Scan barcode
rowanlovesbooks's review
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.0
beautifulpaxielreads's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Despite being the size and shape of a children's book, The Family Tree is not for them - or at least, not for the younger ones.
Told simply and yet elegantly by Mal Peet, accompanied by Emma Shoard's evocative, almost abstract illustrations, this short book is told from the perspective of a youngish man called Ben as he reflects on his parents' divorce nearly twenty years previously.
The "tree" of the title refers to a huge beech tree standing in the yard behind the family home, in which Ben's dad Sean builds him a treehouse. As the relationship between Sean and his wife deteriorates, the treehouse, dubbed "The Nest",becomes Sean's home .
(Review to be completed after 01/06/23)
Told simply and yet elegantly by Mal Peet, accompanied by Emma Shoard's evocative, almost abstract illustrations, this short book is told from the perspective of a youngish man called Ben as he reflects on his parents' divorce nearly twenty years previously.
The "tree" of the title refers to a huge beech tree standing in the yard behind the family home, in which Ben's dad Sean builds him a treehouse. As the relationship between Sean and his wife deteriorates, the treehouse, dubbed "The Nest",
(Review to be completed after 01/06/23)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Alcohol, and Infidelity
Deals with a parents' divorce and all that entails.bardicbramley's review
3.0
A wonderful short story for older children and Young Adults (contains some strong language), all about the breakdown of a family from the perspective of a grown up son reminiscing on the past.
The narrative is a nice change from the usual, and talks rawly about the father's declining mental health in a kind of child-like naivety that really hit me as an adult reader.
The story is very simple and leaves plenty of room for personal interpretation and imaginative continuation.
Perfect for empathetic and advanced young readers, or for older understanding children with a lower reading ability.
The narrative is a nice change from the usual, and talks rawly about the father's declining mental health in a kind of child-like naivety that really hit me as an adult reader.
The story is very simple and leaves plenty of room for personal interpretation and imaginative continuation.
Perfect for empathetic and advanced young readers, or for older understanding children with a lower reading ability.
twiinklex's review
4.0
A heartbreaking and beautiful story made all the more unforgettable with masterful storytelling. The authors shows instead of tells, and says so much in so little.
Sometimes, it is the things that are unsaid which leave the biggest impact and sometimes we don't always see what's right in front of us.
Despite being a simple children's story, this book discusses several difficult themes such a divorce, escapism and letting go. It should be required reading.
Sometimes, it is the things that are unsaid which leave the biggest impact and sometimes we don't always see what's right in front of us.
Despite being a simple children's story, this book discusses several difficult themes such a divorce, escapism and letting go. It should be required reading.
lissyir's review
4.0
I came across this book when I attended a tree illustration workshop put on by Emma Shoard, The Family Tree`s illustrator. I found this to be a nice easy read with a total read time of 20 mins max.
Despite being a very short book, the breakdown of a parent's marriage seen from the eyes of a child is heartbreaking. It brings attention to how hard it may be for a child to predict the disintegration of the family unit despite seemingly obvious warning signs. This is a sad but sweet read and I would recommend this to anyone, especially as it is so quick to read.
A beautifully illustrated short story which is able to convey a magnitude of emotion in fewer words than your average newspaper article. Happy Reading!
Check out more of my reviews at: www.lightofthebookworm.com
Despite being a very short book, the breakdown of a parent's marriage seen from the eyes of a child is heartbreaking. It brings attention to how hard it may be for a child to predict the disintegration of the family unit despite seemingly obvious warning signs. This is a sad but sweet read and I would recommend this to anyone, especially as it is so quick to read.
A beautifully illustrated short story which is able to convey a magnitude of emotion in fewer words than your average newspaper article. Happy Reading!
Check out more of my reviews at: www.lightofthebookworm.com
curlyhairedbooklover's review
5.0
It was simple and sweet and paired beautifully with the illustrations.
More...