What do you think?
Rate this book
Beneath the Birch Trees
Layla never wondered if Oliver loved her. The second they met, she knew they belonged together. And she knew Oliver knew it, too. Layla saw it in his eyes. The eyes she instantly adored.
The eyes everyone else feared.
After the AI Bot war of 2099, Layla and Oliver fall in love - but their bond is tested by a handsome renegade, an ambitious family, and a covert killer who twists the truth.
With her community connections - and attunement with nature - Layla believes her love for Oliver can grow. But, despite her certainty, something is pulling them apart. And Layla has to know what it is.
The eyes everyone else feared.
After the AI Bot war of 2099, Layla and Oliver fall in love - but their bond is tested by a handsome renegade, an ambitious family, and a covert killer who twists the truth.
With her community connections - and attunement with nature - Layla believes her love for Oliver can grow. But, despite her certainty, something is pulling them apart. And Layla has to know what it is.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2024
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Stefanie Barnfather
10 books29 followersSTEFANIE BARNFATHER is a Canadian author. You Know What I Think? (2022) – Stefanie’s debut dystopic collection – hit the top spot on the Calgary Herald’s bestselling fiction list. Her horror craft articles have been published by Unleash Lit and she led an authentic idea generation workshop at When Words Collide. When Stefanie isn’t writing novels, she publishes original short stories, micro-fiction, and poems on Substack.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 30, 2024
I was fortunate to receive an advanced reader copy of Beneath the Birch Trees. I am now hooked on Stefanie Barnfather and can’t wait to read more of her books.
I think she could be a millennial Margaret Atwood. Her descriptions of a dystopian future Canada have Handmaids Tale vibes.
Layla’s thoughts and feelings transcend time and place. Her disregard for her own instincts could be any young woman of any generation.
The themes of science, nature, politics, relationship and love are so well written that I felt like I was in this future world.
I think she could be a millennial Margaret Atwood. Her descriptions of a dystopian future Canada have Handmaids Tale vibes.
Layla’s thoughts and feelings transcend time and place. Her disregard for her own instincts could be any young woman of any generation.
The themes of science, nature, politics, relationship and love are so well written that I felt like I was in this future world.
July 28, 2024
Having had the honour of beta reading this book, I was incredibly excited to receive an advanced copy of the finished product, and it did not disappoint!
From its complex and intricately crafted characters to the beautifully woven plot, this story is powerful.
The first-person narration of Layla is delightful. Her voice is clear and unique; she is able to pull you along on the journey with her. Oliver, Dimitri, Amelia, and Khleo all have distinct voices, motivation, and complex relationships with one another.
The world is a stunning backdrop for this tragedy, and its dynamic political systems and exploration of government and systemic corruption juxtaposed with the consequences of rebellion and desire for justice makes this work poignant and poetic.
It is obvious that Stephanie Barnfather has done extensive research regarding trees and their ecosystems. Using them as brilliant metaphors and symbolism, she foreshadows, relates, and illuatrates the tensions of the town of Pluie and specifically the defining relationship between Layla and Oliver.
Whether you have read We Call Her Rose or not, BTBT is an exceptional read brimming with brilliance on every page.
From its complex and intricately crafted characters to the beautifully woven plot, this story is powerful.
The first-person narration of Layla is delightful. Her voice is clear and unique; she is able to pull you along on the journey with her. Oliver, Dimitri, Amelia, and Khleo all have distinct voices, motivation, and complex relationships with one another.
The world is a stunning backdrop for this tragedy, and its dynamic political systems and exploration of government and systemic corruption juxtaposed with the consequences of rebellion and desire for justice makes this work poignant and poetic.
It is obvious that Stephanie Barnfather has done extensive research regarding trees and their ecosystems. Using them as brilliant metaphors and symbolism, she foreshadows, relates, and illuatrates the tensions of the town of Pluie and specifically the defining relationship between Layla and Oliver.
Whether you have read We Call Her Rose or not, BTBT is an exceptional read brimming with brilliance on every page.
September 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The point of view from Layla felt like I was truly in her head and as a neurospicy human, I followed her scattered thoughts easily. Her journey of figuring out her talent and how to use it to bring people together was great. I wasn’t expecting a side quest of a murder mystery in this romantic tragedy, but it showcased Layla’s talent and how broken the government structure was. I appreciated how inclusive the writer was as well. Highly recommend!
March 18, 2025
If there is one thing I can count on Stefanie Barnfather to provide, it's an imaginative world. Canukia stands as an unfortunate parallel to the current state of Western society where marginalization, questionable surveillance, abuse of power, economic disparity persist. Not everything is sad, though. She creates a dystopia that's more realistic than the revolution-fueled dramas we see and read in most popular fiction. Some people fight against the oppression while others are just trying to live their lives as comfortably as they can while rebuilding a once-destroyed landscape, keeping their heads down, and hoping to be happy.
Possible technological adaptations aside, this is a world that feels prophetic. Even in the everyday struggle of their lives, people here still find the time to crack jokes, lust for each other, have familial disputes, and spy on each other as they secretly and overtly navigate their way up the social ladder where they can.
This is a book that is difficult to compartmentalize into a genre. There's not enough traditional romance for it to fall into that category. It's techy enough to be sci-fi, but the world of the story revolves around just a single aspect of the scientific or the cyber. There's drama, but it's light enough for me to nearly consider it "cozy". And the tragedy isn't terribly tragic.
While a cauldron of themes and motifs from so many different genres is enjoyable, there is an imbalance between certain elements that made this more difficult for me to fall into. Layla is an interesting character, but as the main character, I expected her to carry most of the emotional weight and tension-building experiences. However, she's 'plucky' and bubbly (Major Cox jokes) to the point it undermined the tension and made her dramatic third act to deflate for me.
Overall, I did enjoy this. If you like any of Barnfather's stuff, you're going to find a wonderful mixture of humanity, slice-of-life events, general weirdness, references to the Bot War that I'm very hopeful is an event we get to experience in a future book, the endurance of love and friendship in a decaying world, and characters who aren't always who or what they seem.
Possible technological adaptations aside, this is a world that feels prophetic. Even in the everyday struggle of their lives, people here still find the time to crack jokes, lust for each other, have familial disputes, and spy on each other as they secretly and overtly navigate their way up the social ladder where they can.
This is a book that is difficult to compartmentalize into a genre. There's not enough traditional romance for it to fall into that category. It's techy enough to be sci-fi, but the world of the story revolves around just a single aspect of the scientific or the cyber. There's drama, but it's light enough for me to nearly consider it "cozy". And the tragedy isn't terribly tragic.
While a cauldron of themes and motifs from so many different genres is enjoyable, there is an imbalance between certain elements that made this more difficult for me to fall into. Layla is an interesting character, but as the main character, I expected her to carry most of the emotional weight and tension-building experiences. However, she's 'plucky' and bubbly (Major Cox jokes) to the point it undermined the tension and made her dramatic third act to deflate for me.
Overall, I did enjoy this. If you like any of Barnfather's stuff, you're going to find a wonderful mixture of humanity, slice-of-life events, general weirdness, references to the Bot War that I'm very hopeful is an event we get to experience in a future book, the endurance of love and friendship in a decaying world, and characters who aren't always who or what they seem.
November 12, 2024
“I was born in an era where the people in power couldn’t see in the strength of softness, or respect the voices of those who were sensitive enough to believe in it.”
Beneath the Birch Trees takes place roughly a hundred years from now in Canuckia (present day Canada), sharing a world, and a couple of side characters, with Barnfather’s debut novel, We Call Her Rose. This story gives us some background into the politics of Canuckia and how it came to be the dystopian government in We Call Her Rose. Even though this story takes place after the Bot Wars and the government is trying to rebuild itself, they seem to have reached a stage where things feel more utopian than anything, at least in the first half of the book.
The town of Chaleur, where Layla, our protagonist, resides, is idyllic and peaceful, and she has the luxury of spending days lounging about in a birch grove that she is strangely attached to. She says things like “holy holly berries,” and “for the love of leaves,” which is a nod to the author’s penchant for quirky dialogue and oddball characters, as seen in her short story collections.
Layla is telepathic. Most citizens wear eyelinks, which is a technology that allows people to read and record each other’s thoughts and feelings and hear their auras. But Layla doesn’t need them. She can read people’s “glints” naturally. This power makes her useful as an assistant to the mayor and her leadership team, which includes the mayor’s son, Oliver, who Layla falls in love with.
When a child goes missing, the whole town pitches in to look for her. This is when Oliver and Layla’s relationship starts to become strained. When Zekiul Cox, an attractive leader from a rebel group, enters the picture, their relationship is strained even further. A murder mystery, shifting alliances, power struggles, and a natural disaster ensue, challenging the loyalties of everyone involved.
This is a fast-paced and exciting read. Barnfather has created a unique world with relatable, if not eccentric, characters that jump right off the page. Another great work by Stefanie Barnfather!
Beneath the Birch Trees takes place roughly a hundred years from now in Canuckia (present day Canada), sharing a world, and a couple of side characters, with Barnfather’s debut novel, We Call Her Rose. This story gives us some background into the politics of Canuckia and how it came to be the dystopian government in We Call Her Rose. Even though this story takes place after the Bot Wars and the government is trying to rebuild itself, they seem to have reached a stage where things feel more utopian than anything, at least in the first half of the book.
The town of Chaleur, where Layla, our protagonist, resides, is idyllic and peaceful, and she has the luxury of spending days lounging about in a birch grove that she is strangely attached to. She says things like “holy holly berries,” and “for the love of leaves,” which is a nod to the author’s penchant for quirky dialogue and oddball characters, as seen in her short story collections.
Layla is telepathic. Most citizens wear eyelinks, which is a technology that allows people to read and record each other’s thoughts and feelings and hear their auras. But Layla doesn’t need them. She can read people’s “glints” naturally. This power makes her useful as an assistant to the mayor and her leadership team, which includes the mayor’s son, Oliver, who Layla falls in love with.
When a child goes missing, the whole town pitches in to look for her. This is when Oliver and Layla’s relationship starts to become strained. When Zekiul Cox, an attractive leader from a rebel group, enters the picture, their relationship is strained even further. A murder mystery, shifting alliances, power struggles, and a natural disaster ensue, challenging the loyalties of everyone involved.
This is a fast-paced and exciting read. Barnfather has created a unique world with relatable, if not eccentric, characters that jump right off the page. Another great work by Stefanie Barnfather!
August 16, 2024
I absolutely loved reading *Beneath the Birch Trees*! From the first page, I was drawn into Layla's world, captivated by her unique perspective and the beautifully crafted narrative. The way the author brings the characters to life, especially Layla, is nothing short of amazing. Each character, from Oliver to Khleo, feels distinct and fully realized, making their relationships both compelling and complex.
The world-building in this book is incredibly vivid, with nature, politics, and government intricacies playing a central role. The exploration of government corruption and rebellion adds a poignant layer, giving the story depth and emotional resonance. I was particularly impressed with the way Stephanie Barnfather wove the natural world, especially trees, into the narrative—using them as metaphors for life, connection, and resilience.
The plot is engaging and filled with foreshadowing that left me eager to see how each twist would unfold. Every detail, from the dynamic political systems to the simple yet profound connection Layla has with her trees, was beautifully intertwined. Whether you're a fan of *We Call Her Rose* or new to Barnfather's work, *Beneath the Birch Trees* is a breathtaking read filled with rich symbolism and unforgettable moments.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys immersive, character-driven stories filled with emotion and meaning!
September 21, 2024
Beneath the Birch Trees is unlike any other book I've read. Set in a future, dystopian version of our own world it has a wonderfully confident female main character, Layla who I just adore. She's strong and knows what she wants and goes out to get exactly what she wants.
It is an intriguing book that kept me coming back throughout. Don't be fooled by the subtitle, it is 100% romantic and 100% a tragedy and no wishful thinking will change that and I think the author was very brave to write such a book! I loved it so much.
The research and thought process that went into this book was clearly extensive and Stefanie Barnfather has produced an excellent work here.
It is an intriguing book that kept me coming back throughout. Don't be fooled by the subtitle, it is 100% romantic and 100% a tragedy and no wishful thinking will change that and I think the author was very brave to write such a book! I loved it so much.
The research and thought process that went into this book was clearly extensive and Stefanie Barnfather has produced an excellent work here.
September 25, 2024
Atmospheric and Hauntingly Beautiful
Beneath the Birch Trees is an immersive read that takes readers on an unforgettable journey. The vivid descriptions immerse readers in the atmosphere, and the nuanced characters’ emotional struggles feel authentic. The plot unfolds at a perfect pace, unraveling mystery and tension.
The masterful blending of themes—nature, survival, identity, and self-discovery—is organic and gripping. The haunting quality lingers, leaving readers to reflect.
Beneath the Birch Trees is an immersive read that takes readers on an unforgettable journey. The vivid descriptions immerse readers in the atmosphere, and the nuanced characters’ emotional struggles feel authentic. The plot unfolds at a perfect pace, unraveling mystery and tension.
The masterful blending of themes—nature, survival, identity, and self-discovery—is organic and gripping. The haunting quality lingers, leaving readers to reflect.
September 20, 2024
I don't usually go for this sort of book, but the sample drew me in, so I went for it, and I'm glad I gave it a chance. It's beautifully-written and like nothing I've read before: part dystopia, part fantasy, and part murder mystery. And even though it's billed as a tragedy, I found the ending strangely hopeful.
September 20, 2024
This book broke my heart.
It is beautifully written and an incredible story.
It connects well with the previous book that takes place in the same world, We Call Her Rose, it can also be read as a stand-alone.
It shines a new and terrifying light on the previous book, and it works so well.
I absolutely loved this book and I hope to get more out of Canuckia!
It is beautifully written and an incredible story.
It connects well with the previous book that takes place in the same world, We Call Her Rose, it can also be read as a stand-alone.
It shines a new and terrifying light on the previous book, and it works so well.
I absolutely loved this book and I hope to get more out of Canuckia!
September 24, 2024
I was lucky to be able to Beta Read this book and then an advanced copy. I’ve always had an affinity with Birch Trees and the premise intrigued me even though romantic tragedies aren’t usually my normal go to. I’m glad I gave it a chance! Thank you Stefanie Barnfather!
Layla has an instant connection with Oliver when she sees him from up in the trees. Layla is a very unique character. She loves her trees, she just wants to love and be loved. She’s sassy, smart, and knows what she wants. But, even from the beginning, there’s a portent of doom warning you that things are not what they seem. No fairy tales in a dystopian post war society. Will Oliver and Layla be able to stay connected through all of the tension and troubles happening around them?
This story is so complex and the dystopian future world hits close to home as a Canadian with a name like Canuckia. I’m looking forward to reading We Call Her Rose and other stories in this setting to learn more about it! I really enjoyed reading about the Bot War and its aftermath, the eye links, “glint” reading, the murder mystery vibes, and political drama.
Also the TWISTS! Wow. So much happens. It’s a tragedy… so hold onto your pants and enjoy the ride! I’m still processing everything!! I definitely recommend you check it out if you like books that have hints of dystopia, mystery, sci fi, romance, humour, twists and tragedy.
Layla has an instant connection with Oliver when she sees him from up in the trees. Layla is a very unique character. She loves her trees, she just wants to love and be loved. She’s sassy, smart, and knows what she wants. But, even from the beginning, there’s a portent of doom warning you that things are not what they seem. No fairy tales in a dystopian post war society. Will Oliver and Layla be able to stay connected through all of the tension and troubles happening around them?
This story is so complex and the dystopian future world hits close to home as a Canadian with a name like Canuckia. I’m looking forward to reading We Call Her Rose and other stories in this setting to learn more about it! I really enjoyed reading about the Bot War and its aftermath, the eye links, “glint” reading, the murder mystery vibes, and political drama.
Also the TWISTS! Wow. So much happens. It’s a tragedy… so hold onto your pants and enjoy the ride! I’m still processing everything!! I definitely recommend you check it out if you like books that have hints of dystopia, mystery, sci fi, romance, humour, twists and tragedy.
December 1, 2024
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.
Beneath The Birch Trees follows the story of Layla and Oliver after the Bot War. It has an interesting mechanic of "glints" which are eyelinks that detect people's thoughts and record memories.
I particularly enjoyed the rhyming repatoir, I found that amusing enough to repeat to my friends and family. It's actually super fun to say out loud.
The book is a story of growth and finding oneself. Layla is more independent than she thinks.
*I updated my review to my honest 1 star opinion, unfortunately I felt the book wasn't well written.
Beneath The Birch Trees follows the story of Layla and Oliver after the Bot War. It has an interesting mechanic of "glints" which are eyelinks that detect people's thoughts and record memories.
I particularly enjoyed the rhyming repatoir, I found that amusing enough to repeat to my friends and family. It's actually super fun to say out loud.
The book is a story of growth and finding oneself. Layla is more independent than she thinks.
*I updated my review to my honest 1 star opinion, unfortunately I felt the book wasn't well written.
October 5, 2024
A Literary Tour de Force
In an extremely tightly written 287 pages, Stefanie Barnfather takes readers on a whirlwind tour of what is known in our present-day as Canada. But in Barnfather's world, this land is now known as Canuckia, and instead of ten provinces, there are only four. It is roughly 6 years after the “bot” war destroyed civilization as we know it, when, amid the destruction and attempts by a fragmented national government to restore order and unity to the vast territory, Layla Caitir Douglas falls in love with Oliver Billadeau.
But soon after they fall in love, their relationship is strained by a series of events. The first event is because of the search for a missing child, and the second is when jealousy and other intrigue crops up when a handsome leader from a rival group appears. Oliver feels threatened, and his relationship with Layla is immediately strained. The question becomes, can it be salvaged and can they renew their love for one another.
The story is grand in its scope and while it is clearly set in a future where life and happiness are not guaranteed, the societal ills afflicting the inhabitants of Canuckia are not all that different from those afflicting us today. There are marginalized populations of people, ineffective government and leadership, the haves taking advantage of the have nots. Misinformation and disinformation also play a role. Sound familiar? Although the story is set roughly one-hundred years in the future, you really wonder if Barnfather is making a statement and writing about today.
I think this book defies categorization. It’s part science fiction, part detective thriller, part dystopian fiction, and perhaps a bit of utopian fiction. There is definitely science and technology, but the plot doesn’t hinge on that. This is a story about people trying to make their way in a new world where many of the rules are being made up as they go along.
Barnfather describes BENEATH THE BIRCH TREES as a ‘romantic tragedy. Yes, tragic things happen when we discover the fate of the missing child and even greater tragedy in the later stages of the book that I won’t describe because I don’t want to spoil it for readers.
There is definitely romance. Do you remember when you first fell in love? The scenes Barnfather created when Layla and Oliver meet and fall in love are gorgeously written. She’s captured the awkwardness, the tentativeness of early relationships and intimacy so beautifully, it will take your breath away and make you weep.
I am a finicky reader when it comes to science fiction because I grew up reading Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov. Barnfather’s prose is direct and powerful and invites comparisons to Heinlein, Herbert, and Atwood. The love story between Oliver and Layla is Shakespearean as their relationship moves from tender to tragic. In the end, BENEATH THE BIRCH TREES is a literary tour de force that defies categorization. But if you have to put it into a box, it is a must read for lovers of science fiction, dystopian fiction, fantasy, and literary fiction.
I highly recommend this book. Brava Ms. Barnfather. Brava.
In an extremely tightly written 287 pages, Stefanie Barnfather takes readers on a whirlwind tour of what is known in our present-day as Canada. But in Barnfather's world, this land is now known as Canuckia, and instead of ten provinces, there are only four. It is roughly 6 years after the “bot” war destroyed civilization as we know it, when, amid the destruction and attempts by a fragmented national government to restore order and unity to the vast territory, Layla Caitir Douglas falls in love with Oliver Billadeau.
But soon after they fall in love, their relationship is strained by a series of events. The first event is because of the search for a missing child, and the second is when jealousy and other intrigue crops up when a handsome leader from a rival group appears. Oliver feels threatened, and his relationship with Layla is immediately strained. The question becomes, can it be salvaged and can they renew their love for one another.
The story is grand in its scope and while it is clearly set in a future where life and happiness are not guaranteed, the societal ills afflicting the inhabitants of Canuckia are not all that different from those afflicting us today. There are marginalized populations of people, ineffective government and leadership, the haves taking advantage of the have nots. Misinformation and disinformation also play a role. Sound familiar? Although the story is set roughly one-hundred years in the future, you really wonder if Barnfather is making a statement and writing about today.
I think this book defies categorization. It’s part science fiction, part detective thriller, part dystopian fiction, and perhaps a bit of utopian fiction. There is definitely science and technology, but the plot doesn’t hinge on that. This is a story about people trying to make their way in a new world where many of the rules are being made up as they go along.
Barnfather describes BENEATH THE BIRCH TREES as a ‘romantic tragedy. Yes, tragic things happen when we discover the fate of the missing child and even greater tragedy in the later stages of the book that I won’t describe because I don’t want to spoil it for readers.
There is definitely romance. Do you remember when you first fell in love? The scenes Barnfather created when Layla and Oliver meet and fall in love are gorgeously written. She’s captured the awkwardness, the tentativeness of early relationships and intimacy so beautifully, it will take your breath away and make you weep.
I am a finicky reader when it comes to science fiction because I grew up reading Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov. Barnfather’s prose is direct and powerful and invites comparisons to Heinlein, Herbert, and Atwood. The love story between Oliver and Layla is Shakespearean as their relationship moves from tender to tragic. In the end, BENEATH THE BIRCH TREES is a literary tour de force that defies categorization. But if you have to put it into a box, it is a must read for lovers of science fiction, dystopian fiction, fantasy, and literary fiction.
I highly recommend this book. Brava Ms. Barnfather. Brava.
September 4, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Beneath The Birch Trees follows Layla, who starts off talking about her relationship with Olivier and their relationship with one another. This book tells a tale of corruption, politics, and a dystopian government. It’s a wonderful story written by Stefanie Barnfather. It’s the first of her many books that I’ve read, and I was very much drawn in. It also follows Layla after the year 2099, and it truly is almost giving me The Handmaid’s Tale vibes. I enjoy that there’s this whole side of the futuristic world, but it’s also trying to mix in the old worldly vibes. I like the descriptions she uses for the birch trees in the story. I liked what it symbolizes and what it creates for the plot. I also enjoyed how she uses them as a metaphor for human life and connections. Even though it sounds so simple, as humans, we don’t seem to look at our lives or connections that way. I love how this book almost seems so poetic that it truly is just so easy to read. Overall, this was a fairly well written book, and you would have to read it to fully enjoy it. I like that you can definitely tell each character apart from one another. They all have their own unique perspective and voice, and I don’t feel like you get lost anywhere in the writing. I enjoy stories that have tons of purpose and meaning. Even though this was set in a much more advanced world, you still get that sense of tradition in her words.
Beneath The Birch Trees follows Layla, who starts off talking about her relationship with Olivier and their relationship with one another. This book tells a tale of corruption, politics, and a dystopian government. It’s a wonderful story written by Stefanie Barnfather. It’s the first of her many books that I’ve read, and I was very much drawn in. It also follows Layla after the year 2099, and it truly is almost giving me The Handmaid’s Tale vibes. I enjoy that there’s this whole side of the futuristic world, but it’s also trying to mix in the old worldly vibes. I like the descriptions she uses for the birch trees in the story. I liked what it symbolizes and what it creates for the plot. I also enjoyed how she uses them as a metaphor for human life and connections. Even though it sounds so simple, as humans, we don’t seem to look at our lives or connections that way. I love how this book almost seems so poetic that it truly is just so easy to read. Overall, this was a fairly well written book, and you would have to read it to fully enjoy it. I like that you can definitely tell each character apart from one another. They all have their own unique perspective and voice, and I don’t feel like you get lost anywhere in the writing. I enjoy stories that have tons of purpose and meaning. Even though this was set in a much more advanced world, you still get that sense of tradition in her words.
August 13, 2024
I really enjoyed this book!
When I started reading Beneath the Birch Trees, it took a while for my imagination to adjust to the familiar but strange world. This is not to say that I found the story dragging — Barnfather is a skilful and witty writer. As is the case in a futuristic world, there are technical things to learn, but the author doesn’t overwhelm you with details.
The characters are each a character in their own right, none more so than the quirky Layla Caitir Douglas, who loves trees — especially birch trees — and the mountains.
Layla’s life is altered when Oliver Billadeau looks up at her sitting in the branches of her favourite birch tree. She experiences a knowing and a foreshadowing.
Layla’s description of her trees is lovely and ties in beautifully with our human connections, their strengths and frailties, and why they matter and are worth protecting.
The plot is clever and captivating. Barnfather reveals enough in the moment to understand something (or at least suspect something), only to learn there’s more. Although it’s a dystopian world, there is a prevailing sense of hope. The humour is offbeat and fits the characters and setting, and the characterisation is clear and colourful.
I would definitely recommend this book.
When I started reading Beneath the Birch Trees, it took a while for my imagination to adjust to the familiar but strange world. This is not to say that I found the story dragging — Barnfather is a skilful and witty writer. As is the case in a futuristic world, there are technical things to learn, but the author doesn’t overwhelm you with details.
The characters are each a character in their own right, none more so than the quirky Layla Caitir Douglas, who loves trees — especially birch trees — and the mountains.
Layla’s life is altered when Oliver Billadeau looks up at her sitting in the branches of her favourite birch tree. She experiences a knowing and a foreshadowing.
Layla’s description of her trees is lovely and ties in beautifully with our human connections, their strengths and frailties, and why they matter and are worth protecting.
The plot is clever and captivating. Barnfather reveals enough in the moment to understand something (or at least suspect something), only to learn there’s more. Although it’s a dystopian world, there is a prevailing sense of hope. The humour is offbeat and fits the characters and setting, and the characterisation is clear and colourful.
I would definitely recommend this book.
September 16, 2024
Beneath the Birch Trees is a dystopian-romance set in what remains of a nation after humans have defeated the Bots. While the country tries to rebuild after the Bot War, the small town of Chaleur is home to a hopeful new political party working toward party status in order to take over from the Reclamation Party.
In the process of building this new party, the main character, Layla, falls in love with the mayor's son and is swept into a world of politics, intelligence and deceit. Layla is an orphan, as deemed by the community, and lives with her cousin, a local architect and astronomist. She learns how to stand on her own two feet, to make her own decisions and that she has a gift that could save her community, or put her in danger.
Stefanie Barnfather has a natural way with words and can spin an amazing tale with love. There are so many unexpected twists and turns in this novel, by the end I had goosebumps and was in tears.
I would recommend reading "We Call Her Rose" before reading "Beneath the Birch Trees" as it sets the stage for the world that Layla lives in and becomes a part of.
In the process of building this new party, the main character, Layla, falls in love with the mayor's son and is swept into a world of politics, intelligence and deceit. Layla is an orphan, as deemed by the community, and lives with her cousin, a local architect and astronomist. She learns how to stand on her own two feet, to make her own decisions and that she has a gift that could save her community, or put her in danger.
Stefanie Barnfather has a natural way with words and can spin an amazing tale with love. There are so many unexpected twists and turns in this novel, by the end I had goosebumps and was in tears.
I would recommend reading "We Call Her Rose" before reading "Beneath the Birch Trees" as it sets the stage for the world that Layla lives in and becomes a part of.
September 25, 2024
Stephanie's world building is incredible. Her characters are deep and complex, and the story catches you up immediately and doesn't let you go. I particularly connected with Layla, something about the way she thought, the way she moved through the story, her point of view felt so familiar to me. NGL, this story broke my heart, but I loved it so much and am so looking forward to more Canuckia <3
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews