OnlineBookClub.org

Priya Murugesan wrote: ↑22 Oct 2024, 07:58 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Wisdom of the Willow" by Nancy Chadwick.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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"The Wisdom of the Willow" by Nancy Chadwick is a heartfelt read that delves into the intricate emotional journey of the Dowling family. This beautifully written novel is centered around a glorious willow tree planted by Joe Dowling in the backyard of their new home in Chicago. The willow tree soon becomes a significant part of the lives of Joe, Margaret, and their four daughters. The story portrays the individual endeavors of each woman. Margaret, a strong mother, is now grappling with a terminal illness and counting her days. Debra, the eldest daughter, is trying to figure out her life while challenged with a divorce. Rose, the second daughter, struggles with committing to relationships. Linney, the third daughter, has fears and uncertainties regarding Magnolia, a shop that is like her second home. Meanwhile, Charlotte, the youngest daughter, is now acting as her mother's secret keeper and confidante. The willow tree acts as a focal point that connects the whole family. Under the magnificent tree, they have spent lots of time together and have shared countless moments of joy. It serves as a place for Margaret to impart her love, guidance, and wisdom to her daughters. 

I picked up the book immediately after reading the blurb as I am fond of reading mother-and-daughter narratives. The four daughters possess a unique and captivating personality and I enjoyed reading about the lives of Bossy Debra, down-to-earth Linney, adventurous Rose, and reserved Charlotte. I loved the dynamic banter and the typical sibling fights between the daughters. I can relate well to Margaret's portrayal of her relationship with her daughters. I can resonate when Margaret says that we need to stop every now and then and observe. In today's fast-paced world, her words are a reminder for us to appreciate and cherish moments with family and nature.

The novel is narrated in first person from each woman's point of view. This offers the readers an intimate connection to the story, making it easy to relate to the characters. The descriptions are vivid, and the author's evocative writing style brings the scenes right before our eyes. When Charlotte paints a picture of her parent's home, it makes me nostalgic about my own childhood home. Additionally, the friend's meet-up scene with Debra brought back fond memories for me. As a lover of nature, I always experience a sense of calm and serenity when I lose myself in the marvels of the natural world. So, I adored the idea of trees and nature aiding us to connect to the world and find our places in it.

Even though I enjoyed the story, I felt that the book could have had a deeper emotional resonance. I wished for stronger connections between the characters and more poignant moments that would touch my heart. But that is just my personal opinion. Also, in some places, I noted the sentences and the placement of words felt somewhat odd while reading.

Readers who are drawn to an exhilarating family novel that shows resilience, growth, and reflections with a backdrop of deep connection to the natural world would enjoy this story. Even though I noted some negative points, it is not enough to reduce the stars. Further, I didn't notice any errors while reading, so the editing is good. So, I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars. 

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The Wisdom of the Willow
View: on Bookshelves

Diana Lowery wrote: ↑23 Oct 2024, 11:18 One of my favorite books as a young reader was A Tree Grows in Brooklyn where the tree becomes a character, similar to what you said about this book. I might have to read this one, Thanks for writing such an informative review.

Gerry Steen wrote: ↑23 Oct 2024, 13:31

Priya Murugesan wrote: ↑22 Oct 2024, 07:58 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Wisdom of the Willow" by Nancy Chadwick.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Share This Review

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"The Wisdom of the Willow" by Nancy Chadwick is a heartfelt read that delves into the intricate emotional journey of the Dowling family. This beautifully written novel is centered around a glorious willow tree planted by Joe Dowling in the backyard of their new home in Chicago. The willow tree soon becomes a significant part of the lives of Joe, Margaret, and their four daughters. The story portrays the individual endeavors of each woman. Margaret, a strong mother, is now grappling with a terminal illness and counting her days. Debra, the eldest daughter, is trying to figure out her life while challenged with a divorce. Rose, the second daughter, struggles with committing to relationships. Linney, the third daughter, has fears and uncertainties regarding Magnolia, a shop that is like her second home. Meanwhile, Charlotte, the youngest daughter, is now acting as her mother's secret keeper and confidante. The willow tree acts as a focal point that connects the whole family. Under the magnificent tree, they have spent lots of time together and have shared countless moments of joy. It serves as a place for Margaret to impart her love, guidance, and wisdom to her daughters. 

I picked up the book immediately after reading the blurb as I am fond of reading mother-and-daughter narratives. The four daughters possess a unique and captivating personality and I enjoyed reading about the lives of Bossy Debra, down-to-earth Linney, adventurous Rose, and reserved Charlotte. I loved the dynamic banter and the typical sibling fights between the daughters. I can relate well to Margaret's portrayal of her relationship with her daughters. I can resonate when Margaret says that we need to stop every now and then and observe. In today's fast-paced world, her words are a reminder for us to appreciate and cherish moments with family and nature.

The novel is narrated in first person from each woman's point of view. This offers the readers an intimate connection to the story, making it easy to relate to the characters. The descriptions are vivid, and the author's evocative writing style brings the scenes right before our eyes. When Charlotte paints a picture of her parent's home, it makes me nostalgic about my own childhood home. Additionally, the friend's meet-up scene with Debra brought back fond memories for me. As a lover of nature, I always experience a sense of calm and serenity when I lose myself in the marvels of the natural world. So, I adored the idea of trees and nature aiding us to connect to the world and find our places in it.

Even though I enjoyed the story, I felt that the book could have had a deeper emotional resonance. I wished for stronger connections between the characters and more poignant moments that would touch my heart. But that is just my personal opinion. Also, in some places, I noted the sentences and the placement of words felt somewhat odd while reading.

Readers who are drawn to an exhilarating family novel that shows resilience, growth, and reflections with a backdrop of deep connection to the natural world would enjoy this story. Even though I noted some negative points, it is not enough to reduce the stars. Further, I didn't notice any errors while reading, so the editing is good. So, I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars. 

******
The Wisdom of the Willow
View: on Bookshelves

I grew up with a huge willow tree in my back yard. My grandfather, in the summer, would sit in the shade under this tree and fall asleep while reading a newspaper. In those days a lot of people had willow trees. Today, I rarely see any. Congratulations to Nancy Chadwick for writing such an engaging story, with a 5-star rating, about a family who shared many important moments and thoughts around a willow tree in their yard. Great review!

Nneka Bridget wrote: ↑24 Oct 2024, 12:36 This review paints "The Wisdom of the Willow" as a touching family story with strong characters and a focus on the connection between nature and life. The idea of the willow tree tying the family together is interesting, and it seems like a heartfelt read. The different perspectives from the daughters sound engaging too. I’m curious to check it out!

RJ Reviews wrote: ↑24 Oct 2024, 13:50 Wow, what an unique concept. The relationship between nature and human roots back to the beginning of the time. Thus the willow tree being the focal point of this story is not surprising.

By reading your beautiful review, I can imagine the deep connection the women share. It is a bond to cherish. A book on family valued will be a great addition to my tbh. Thank you.

Blueberry Dragon wrote: ↑25 Oct 2024, 04:56 I find parent-child narratives intriguing too and have read quite a few. Also, the willow tree is of symbolic importance because of its ability to adapt as well as a sign of resilience and healing, which you have rightly pointed out. Thanks for the review, @Priya Murugesan.

Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis wrote: ↑25 Oct 2024, 10:03 I loved your review! This sounds like a wonderful book! After reading your review, I am definitely going to pick it up and read it. I love books that are just about the relationships of families and not all this action-packed or fantasy stuff. Just a good book that makes you feel good. Thank you for the review!