seems to be becoming sick.
Although this book is very interesting it is not a compelling read and could have benefitted from some editing. It would suit thoughtful teen readers who are interested in people’s differences.

...On the whole I found Walking the Tree to be a very interesting read. Themes such as the way the Orders rely on oral traditions for passing on knowledge and how travelling changes the main character and makes her grow are skilfully depicted by the author. The different communities with their different outlook on life make the reader constantly reassess the culture on Botanica. I think this goes at the expense of what is presented as the main story line to an extend and some readers may be bothered by this. It is easy to be carried away to Botanica however, and if you let yourself be, Walking the Tree is a great journey full of strange, fantastical places and unfamiliar cultures. I think there is room for improvement but all things show more considered it is a very good effort by Kaaron Warren.

Full Random Comments review show less

A lot in here. I notice none of the other reviews note that it's also a feminist manifesto, and a commentary on living closer to the earth. Intelligent teen girls are probably more likely to love it. I found the writing style painfully awkward, and the fantasy vibe awkward, and I wish the cast of characters was at the beginning. Maybe in another mood I'd like it anyway, but another problem for me is that it looks, at p. 110, that it's going to get darker and slower throughout the middle. So I read a bit towards the end, and the note (spoilery, but in a good way imo) about the island afterwards.

A compelling concept, but not handled deftly. Often relies on telling, rather than showing who a character is or what the world is about. Needs some serious editing. Still, enjoyed the overall idea a good deal.