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The Pale Flesh of Wood
For fans of Celeste Ng and Dani Shapiro, this lyrical debut set in twentieth-century Northern California offers a multigenerational braided narrative examining the rippling effects of trauma and perceived fault after a loved one’s suicide.
1953. WWII veteran Charles Hawkins sweet-talks his daughter, Lyla, into climbing the family’s oak tree and hanging the rope for their tire swing. Eager, Lyla crawls along the branch and ties off a bowline, following her father’s careful instructions, becoming elated when he playfully tests the rope and declares the knot to be “strong enough to hold the weight of a grown man. Easy.”
But when her father walks out back one November night and hangs himself from the rope, Lyla becomes haunted by the belief that his death is her fault, a torment amplified by her grief-stricken mother, who sneaks up to the attic and finds comfort in the arms of her dead husband’s sweaters, and a formidable grandmother, who seemingly punishes Lyla by locking her outside, leaving her to stare down the enormous tree rooted at the epicenter of her family’s loss.
Set among the fault-prone landscape of Northern California, The Pale Flesh of Wood is told by three generations of the Hawkins family. Each narrative explores the effects of trauma after the ground shifts beneath their feet and how they must come to terms with their own sense of guilt in order to forgive and carry on.
1953. WWII veteran Charles Hawkins sweet-talks his daughter, Lyla, into climbing the family’s oak tree and hanging the rope for their tire swing. Eager, Lyla crawls along the branch and ties off a bowline, following her father’s careful instructions, becoming elated when he playfully tests the rope and declares the knot to be “strong enough to hold the weight of a grown man. Easy.”
But when her father walks out back one November night and hangs himself from the rope, Lyla becomes haunted by the belief that his death is her fault, a torment amplified by her grief-stricken mother, who sneaks up to the attic and finds comfort in the arms of her dead husband’s sweaters, and a formidable grandmother, who seemingly punishes Lyla by locking her outside, leaving her to stare down the enormous tree rooted at the epicenter of her family’s loss.
Set among the fault-prone landscape of Northern California, The Pale Flesh of Wood is told by three generations of the Hawkins family. Each narrative explores the effects of trauma after the ground shifts beneath their feet and how they must come to terms with their own sense of guilt in order to forgive and carry on.
320 pages, Paperback
Published February 11, 2025
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November 17, 2024
✰ 3 stars ✰
“Can you imagine what that tree has seen? What it’s lived through? Boy, if trees could talk, now that would be something.”
That would be something indeed.”
It is the likeliness to the very tree that played a part in ending her father's life that makes Lyla's story an absorbing and poignant one. One that begins with showing just exactly what kind of tenuous relationship she had with her father, one full of love and admiration, but also neglectful responsibility which made it difficult for her to truly let go of his memory. It's that challenge of not being able to move on - to lose the chance of saying goodbye that bemoans the Hawkins family - a family already rift with tension due to the controlling manners of Lyla's paternal grandmother, a matriarch that demanded absolute respect and tolerated no insolence, let alone indecency that could demoralize the family name.
It is on those precedents that makes Lyla's coming-of-age laden with grief and insolence of her own making. One where despite how she tries to connect with her mother fails to do so; one where she seeks out some sort of place that she could feel like she could finally fit in - one where she could rid herself of her own guilt in somehow inadvertently blaming herself for her father's suicide. 'Lyla will wish it was the only kind of pain she’d have to endure—' A heartbreaking tragedy that no one was entirely prepared for how it would devastate the entire family.
“She is paralyzed by all she sees.
And all that she will never see again.”
While I did struggle a bit with the different stages of Lyla's life and the direction in which her character grew and her personality developed, I did find it believably portrayed. Her relationship with her father had been one of both love and adoration, but one also wary of his unreliable and irresponsible tendencies - afflictions that made her hesitant and doubtful of his actions. 'But what had he meant, exactly, when he talked in that strange way? About the cruelties of nature and erosion of time?' It is that neglectful nature that makes it easy for the audience to believe that he could be capable of taking his own life - until the point where it is revealed why he did - a plot point which I actually pretty much figured out right from the start, but still.
It added a certain depth to her character, a sharp contrast to her mother's own insecure and flippant disregards and whims due to her own inability to move on entirely from her husband's death, let alone find it in herself to not hold her daughter responsible for taking him away. For through the memories and the moments that we experience, do we allow grief to shed its skin - for it to lose its ability to have such a hold on us, so that through the changes we face it is made possible for us to not look to the past and live in the present. 'She needs to search for clues hidden in her father’s eyes that she may have missed in all these years.' Much like a tree yearning to reach for the sky -spreading its limbs to embrace all that is within its reach, Lyla made mistakes and hasty decisions; but it was her way of growing up - her own form of rebellion to not let her father's death conquer her entirely.
“I just want to forget him. I almost have, you know. And if you all would just—” Lyla wiped her nose with her sleeve. “Just . . . just give it a rest, and maybe we could move on. We can just forget he ever existed, once and for all.”
While the story is a bit slow-paced, it does keep your attention. I questioned a few writing choices and dynamic shifts, and the plot reveal was not as much of a surprise as the author might think. It was quite obvious actually, not exactly a new idea. But, I do get what the author intended, especially when you once again compare Lyla to a tree - who it continues to grow from its humble roots, 'a slow, enduring force straining to win the sky.' And the story does stay with me long after; despite the qualms I had with certain written parts, I was able to wade through it comfortably so; which is odd, considering the narrative also haphazardly jumped at times through time and perspective, but Lyla's narration was gripping enough that it was easy to slip right back into the plot after.
I did find the ending a bit abrupt; the time jumps were a bit inconsistent, but the ending, especially, needed a little work. But, I think it had to do with more of the fact that her challenge was finally drawing to a close - that the closure she was searching for she had finally found that made it not an explosive understanding, but a quiet one. It makes you understand how The Pale Flesh of Wood describes the innermost parts of herself - one that steadily grew alongside said tree that played such a cursed, if not fixated part of her life. It is in those final moments that she finally is able to part from that grip of loneliness and grief that had afflicted her for so long that makes her realize that just because one branch of her heart has been tragically lost, does not mean that she has to stop growing in the process. A life-altering shift that teaches her inner peace that perhaps what she may have lost may have always been with her all along.
*Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“Can you imagine what that tree has seen? What it’s lived through? Boy, if trees could talk, now that would be something.”
That would be something indeed.”
It is the likeliness to the very tree that played a part in ending her father's life that makes Lyla's story an absorbing and poignant one. One that begins with showing just exactly what kind of tenuous relationship she had with her father, one full of love and admiration, but also neglectful responsibility which made it difficult for her to truly let go of his memory. It's that challenge of not being able to move on - to lose the chance of saying goodbye that bemoans the Hawkins family - a family already rift with tension due to the controlling manners of Lyla's paternal grandmother, a matriarch that demanded absolute respect and tolerated no insolence, let alone indecency that could demoralize the family name.
It is on those precedents that makes Lyla's coming-of-age laden with grief and insolence of her own making. One where despite how she tries to connect with her mother fails to do so; one where she seeks out some sort of place that she could feel like she could finally fit in - one where she could rid herself of her own guilt in somehow inadvertently blaming herself for her father's suicide. 'Lyla will wish it was the only kind of pain she’d have to endure—' A heartbreaking tragedy that no one was entirely prepared for how it would devastate the entire family.
“She is paralyzed by all she sees.
And all that she will never see again.”
While I did struggle a bit with the different stages of Lyla's life and the direction in which her character grew and her personality developed, I did find it believably portrayed. Her relationship with her father had been one of both love and adoration, but one also wary of his unreliable and irresponsible tendencies - afflictions that made her hesitant and doubtful of his actions. 'But what had he meant, exactly, when he talked in that strange way? About the cruelties of nature and erosion of time?' It is that neglectful nature that makes it easy for the audience to believe that he could be capable of taking his own life - until the point where it is revealed why he did - a plot point which I actually pretty much figured out right from the start, but still.
It added a certain depth to her character, a sharp contrast to her mother's own insecure and flippant disregards and whims due to her own inability to move on entirely from her husband's death, let alone find it in herself to not hold her daughter responsible for taking him away. For through the memories and the moments that we experience, do we allow grief to shed its skin - for it to lose its ability to have such a hold on us, so that through the changes we face it is made possible for us to not look to the past and live in the present. 'She needs to search for clues hidden in her father’s eyes that she may have missed in all these years.' Much like a tree yearning to reach for the sky -spreading its limbs to embrace all that is within its reach, Lyla made mistakes and hasty decisions; but it was her way of growing up - her own form of rebellion to not let her father's death conquer her entirely.
“I just want to forget him. I almost have, you know. And if you all would just—” Lyla wiped her nose with her sleeve. “Just . . . just give it a rest, and maybe we could move on. We can just forget he ever existed, once and for all.”
While the story is a bit slow-paced, it does keep your attention. I questioned a few writing choices and dynamic shifts, and the plot reveal was not as much of a surprise as the author might think. It was quite obvious actually, not exactly a new idea. But, I do get what the author intended, especially when you once again compare Lyla to a tree - who it continues to grow from its humble roots, 'a slow, enduring force straining to win the sky.' And the story does stay with me long after; despite the qualms I had with certain written parts, I was able to wade through it comfortably so; which is odd, considering the narrative also haphazardly jumped at times through time and perspective, but Lyla's narration was gripping enough that it was easy to slip right back into the plot after.
I did find the ending a bit abrupt; the time jumps were a bit inconsistent, but the ending, especially, needed a little work. But, I think it had to do with more of the fact that her challenge was finally drawing to a close - that the closure she was searching for she had finally found that made it not an explosive understanding, but a quiet one. It makes you understand how The Pale Flesh of Wood describes the innermost parts of herself - one that steadily grew alongside said tree that played such a cursed, if not fixated part of her life. It is in those final moments that she finally is able to part from that grip of loneliness and grief that had afflicted her for so long that makes her realize that just because one branch of her heart has been tragically lost, does not mean that she has to stop growing in the process. A life-altering shift that teaches her inner peace that perhaps what she may have lost may have always been with her all along.
*Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2025
Thanks to Booksparks for the gifted copy. All opinions below are my own.
This story deals with suicide and domestic violence. I love books that use trees as metaphors or in this case witnesses to life. Like The Overstory or Greenwood, two of my favorites, this is a character story with a slow plot. Layer upon layer of life is revealed, in this case, about a family challenged by mental illness. Lyla’s father came back from the war and was never the same. She loves him fiercely but he is reckless with her and with life in general until it becomes too much. Afterwards she struggles to reconcile her feelings and his actions. We see the weight of grief on her, his wife and his mother through the years.
This is definitely a slow, contemplative story but it’s beautifully done. The reveal and the resolution in the end were really powerful.
This story deals with suicide and domestic violence. I love books that use trees as metaphors or in this case witnesses to life. Like The Overstory or Greenwood, two of my favorites, this is a character story with a slow plot. Layer upon layer of life is revealed, in this case, about a family challenged by mental illness. Lyla’s father came back from the war and was never the same. She loves him fiercely but he is reckless with her and with life in general until it becomes too much. Afterwards she struggles to reconcile her feelings and his actions. We see the weight of grief on her, his wife and his mother through the years.
This is definitely a slow, contemplative story but it’s beautifully done. The reveal and the resolution in the end were really powerful.
February 14, 2025
3.5/5
The Pale Flesh of Wood by Elizabeth A. Tucker details the effect Charles' death had on the Hawkins family. Troubled since returning from war, Charles made a heartbreaking decision one November night. His family is sent reeling the next day, but none more than his daughter, Lyla, who feels responsible for her father's actions.
I know from personal experience that losing a parent leaves a hole in your soul. I can't imagine Lyla's agony as she grapples with what she perceives to be her part in her father's story. The author explores the various ways Charles' family struggles with their grief, from holding on to every memory to running away from it all.
Read this if you like:
- multigenerational stories
- explorations of grief
- literary fiction
- coming of age books
The Pale Flesh of Wood by Elizabeth A. Tucker details the effect Charles' death had on the Hawkins family. Troubled since returning from war, Charles made a heartbreaking decision one November night. His family is sent reeling the next day, but none more than his daughter, Lyla, who feels responsible for her father's actions.
I know from personal experience that losing a parent leaves a hole in your soul. I can't imagine Lyla's agony as she grapples with what she perceives to be her part in her father's story. The author explores the various ways Charles' family struggles with their grief, from holding on to every memory to running away from it all.
Read this if you like:
- multigenerational stories
- explorations of grief
- literary fiction
- coming of age books
November 20, 2024
2.5⭐️
Not gonna lie, I was a bit disappointed by this one. My initial expectations were just too high for what was presented on the pages and at times this felt like a chore to read. The synopsis pulled me in but the book’s execution didn’t keep me in.
The cadence and timeline of the beginning felt hard to follow and didn’t flow well. While the ending felt sudden and like it came out of nowhere. And I think a lot of my feelings about the book overall came from the set up in the beginning being a bit all over the place.
I quite liked Lyla and really felt a kinship with her, but as expected and intended, the adults in her life were unlikable, irresponsible and downright rude. Again, this feels intended, so not necessarily a negative. Lyla’s mother never fully comes to terms with her own grief, from the miscarriages all the way to Lyla’s father’s death and she places a lot of that on Lyla’s shoulders which makes for an interesting dynamic. Lyla’s father clearly had his own issues and while I didn’t enjoy how he treated Lyla, it laid groundwork for the rest of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
Not gonna lie, I was a bit disappointed by this one. My initial expectations were just too high for what was presented on the pages and at times this felt like a chore to read. The synopsis pulled me in but the book’s execution didn’t keep me in.
The cadence and timeline of the beginning felt hard to follow and didn’t flow well. While the ending felt sudden and like it came out of nowhere. And I think a lot of my feelings about the book overall came from the set up in the beginning being a bit all over the place.
I quite liked Lyla and really felt a kinship with her, but as expected and intended, the adults in her life were unlikable, irresponsible and downright rude. Again, this feels intended, so not necessarily a negative. Lyla’s mother never fully comes to terms with her own grief, from the miscarriages all the way to Lyla’s father’s death and she places a lot of that on Lyla’s shoulders which makes for an interesting dynamic. Lyla’s father clearly had his own issues and while I didn’t enjoy how he treated Lyla, it laid groundwork for the rest of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
December 17, 2024
An exploration of family guilt and trauma after the protagonist's father takes his own life.
Unfortunately, I had higher expectations for this. The quality of the writing was subpar at times, and I do not necessarily think all plot points were crafted well. I do believe this book could appeal to certain audiences! There's quite a bit of drama that just makes this a quick read as you keep wanting to turn the page.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
Unfortunately, I had higher expectations for this. The quality of the writing was subpar at times, and I do not necessarily think all plot points were crafted well. I do believe this book could appeal to certain audiences! There's quite a bit of drama that just makes this a quick read as you keep wanting to turn the page.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
November 22, 2024
The Pale Flesh of Wood by Elizabeth A. Tucker starts out strong with a father and his daughter, 7 year old Lyla in their backyard getting ready to put up a tire swing on the giant, old tree that dominates the landscape and, in some ways, their lives. Lyla is scared and Dad alternately cajoles and bullies her until she finally gets the courage to climb out on the limb and hang the rope.
Lyla is left proud of herself, adoring of her father but with some background resentment at his pushing her. This dynamic in many ways defines her life and future relationship.
The novel is a deep look at a dysfunctional family and the ways it comes together as well as the ways it falls apart. The writing is strong and Tucker is particularly strong in the childhood chapters. My reaction may at least in part be informed by my own bias--I am more interested in childhood traumas, and the strategies for coping that children develop. I found the story the most compelling in the first half of the book. There are some beautifully compelling scenes in the later chapters and a feeling of completion at the end of the story.
Thanks to She Writes Press, NetGalley and the author for providing me with a copy of this book.
Lyla is left proud of herself, adoring of her father but with some background resentment at his pushing her. This dynamic in many ways defines her life and future relationship.
The novel is a deep look at a dysfunctional family and the ways it comes together as well as the ways it falls apart. The writing is strong and Tucker is particularly strong in the childhood chapters. My reaction may at least in part be informed by my own bias--I am more interested in childhood traumas, and the strategies for coping that children develop. I found the story the most compelling in the first half of the book. There are some beautifully compelling scenes in the later chapters and a feeling of completion at the end of the story.
Thanks to She Writes Press, NetGalley and the author for providing me with a copy of this book.
February 22, 2025
Elizabeth A. Tucker's debut novel, The Pale Flesh of Wood, is a masterfully crafted exploration of family trauma, guilt, and redemption set against the backdrop of post-World War II Northern California. This multilayered narrative weaves together three generations of the Hawkins family, each grappling with their own demons while orbiting around a central tragedy that forever alters their lives.
Narrative Structure and Storytelling
The novel's strength lies in Tucker's ability to craft a non-linear narrative that feels both organic and purposeful. The story primarily follows Lyla Hawkins, whose childhood innocence is shattered when her father Charles commits suicide using the rope she helped hang for their tire swing. Tucker skillfully moves between time periods, allowing readers to piece together the complex puzzle of the Hawkins family history.
The author's decision to structure the novel in three books (1931-1956, 1957-1967, and 1981) creates a compelling framework that highlights how trauma reverberates through time. Each section peels back layers of understanding, revealing new perspectives on familiar events.
Character Development and Relationships
One of the novel's greatest achievements is its deep, nuanced character development. The principal characters are wonderfully complex:
- Lyla Hawkins - A character whose journey from childhood trauma to adult understanding forms the emotional core of the story
- Charles Hawkins - A troubled WWII veteran whose demons ultimately consume him
- Caroline Hawkins - A formidable grandmother whose rigid exterior masks deep wounds
- Louise Hawkins - A grieving widow trying to rebuild her life while raising her daughter
The relationships between these characters are expertly drawn, particularly the complicated dynamic between Lyla and her grandmother Caroline. Their evolution from antagonists to understanding allies is both believable and touching.
Themes and Symbolism
The Central Oak Tree
The massive oak tree that dominates the Hawkins' property serves as both a physical anchor for the narrative and a powerful symbol of family legacy, trauma, and resilience. Tucker uses this central image effectively, never allowing it to become heavy-handed or obvious in its symbolism.
War's Long Shadow
The novel thoughtfully explores how war trauma affects not just veterans but entire families. Charles's experiences in Italy create ripples that touch every aspect of the story, from his relationship with his mother to the secret of his Italian son.
Writing Style and Prose
Tucker's prose is elegant and precise, with moments of striking beauty that never feel forced. Her background as a poet shows in her careful attention to language and rhythm. However, there are occasional passages where the metaphorical language becomes slightly overwrought, particularly in some of the more emotionally charged scenes.
Areas for Improvement
While the novel is remarkably accomplished, especially for a debut, there are a few areas where it could be stronger:
- Some secondary characters, particularly in the Wyoming sections, feel slightly underdeveloped
- The pacing in the middle section occasionally slows too much
- Certain symbolic elements become somewhat repetitive
Impact and Resonance
What makes The Pale Flesh of Wood particularly powerful is its unflinching examination of how families cope with tragedy. Tucker shows remarkable insight into the ways people carry guilt and grief, often passing these burdens down through generations.
Technical Execution
Structure and Pacing
The novel's braided narrative structure is well-executed, though it occasionally requires careful attention from readers to follow the timeline. Tucker manages the multiple perspectives and time periods with considerable skill, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.
Dialogue and Voice
The dialogue is natural and period-appropriate, helping to ground the story in its historical context. Each character has a distinct voice that evolves believably over time.
Historical Context
Tucker's portrayal of post-WWII America feels authentic and well-researched. The novel captures the era's social dynamics and cultural shifts without becoming didactic or allowing historical detail to overshadow the personal story at its heart.
Final Verdict
The novel will particularly resonate with readers who enjoy authors like Ann Patchett, Elizabeth Strout, and Alice Munro. While the subject matter can be heavy, Tucker's skilled handling of difficult themes makes this a rewarding read for those willing to engage with challenging emotional material.
For a debut novel, The Pale Flesh of Wood shows remarkable maturity and control. Elizabeth A. Tucker has created a moving, thoughtful work that lingers in the mind long after the final page.
Narrative Structure and Storytelling
The novel's strength lies in Tucker's ability to craft a non-linear narrative that feels both organic and purposeful. The story primarily follows Lyla Hawkins, whose childhood innocence is shattered when her father Charles commits suicide using the rope she helped hang for their tire swing. Tucker skillfully moves between time periods, allowing readers to piece together the complex puzzle of the Hawkins family history.
The author's decision to structure the novel in three books (1931-1956, 1957-1967, and 1981) creates a compelling framework that highlights how trauma reverberates through time. Each section peels back layers of understanding, revealing new perspectives on familiar events.
Character Development and Relationships
One of the novel's greatest achievements is its deep, nuanced character development. The principal characters are wonderfully complex:
- Lyla Hawkins - A character whose journey from childhood trauma to adult understanding forms the emotional core of the story
- Charles Hawkins - A troubled WWII veteran whose demons ultimately consume him
- Caroline Hawkins - A formidable grandmother whose rigid exterior masks deep wounds
- Louise Hawkins - A grieving widow trying to rebuild her life while raising her daughter
The relationships between these characters are expertly drawn, particularly the complicated dynamic between Lyla and her grandmother Caroline. Their evolution from antagonists to understanding allies is both believable and touching.
Themes and Symbolism
The Central Oak Tree
The massive oak tree that dominates the Hawkins' property serves as both a physical anchor for the narrative and a powerful symbol of family legacy, trauma, and resilience. Tucker uses this central image effectively, never allowing it to become heavy-handed or obvious in its symbolism.
War's Long Shadow
The novel thoughtfully explores how war trauma affects not just veterans but entire families. Charles's experiences in Italy create ripples that touch every aspect of the story, from his relationship with his mother to the secret of his Italian son.
Writing Style and Prose
Tucker's prose is elegant and precise, with moments of striking beauty that never feel forced. Her background as a poet shows in her careful attention to language and rhythm. However, there are occasional passages where the metaphorical language becomes slightly overwrought, particularly in some of the more emotionally charged scenes.
Areas for Improvement
While the novel is remarkably accomplished, especially for a debut, there are a few areas where it could be stronger:
- Some secondary characters, particularly in the Wyoming sections, feel slightly underdeveloped
- The pacing in the middle section occasionally slows too much
- Certain symbolic elements become somewhat repetitive
Impact and Resonance
What makes The Pale Flesh of Wood particularly powerful is its unflinching examination of how families cope with tragedy. Tucker shows remarkable insight into the ways people carry guilt and grief, often passing these burdens down through generations.
Technical Execution
Structure and Pacing
The novel's braided narrative structure is well-executed, though it occasionally requires careful attention from readers to follow the timeline. Tucker manages the multiple perspectives and time periods with considerable skill, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.
Dialogue and Voice
The dialogue is natural and period-appropriate, helping to ground the story in its historical context. Each character has a distinct voice that evolves believably over time.
Historical Context
Tucker's portrayal of post-WWII America feels authentic and well-researched. The novel captures the era's social dynamics and cultural shifts without becoming didactic or allowing historical detail to overshadow the personal story at its heart.
Final Verdict
The novel will particularly resonate with readers who enjoy authors like Ann Patchett, Elizabeth Strout, and Alice Munro. While the subject matter can be heavy, Tucker's skilled handling of difficult themes makes this a rewarding read for those willing to engage with challenging emotional material.
For a debut novel, The Pale Flesh of Wood shows remarkable maturity and control. Elizabeth A. Tucker has created a moving, thoughtful work that lingers in the mind long after the final page.
March 19, 2025
via my blog: https://bookstalkerblog.wordpress.com/
𝙎𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙇𝙮𝙡𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙚. 𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙.
I devoured this before its release date, during a rough period in my life, and then had to set aside book reviewing as pressing demands took over. I intend to talk about The Pale Flesh of Wood, as it took my breath away. Yes, I will ramble on too. It is such a gorgeous and heart-breaking read about how deeply a daughter can love her father, wanting to prove her worth, even risking life and limb with performative toughness, simply for the desire to be the apple of her daddy’s eye. Lyla’s father Charles Hawkins wants her to be as strong as all the Hawkins men, as if he forgets she is a girl, his daughter. Charles, a WWII veteran, haunted by his time on the battlefield, has more wounds from his troubled relationship with his own, cold mother. One day he convinces Lyla to hang a swing with him in the family’s California oak tree, his mother’s pride, and joy. It has always been the center of the Hawkins’ Family, rooting through their personal history. Lyla may think her daddy hangs the moon and stars, but his wildness often endangers her. In his broken mind, he sways between joy and anguish, leaving her as a confused, scared witness. But that day, she succeeds, and the swing is complete, never imagining how that one act will become her cross to bear when her father hangs himself from that very tree, with that exact rope. But before that horror, other tragic accidents pile upon Louise, Charles, and little Lyla. PTSD certainly plays into his trauma, but there are questions about his time overseas and his service, whether he went AWOL, but Charles carried his torment prior to the horrors of war in a psychological battle that began in childhood. His mother puts all her might toward emasculating her son. Ever since he was a boy, she pushed him away emotionally and physically, unable to spare a moment of warmth. In adulthood she has zero empathy for the state he is in, pointing out his failure to return from the war functional and normal, she goes as far as to say how much of an embarrassment he was to his now dead father when Charles is simply trying to find a way to help Caroline move forward, pay her bills. It all leads to his suicide, and it is Lyla who carries the blame well into adulthood.
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With her father gone, all the joy left, and what remains is her broken mother and bitter grandmother. They are suspended in time, no one more than her mother Louise, longing still for Charles, even after she is re-married. There is a tug of war between them now, a lot of pain, resentment, and need. They just don’t know how to love and reach each other. Lyla knows her mother is broken, and why, but the young are not adults, they are selfish in their needs and want their parents to be steady, stable, a soft place to fall. Louise is shattered by too much loss, and wishes time back, wishes she could just make things right and be the mother Lyla needs, but it is so hard to make life pretty through the fog of disaster.
As for Caroline, she is easy to hate but Charle’s last act, aimed at his mother, has taken the fire out of her. It is surprising that Lyla turns to her after a battle of wills with her own mother Louise. She learns things she didn’t know about her father and why Caroline was so hard on him. Right or wrong, people react to fear differently. When Lyla escapes to Chicago for college, she instead takes a turn in another direction meeting Hap and his sister. But I will not give away more than that. When Lyla finally returns to the family home, as Caroline is elderly and leaving Hawkins’ place to her, Lyla decides it is time to do something about the tree and move on, particularly after uncovering a bigger secret about her father during the war.
It is trauma as a theme, I think some people are perplexed by the villain of the story changing her ways, it is not that she does, it’s more her hardness, the way she moves through the world no longer serves her well. Damaged people is a type of terrorism that covers this family, no one knows how to move past their own fears and pain. The tree is the one who thrives, really, but the people are trying. The title is perfect.
Heartbreaking, tragic tale of one fractured, lost family.
Published February 11, 2025
She Writes Press
𝙎𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙇𝙮𝙡𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙚. 𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙.
I devoured this before its release date, during a rough period in my life, and then had to set aside book reviewing as pressing demands took over. I intend to talk about The Pale Flesh of Wood, as it took my breath away. Yes, I will ramble on too. It is such a gorgeous and heart-breaking read about how deeply a daughter can love her father, wanting to prove her worth, even risking life and limb with performative toughness, simply for the desire to be the apple of her daddy’s eye. Lyla’s father Charles Hawkins wants her to be as strong as all the Hawkins men, as if he forgets she is a girl, his daughter. Charles, a WWII veteran, haunted by his time on the battlefield, has more wounds from his troubled relationship with his own, cold mother. One day he convinces Lyla to hang a swing with him in the family’s California oak tree, his mother’s pride, and joy. It has always been the center of the Hawkins’ Family, rooting through their personal history. Lyla may think her daddy hangs the moon and stars, but his wildness often endangers her. In his broken mind, he sways between joy and anguish, leaving her as a confused, scared witness. But that day, she succeeds, and the swing is complete, never imagining how that one act will become her cross to bear when her father hangs himself from that very tree, with that exact rope. But before that horror, other tragic accidents pile upon Louise, Charles, and little Lyla. PTSD certainly plays into his trauma, but there are questions about his time overseas and his service, whether he went AWOL, but Charles carried his torment prior to the horrors of war in a psychological battle that began in childhood. His mother puts all her might toward emasculating her son. Ever since he was a boy, she pushed him away emotionally and physically, unable to spare a moment of warmth. In adulthood she has zero empathy for the state he is in, pointing out his failure to return from the war functional and normal, she goes as far as to say how much of an embarrassment he was to his now dead father when Charles is simply trying to find a way to help Caroline move forward, pay her bills. It all leads to his suicide, and it is Lyla who carries the blame well into adulthood.
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With her father gone, all the joy left, and what remains is her broken mother and bitter grandmother. They are suspended in time, no one more than her mother Louise, longing still for Charles, even after she is re-married. There is a tug of war between them now, a lot of pain, resentment, and need. They just don’t know how to love and reach each other. Lyla knows her mother is broken, and why, but the young are not adults, they are selfish in their needs and want their parents to be steady, stable, a soft place to fall. Louise is shattered by too much loss, and wishes time back, wishes she could just make things right and be the mother Lyla needs, but it is so hard to make life pretty through the fog of disaster.
As for Caroline, she is easy to hate but Charle’s last act, aimed at his mother, has taken the fire out of her. It is surprising that Lyla turns to her after a battle of wills with her own mother Louise. She learns things she didn’t know about her father and why Caroline was so hard on him. Right or wrong, people react to fear differently. When Lyla escapes to Chicago for college, she instead takes a turn in another direction meeting Hap and his sister. But I will not give away more than that. When Lyla finally returns to the family home, as Caroline is elderly and leaving Hawkins’ place to her, Lyla decides it is time to do something about the tree and move on, particularly after uncovering a bigger secret about her father during the war.
It is trauma as a theme, I think some people are perplexed by the villain of the story changing her ways, it is not that she does, it’s more her hardness, the way she moves through the world no longer serves her well. Damaged people is a type of terrorism that covers this family, no one knows how to move past their own fears and pain. The tree is the one who thrives, really, but the people are trying. The title is perfect.
Heartbreaking, tragic tale of one fractured, lost family.
Published February 11, 2025
She Writes Press
November 17, 2024
The Pale Flesh of Wood is centered around loss and unprocessed grief. The tragedy at the book's heart is given away even before the first page is turned. The description informs the reader that Charles Hawkins will end up hanging himself from the family's oak tree, using the rope his daughter tied to a branch for a tire swing.
The relationships between the characters truly spoke to how hard times can affect people. Lyla's father was clearly crazy about his daughter. Still, the demons he fought were evident in his lack of responsibility as a father, and ultimately in his decision to take his own life. The relationship with Lyla's mother was greatly impacted by her inability to face her grief, and the underlying blame she (perhaps subconsciously) placed on her daughter for the death of her husband. It was the same with her strict paternal grandmother who did what she could to help Lyla while being a woman very set in her ways.
The book takes place over six decades, with the focus primarily falling on Lyla, the daughter who felt responsible for her father's death. The timeline is a little tricky to follow and the cadence didn't allow the story to flow freely, especially in the beginning. This is supposed to be historical fiction, but very little about the book felt like it was meant to occur forty to ninety years back. Apart from knowing Charles is a WWII veteran, I kept forgetting the periods in which the story was based.
Tucker did an excellent job of creating characters you care about. I felt connected to Lyla as she navigated her teen years into adulthood and became a woman finding her place in the world. The major lesson here is that nothing you do will change the past, and the only way to overcome your trauma and grief is to face it and move through it.
I felt like the beginning of the book was difficult to get into, and the ending was rather abrupt. Had the author created a better rhythm with time periods and made it easier to follow in the beginning, I would have enjoyed the book a lot more. Overall, I think it's a good story centered around a very traumatic event and the way it can consume the rest of your life. 3.5 Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC copy!
The relationships between the characters truly spoke to how hard times can affect people. Lyla's father was clearly crazy about his daughter. Still, the demons he fought were evident in his lack of responsibility as a father, and ultimately in his decision to take his own life. The relationship with Lyla's mother was greatly impacted by her inability to face her grief, and the underlying blame she (perhaps subconsciously) placed on her daughter for the death of her husband. It was the same with her strict paternal grandmother who did what she could to help Lyla while being a woman very set in her ways.
The book takes place over six decades, with the focus primarily falling on Lyla, the daughter who felt responsible for her father's death. The timeline is a little tricky to follow and the cadence didn't allow the story to flow freely, especially in the beginning. This is supposed to be historical fiction, but very little about the book felt like it was meant to occur forty to ninety years back. Apart from knowing Charles is a WWII veteran, I kept forgetting the periods in which the story was based.
Tucker did an excellent job of creating characters you care about. I felt connected to Lyla as she navigated her teen years into adulthood and became a woman finding her place in the world. The major lesson here is that nothing you do will change the past, and the only way to overcome your trauma and grief is to face it and move through it.
I felt like the beginning of the book was difficult to get into, and the ending was rather abrupt. Had the author created a better rhythm with time periods and made it easier to follow in the beginning, I would have enjoyed the book a lot more. Overall, I think it's a good story centered around a very traumatic event and the way it can consume the rest of your life. 3.5 Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC copy!
March 25, 2025
Book review: 3.75/5 ⭐️
Genre: fiction
Themes: inherited trauma, family saga, suicide, legacy
📖 Read if you like: The Berry Pickers, The Twilight Garden, Fight Night
Lyla’s father Charles can be larger than life when he wants to be, but his moods are mercurial and his actions impulsive. He can cheer on with one hand and taunt with the other, glare with cold eyes and wash away all hurts with a glowing smile. Such a man will leave an impression whether one wills itself to or not. Scarred by the horrors of the war and a childhood with a judgemental and often cruel mother, he is constantly battling the demons of his past with the joyous and daring father and husband he is loved as.
When his trauma reaches a tipping point, this family will be ripped apart by hurt. Each carrying their own anger and guilt like a layer of armour and a dagger they turn on each other, mother and daughter will slowly split at the seams from all the things left unsaid, and all the things that should never have been said. It puts into words the ripple effect one person can have, how one loss can cause endless waves of sorrow that forever change the fabric of identities and relationships. It is not an easy to read, but it was one I devoured. All those uncomfortable moments of reality and the complexities of memory. The way blame and anger follow death like an unshakeable shadow.
It was rather poetic to have California fault lines mirrored by a family with a porcelain facade and a crumbling interior. This was both harrowing and healing. As Lyla grows, she seems on a wayward path unknowingly gravitating towards men like her father - enigmatic, yet damaged. Yet she cannot escape her past any more than she can escape herself. As she finds her way back home, she must finally confront the shadows of her past and allow space for a lighter future.
Anyone who has felt loss at an early age will connect with the FMC. Angry and sad in equal measures, she storms through life in an all too recognizable way. And for everyone else, this is a complex story of how trauma winds its way around a family like a living breathing root system.
Thank you to @BookSparks for a chance to read and review #PaleFleshofWood as part of their #WinterPopUp
Genre: fiction
Themes: inherited trauma, family saga, suicide, legacy
📖 Read if you like: The Berry Pickers, The Twilight Garden, Fight Night
Lyla’s father Charles can be larger than life when he wants to be, but his moods are mercurial and his actions impulsive. He can cheer on with one hand and taunt with the other, glare with cold eyes and wash away all hurts with a glowing smile. Such a man will leave an impression whether one wills itself to or not. Scarred by the horrors of the war and a childhood with a judgemental and often cruel mother, he is constantly battling the demons of his past with the joyous and daring father and husband he is loved as.
When his trauma reaches a tipping point, this family will be ripped apart by hurt. Each carrying their own anger and guilt like a layer of armour and a dagger they turn on each other, mother and daughter will slowly split at the seams from all the things left unsaid, and all the things that should never have been said. It puts into words the ripple effect one person can have, how one loss can cause endless waves of sorrow that forever change the fabric of identities and relationships. It is not an easy to read, but it was one I devoured. All those uncomfortable moments of reality and the complexities of memory. The way blame and anger follow death like an unshakeable shadow.
It was rather poetic to have California fault lines mirrored by a family with a porcelain facade and a crumbling interior. This was both harrowing and healing. As Lyla grows, she seems on a wayward path unknowingly gravitating towards men like her father - enigmatic, yet damaged. Yet she cannot escape her past any more than she can escape herself. As she finds her way back home, she must finally confront the shadows of her past and allow space for a lighter future.
Anyone who has felt loss at an early age will connect with the FMC. Angry and sad in equal measures, she storms through life in an all too recognizable way. And for everyone else, this is a complex story of how trauma winds its way around a family like a living breathing root system.
Thank you to @BookSparks for a chance to read and review #PaleFleshofWood as part of their #WinterPopUp
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April 22, 2025Elizabeth A. Tucker’s The Pale Flesh of Wood is a beautifully tangled family saga rooted in grief, memory, and the slow bend of time. Set across multiple generations, the novel follows the Hawkins family through snapshots of their lives spanning from the 1930s to the 1980s. Centered around a California oak tree, literal and metaphorical, it’s a story about growing up under heavy legacies, about love that wounds and heals in equal measure, and about the things we inherit even when no one speaks them aloud.
The writing is lush and poetic without being precious. Tucker knows how to set a mood and trap you in it. Her dad's joking charm cracks in places, revealing a man stitched together by war, trauma, and ego. This isn’t just a story about a family. It’s about what’s left unsaid between parents and kids and how silence grows teeth.
The structure threw me at first, it jumps through decades and voices, but once I leaned into it, I was hooked. I liked that Tucker didn’t feel the need to hold my hand. In Chapter Two, young Charles, Lyla’s father as a boy, lies under that same tree, imagining himself fossilized after being slapped by his own mother. He watches a roly-poly bug curl up tight and wishes he could do the same. That image wrecked me. It’s a subtle but gutting way to show how generational pain rolls downhill, gaining speed like that tire Lyla’s dad sends her down in later chapters. And when she crashes, he just lights a cigarette and says, “Whoopsie poopsie.” I wanted to throw the book across the room.
Still, what surprised me most was how much tenderness lives in these characters. Even the broken ones. Especially the broken ones. Pops, the quiet grandfather, reads baseball stats to baby Daniel. Lyla’s grandmother, fierce and frigid at first, softens in fragments. And Lyla herself, oh man, I rooted for that girl with everything I had.
I’d recommend this book to readers who loved The Sound and the Fury or Marilynne Robinson’s Housekeeping, folks who appreciate moody, intimate stories that don't rush their reveals. It’s not a quick read. It’s not meant to be. This is a sit-on-the-porch-and-let-it-sink-in kind of novel. One that lingers. One that matters.
The writing is lush and poetic without being precious. Tucker knows how to set a mood and trap you in it. Her dad's joking charm cracks in places, revealing a man stitched together by war, trauma, and ego. This isn’t just a story about a family. It’s about what’s left unsaid between parents and kids and how silence grows teeth.
The structure threw me at first, it jumps through decades and voices, but once I leaned into it, I was hooked. I liked that Tucker didn’t feel the need to hold my hand. In Chapter Two, young Charles, Lyla’s father as a boy, lies under that same tree, imagining himself fossilized after being slapped by his own mother. He watches a roly-poly bug curl up tight and wishes he could do the same. That image wrecked me. It’s a subtle but gutting way to show how generational pain rolls downhill, gaining speed like that tire Lyla’s dad sends her down in later chapters. And when she crashes, he just lights a cigarette and says, “Whoopsie poopsie.” I wanted to throw the book across the room.
Still, what surprised me most was how much tenderness lives in these characters. Even the broken ones. Especially the broken ones. Pops, the quiet grandfather, reads baseball stats to baby Daniel. Lyla’s grandmother, fierce and frigid at first, softens in fragments. And Lyla herself, oh man, I rooted for that girl with everything I had.
I’d recommend this book to readers who loved The Sound and the Fury or Marilynne Robinson’s Housekeeping, folks who appreciate moody, intimate stories that don't rush their reveals. It’s not a quick read. It’s not meant to be. This is a sit-on-the-porch-and-let-it-sink-in kind of novel. One that lingers. One that matters.
September 8, 2025
In elementary school, we learn how a tree’s lifespan can be measured by counting its rings. Moreso, weather patterns and environmental influences impact the tree rings’ appearance, making them wider or thinner, lighter or darker. Elizabeth Tucker, in her literary fiction debut, The Pale Flesh of Wood, centers a family around a massive oak tree and, within the tree’s rings, she uncoils a lifetime of secrets.
The novel opens with Lyla Hawkins, a young child, being encouraged by her father, Charles, to climb the family’s oak tree that stands as a centerpiece on their property. Since Charles’ boyhood, he wanted to hang a tire swing from the tree’s branches but was never allowed to do so. Undaunted by his austere and imperious mother, Caroline, Charles encourages, teases, and then cajoles Lyla to overcome her fears, scale the tree, and help secure the tire swing’s rope.
Lyla worships her father, a World War Two veteran who was briefly AWOL, whose service record is scarred with the suspicion of cowardice. Her father is a brazen man who loves adventure and testing boundaries. Since his time at war, he has carried a small cutting of the oak tree, an amulet against the dangers surrounding him, his way of evoking the music of the Pacific coastal winds singing through the trees. He embraced the oak tree as its shadows embraced his family.
Tragedy strikes the Hawkins family, though, and Lyla’s growth rings through her teen years and early twenties, reflecting the ordeal of healing. Lyla rebels against her mother, Louise, who struggles to comprehend and heal from the insurmountable losses she has sustained. Meanwhile, each family member seems to orbit the oak tree that has stood witness to their grief.
A debut work of literary fiction, Elizabeth Tucker spins a narrative tale in The Pale Flesh of Wood that invites readers to explore the nuances of family relationships and the many faces of grief and healing. Tucker’s narrative is akin to Ariadne’s ball of string in the labyrinth, guiding us through secrets that threaten to destroy a family. Readers who enjoyed Shelly Read’s Go as a River will relish this memorable novel.
The novel opens with Lyla Hawkins, a young child, being encouraged by her father, Charles, to climb the family’s oak tree that stands as a centerpiece on their property. Since Charles’ boyhood, he wanted to hang a tire swing from the tree’s branches but was never allowed to do so. Undaunted by his austere and imperious mother, Caroline, Charles encourages, teases, and then cajoles Lyla to overcome her fears, scale the tree, and help secure the tire swing’s rope.
Lyla worships her father, a World War Two veteran who was briefly AWOL, whose service record is scarred with the suspicion of cowardice. Her father is a brazen man who loves adventure and testing boundaries. Since his time at war, he has carried a small cutting of the oak tree, an amulet against the dangers surrounding him, his way of evoking the music of the Pacific coastal winds singing through the trees. He embraced the oak tree as its shadows embraced his family.
Tragedy strikes the Hawkins family, though, and Lyla’s growth rings through her teen years and early twenties, reflecting the ordeal of healing. Lyla rebels against her mother, Louise, who struggles to comprehend and heal from the insurmountable losses she has sustained. Meanwhile, each family member seems to orbit the oak tree that has stood witness to their grief.
A debut work of literary fiction, Elizabeth Tucker spins a narrative tale in The Pale Flesh of Wood that invites readers to explore the nuances of family relationships and the many faces of grief and healing. Tucker’s narrative is akin to Ariadne’s ball of string in the labyrinth, guiding us through secrets that threaten to destroy a family. Readers who enjoyed Shelly Read’s Go as a River will relish this memorable novel.
February 11, 2025
While historical fiction isn’t usually my top choice of genre, I was intrigued by this one’s description and setting. A Northern California native, I don’t always see this region represented in literature (outside of San Francisco, which often steals the show). This was described as being “set among the fault-prone landscape of Northern California.” It ended up being a little more adjacent to the Bay Area than I originally thought, but that’s on me for assuming I knew which fault-lines the description meant.
This is the story of Lyla and her family from the years following WWII into her adult life in the 1980s. The main premise is a triggering one as it tracks the presence of an enormous oak tree in her grandmother’s backyard upon which her father, Charles, takes his own life one November. It’s a story of grief and generational trauma, of the impact Charles’s loss has on Lyla, her mother, and her grandmother, and the feelings each of these family members has when staring down the centerpiece of their loss—the tree with the pale flesh of wood marking the branch where a rope hung.
I wanted to see how the family interacted throughout the years. I was invested in Lyla’s character. The snapshots of different moments, including the opening when she is encouraged, nearly bullied, by her father to climb the tree and hang the tire swing, were framed interestingly. I wanted to keep reading. However, I struggled with the non-linear timeline and had to keep flipping back to make sure I knew what year it was at the opening of each chapter. I also felt some emotional distance from the characters despite such delicate material. I’m not sure if that was my personal brain space or the writing itself.
The bottom line: This was a good family saga that I’d recommend to the right audience. Not perfectly my taste, but still worthwhile.
Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for the DRC of this title. All thoughts are my genuine reading experience.
This is the story of Lyla and her family from the years following WWII into her adult life in the 1980s. The main premise is a triggering one as it tracks the presence of an enormous oak tree in her grandmother’s backyard upon which her father, Charles, takes his own life one November. It’s a story of grief and generational trauma, of the impact Charles’s loss has on Lyla, her mother, and her grandmother, and the feelings each of these family members has when staring down the centerpiece of their loss—the tree with the pale flesh of wood marking the branch where a rope hung.
I wanted to see how the family interacted throughout the years. I was invested in Lyla’s character. The snapshots of different moments, including the opening when she is encouraged, nearly bullied, by her father to climb the tree and hang the tire swing, were framed interestingly. I wanted to keep reading. However, I struggled with the non-linear timeline and had to keep flipping back to make sure I knew what year it was at the opening of each chapter. I also felt some emotional distance from the characters despite such delicate material. I’m not sure if that was my personal brain space or the writing itself.
The bottom line: This was a good family saga that I’d recommend to the right audience. Not perfectly my taste, but still worthwhile.
Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for the DRC of this title. All thoughts are my genuine reading experience.
January 19, 2025
Families are difficult, and life is trauma. That seems to be the overarching message here. The book centers on Lyla, and her relationships with her family. The book opens with Lyla being browbeaten/teased by her dad to climb the majestic old oak tree in the backyard of the family home, land owned by her grandmother, to hang a rope swing. Dad is a veteran with what we would now call PTSD. He drinks, he's reckless, and while Lyla idolizes him, I think she also sees him for the broken man he is.
His mother, the family matriarch, is another piece of work who can't let well enough alone and looks for ways to make people around her bend the knee. She is hard on everyone around her due to guilt over her role in past events. She softens up a bit toward Lyla in the end, which is kind of strange since the first part of the book is all about what a hard case she is to Lyla.
Her mother has had a litany of awful things befallen her. She has Been Through it, with zero empathy from her mother-in-law or, really, her daughter. S he takes it out on Lyla, but Lyla gives as good as she gets. That relationship is complex and complicated, for sure.
The book is split into three parts, generally centering on Lyla as she navigates her youth, her attempts to forge her way without her family, and then her return to the family bosom. There's trauma enough for everyone along the way.
I felt that there were gaps in the telling, unnecessary characters, and some plot devices that just don't work. Lyla seemed like she wouldn't see a red flag if you wrapped it around her head, so desperate she is to belong somewhere. The adults in this book were unlikable and while I generally like flawed characters, there's not much in the way of redemption here.
There is a LOT of generational trauma here, and getting through it was a slog. All in all, the book did not resonate with me.
His mother, the family matriarch, is another piece of work who can't let well enough alone and looks for ways to make people around her bend the knee. She is hard on everyone around her due to guilt over her role in past events. She softens up a bit toward Lyla in the end, which is kind of strange since the first part of the book is all about what a hard case she is to Lyla.
Her mother has had a litany of awful things befallen her. She has Been Through it, with zero empathy from her mother-in-law or, really, her daughter. S he takes it out on Lyla, but Lyla gives as good as she gets. That relationship is complex and complicated, for sure.
The book is split into three parts, generally centering on Lyla as she navigates her youth, her attempts to forge her way without her family, and then her return to the family bosom. There's trauma enough for everyone along the way.
I felt that there were gaps in the telling, unnecessary characters, and some plot devices that just don't work. Lyla seemed like she wouldn't see a red flag if you wrapped it around her head, so desperate she is to belong somewhere. The adults in this book were unlikable and while I generally like flawed characters, there's not much in the way of redemption here.
There is a LOT of generational trauma here, and getting through it was a slog. All in all, the book did not resonate with me.
January 21, 2025
I'm not totally sure how to feel about this book. In 1950s Northern California, ten-year-old Lyla--at her father's request--hangs a rope around a huge tree on her grandmother's property. Shortly thereafter, Lyla's father commits suicide using that same rope. The book jumps back and forth in time, going as far back as Lyla's father's childhood and as far forward as almost 30 years after her father's death.
I think this book does an exceptional job of depicting the aftermath of suicide and how each member of Lyla's family blames themselves and each other; seeks answers and explanations; and grieves in unique and non-linear ways. I felt like I really understood Lyla's confusion about her father's death and how complicated it made her relationship with her mother. But this book was very, very slow going for me. It was really hard for me to get into, and the timelines jumping around didn't work for me. Being "in the mind of the tree" was also just odd to me, and I wanted more insight into more of the characters. Overall, this was a bit of a miss for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!
I think this book does an exceptional job of depicting the aftermath of suicide and how each member of Lyla's family blames themselves and each other; seeks answers and explanations; and grieves in unique and non-linear ways. I felt like I really understood Lyla's confusion about her father's death and how complicated it made her relationship with her mother. But this book was very, very slow going for me. It was really hard for me to get into, and the timelines jumping around didn't work for me. Being "in the mind of the tree" was also just odd to me, and I wanted more insight into more of the characters. Overall, this was a bit of a miss for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!
January 24, 2025
3.5 ☆s
This is primarily a book around suicide, trauma and grief and the aftershocks these things have on people.
‘Lyla hated how those clouds could suddenly take over the look in her father's eyes like that’.
We follow Lyla’s story after her dad dies by suicide; from what it’s like to experience something like that as a child, to how it impacts her development and adulthood, dispersed with flashbacks to their past. Alongside this are the experiences of Lyla’s mum and grandmother. Lyla feels like his death is her fault. Her mum is stuck in the past and not coping well; she seems to Lyla to harbour some blame too. Lyla’s grandmother appears very stern and rigid; stuck in her ways. Everyone suffers differently but rarely together.
‘Logic has always told her if this were true- that if she was everything to her father- he would still be here today’.
The story moves through time and appears disjointed which I think reflects the chaos of their lives.
‘For now, they are knee-deep in muck’
I loved hearing from Lyla’s childhood voice, which felt so pure and innocent. I enjoyed the raw reflections of pain and suffering, and also the moments of insight and working through everything (though the story was not overly focused on this). My favourite parts were the metaphors (a tree, roots and growth) and moments of lyrical, beautiful writing, especially at the end. I could have appreciated more of these and I think my rating would have been higher if there had been more moments like those at the end.
‘Yet no matter how hard she yanked and repeated the refrain, knots remained inside her.’
This isn’t a happy story and sometimes it’s hard to rate those. If you go in expecting a book that is linear, full of positivity or deep exploration then you may be disappointed. I do think this is great for those who want an emotional, raw story exploring themes of mental health, suicide and grief; just not necessarily a happy one.
‘I am falling, she thought. And now, maybe, just maybe, she was finally free.’
Trigger warnings for; suicide (hanging), domestic violence, PTSD (war veteran), and infant loss.
(Transparency; I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to net galley and the author)
This is primarily a book around suicide, trauma and grief and the aftershocks these things have on people.
‘Lyla hated how those clouds could suddenly take over the look in her father's eyes like that’.
We follow Lyla’s story after her dad dies by suicide; from what it’s like to experience something like that as a child, to how it impacts her development and adulthood, dispersed with flashbacks to their past. Alongside this are the experiences of Lyla’s mum and grandmother. Lyla feels like his death is her fault. Her mum is stuck in the past and not coping well; she seems to Lyla to harbour some blame too. Lyla’s grandmother appears very stern and rigid; stuck in her ways. Everyone suffers differently but rarely together.
‘Logic has always told her if this were true- that if she was everything to her father- he would still be here today’.
The story moves through time and appears disjointed which I think reflects the chaos of their lives.
‘For now, they are knee-deep in muck’
I loved hearing from Lyla’s childhood voice, which felt so pure and innocent. I enjoyed the raw reflections of pain and suffering, and also the moments of insight and working through everything (though the story was not overly focused on this). My favourite parts were the metaphors (a tree, roots and growth) and moments of lyrical, beautiful writing, especially at the end. I could have appreciated more of these and I think my rating would have been higher if there had been more moments like those at the end.
‘Yet no matter how hard she yanked and repeated the refrain, knots remained inside her.’
This isn’t a happy story and sometimes it’s hard to rate those. If you go in expecting a book that is linear, full of positivity or deep exploration then you may be disappointed. I do think this is great for those who want an emotional, raw story exploring themes of mental health, suicide and grief; just not necessarily a happy one.
‘I am falling, she thought. And now, maybe, just maybe, she was finally free.’
Trigger warnings for; suicide (hanging), domestic violence, PTSD (war veteran), and infant loss.
(Transparency; I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to net galley and the author)
February 10, 2025
I'm grateful to BookSparks for the gifted copy and for having me on the Epic Winter Reads team for #winterpopups
The opinions in this review are my own.
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At the center of The Pale Flesh of Wood is an old California Oak Tree that has lived through the generations of the Hawkins family and has seen much more than one person can see in a lifetime.
The book explores human nature of continuously pondering over the 'what if' scenarios, along with the multigenerational saga of the family and its bonds.
The aftermath of a heartbreaking death leaves the family in the lap of grief, to fend for themselves, and continuously questioning the terrain that led to the incident.
Through the narrative we see glimpses of how a dysfunctional family of otherwise disengaged members handle grief and its subsequent stages.
The story mainly focuses on Lyla, and shows her coming of age with an unfortunate incident etched in her memory from a very young age, along with the ageing process of the California Oak that lives in her grandmother's backyard.
There's a beautiful concept written in the story via dialogue between Lyla and her father, Charles, who's a WW veteran- the art of manufacturing memories from a smell.
The growth ring in the stem of the Oak, resembles the rippling effect of how one incident can leave an impact for years on the human psyche.
I also liked how the doll - the only reminiscent of Charles' time in Italy is used in the story.
The opinions in this review are my own.
..
At the center of The Pale Flesh of Wood is an old California Oak Tree that has lived through the generations of the Hawkins family and has seen much more than one person can see in a lifetime.
The book explores human nature of continuously pondering over the 'what if' scenarios, along with the multigenerational saga of the family and its bonds.
The aftermath of a heartbreaking death leaves the family in the lap of grief, to fend for themselves, and continuously questioning the terrain that led to the incident.
Through the narrative we see glimpses of how a dysfunctional family of otherwise disengaged members handle grief and its subsequent stages.
The story mainly focuses on Lyla, and shows her coming of age with an unfortunate incident etched in her memory from a very young age, along with the ageing process of the California Oak that lives in her grandmother's backyard.
There's a beautiful concept written in the story via dialogue between Lyla and her father, Charles, who's a WW veteran- the art of manufacturing memories from a smell.
The growth ring in the stem of the Oak, resembles the rippling effect of how one incident can leave an impact for years on the human psyche.
I also liked how the doll - the only reminiscent of Charles' time in Italy is used in the story.
February 8, 2025
Rating: 4/5 stars
I'm thankful to NetGalley and She Writes Press for the ARC.
Elizabeth A. Tucker's The Pale Flesh of Wood is a beautifully written and deeply introspective novel that explores grief, trauma, and generational guilt through a nonlinear narrative. Right from the start, the book is steeped in sorrow, setting a tone that lingers throughout.
The writing style is captivating, with a structure that mirrors the chaotic emotions of its characters. I especially enjoyed Lyla’s perspective—her self-blame following her father’s suicide is a painful but well-crafted exploration of guilt. The novel doesn't just depict personal grief; it also weaves in the weight of generational trauma, making for a layered and emotionally rich reading experience.
The characters feel well-rounded, and while the pacing and narrative structure may not be for everyone, I found that they complemented the novel’s themes effectively. There’s a rawness to the emotions that makes this book stand out, and despite my mixed feelings at times, I found it compelling.
If you're looking for a thought-provoking, atmospheric read that delves into the complexities of loss and self-reckoning, this is a book worth sitting with.
I'm thankful to NetGalley and She Writes Press for the ARC.
Elizabeth A. Tucker's The Pale Flesh of Wood is a beautifully written and deeply introspective novel that explores grief, trauma, and generational guilt through a nonlinear narrative. Right from the start, the book is steeped in sorrow, setting a tone that lingers throughout.
The writing style is captivating, with a structure that mirrors the chaotic emotions of its characters. I especially enjoyed Lyla’s perspective—her self-blame following her father’s suicide is a painful but well-crafted exploration of guilt. The novel doesn't just depict personal grief; it also weaves in the weight of generational trauma, making for a layered and emotionally rich reading experience.
The characters feel well-rounded, and while the pacing and narrative structure may not be for everyone, I found that they complemented the novel’s themes effectively. There’s a rawness to the emotions that makes this book stand out, and despite my mixed feelings at times, I found it compelling.
If you're looking for a thought-provoking, atmospheric read that delves into the complexities of loss and self-reckoning, this is a book worth sitting with.
February 12, 2025
I just finished this book this morning, and I was captivated from the very first page. This coming-of-age story spans decades, centering around a majestic oak tree that silently witnesses the passage of time. It raises the thought-provoking question: how much does a tree see and know over hundreds of years?
This wasn’t exactly a happy story, but it was deeply realistic, shedding light on how trauma can ripple through generations. The way one person is treated by a parent can create a domino effect, shaping how they interact with their own loved ones. The novel follows Lyla’s life, from her childhood spent running alongside her father—through both good and painful moments—to the aftermath of his suicide and the lingering impact on her, her mother, and her grandmother.
It’s a story filled with hard truths and difficult lessons, especially as loved ones struggle to navigate the aftermath of suicide. They piece together fragments in search of answers to the ultimate question—why—while holding on to each other the best they can, even when their ways of coping aren’t always the healthiest. Though heartbreaking at times, it was a beautifully written story, and despite the heavy themes, the ending left me deeply satisfied.
This wasn’t exactly a happy story, but it was deeply realistic, shedding light on how trauma can ripple through generations. The way one person is treated by a parent can create a domino effect, shaping how they interact with their own loved ones. The novel follows Lyla’s life, from her childhood spent running alongside her father—through both good and painful moments—to the aftermath of his suicide and the lingering impact on her, her mother, and her grandmother.
It’s a story filled with hard truths and difficult lessons, especially as loved ones struggle to navigate the aftermath of suicide. They piece together fragments in search of answers to the ultimate question—why—while holding on to each other the best they can, even when their ways of coping aren’t always the healthiest. Though heartbreaking at times, it was a beautifully written story, and despite the heavy themes, the ending left me deeply satisfied.
February 14, 2025
I was thrilled to be chosen for this #WinterPopUp with @booksparks and received 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑷𝑨𝑳𝑬 𝑭𝑳𝑬𝑺𝑯 𝑶𝑭 𝑾𝑶𝑶𝑫 𝒃𝒚 𝑬𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒉 𝑨. 𝑻𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒓 publishing February 11th!
This was a really moving family drama surrounding a deeply difficult topic of a father's suicide.
Lyla is a bit enamored by her larger than life dad as a 7 year old. He is always the fun one, but sometimes takes things too far. She hears rumors of what happened in the war, but they never talk about it. When the unthinkable happens, Lyla, her mother and grandmother are forever shaken and must find a way forward through their guilt into a place of forgiveness and truth.
I thought this story was a great examination of trauma in a family. This addressed mental illness, PTSD, generational trauma, generational culture shifts, and coming-of-age. This story spans 1931 to 1981 and had perspectives from all 3 women who were closest to Charles, though mostly from Lyla. Her perspective added the deeper trauma that passes down and I felt it was written in a compassionate and real way.
This is a bit of a heavier novel. It was also deeply moving and a great choice for a poignant story.
Thank you to @shewritespress for this reading experience I won't forget.
This was a really moving family drama surrounding a deeply difficult topic of a father's suicide.
Lyla is a bit enamored by her larger than life dad as a 7 year old. He is always the fun one, but sometimes takes things too far. She hears rumors of what happened in the war, but they never talk about it. When the unthinkable happens, Lyla, her mother and grandmother are forever shaken and must find a way forward through their guilt into a place of forgiveness and truth.
I thought this story was a great examination of trauma in a family. This addressed mental illness, PTSD, generational trauma, generational culture shifts, and coming-of-age. This story spans 1931 to 1981 and had perspectives from all 3 women who were closest to Charles, though mostly from Lyla. Her perspective added the deeper trauma that passes down and I felt it was written in a compassionate and real way.
This is a bit of a heavier novel. It was also deeply moving and a great choice for a poignant story.
Thank you to @shewritespress for this reading experience I won't forget.
February 18, 2025
Thank you so much @booksparks for the #gifted copy and having me along on the #WinterPopUp book tour!
Synopsis
For fans of Celeste Ng and Dani Shapiro, this lyrical debut set in twentieth-century Northern California offers a multigenerational braided narrative examining the rippling effects of trauma and perceived fault after a loved one’s suicide.
Set among the fault-prone landscape of Northern California, The Pale Flesh of Wood is told by three generations of the Hawkins family. Each narrative explores the effects of trauma after the ground shifts beneath their feet and how they must come to terms with their own sense of guilt in order to
My Review
I am a therapist and this book resonated with me so much. It explored some of the most important themes in my opinion, grief and trauma, and how it impacts the family system and individual members of the family in different ways. Family relationships and dynamics were also explored. The metaphor and symbolism of the tree and how it witnesses so much really, really got me thinking. I think the way I view trees will be different now after reading this story
Synopsis
For fans of Celeste Ng and Dani Shapiro, this lyrical debut set in twentieth-century Northern California offers a multigenerational braided narrative examining the rippling effects of trauma and perceived fault after a loved one’s suicide.
Set among the fault-prone landscape of Northern California, The Pale Flesh of Wood is told by three generations of the Hawkins family. Each narrative explores the effects of trauma after the ground shifts beneath their feet and how they must come to terms with their own sense of guilt in order to
My Review
I am a therapist and this book resonated with me so much. It explored some of the most important themes in my opinion, grief and trauma, and how it impacts the family system and individual members of the family in different ways. Family relationships and dynamics were also explored. The metaphor and symbolism of the tree and how it witnesses so much really, really got me thinking. I think the way I view trees will be different now after reading this story
February 4, 2025
Thank you to @booksparks and @Elizabethtucker for the gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily. #PaleofleshWood + #WinterPopUp
I had previously posted a cover and synopsis of this book, and so if you'd like to read a little about it, head on to that post. If you're interested in reading this book, trigger warning before moving forward. There are discussions of suicide, mental health, trauma, grief, and much more. This book depicts the trauma many dysfunctional families have experienced, especially in very broken ones. There is a lot of guilt that spews around in the storyline, and it is told in three parts. The book starts off fairly quick, but it does slow down a lot. If that isn't your cup of tea, this might not be the storyline for you. There are parts that could've been left out and replaced to explain parts of the plot, but each to their own! It's an emotional book that'll grab at your heartstrings when it comes to multigenerational chaos and trauma.
I had previously posted a cover and synopsis of this book, and so if you'd like to read a little about it, head on to that post. If you're interested in reading this book, trigger warning before moving forward. There are discussions of suicide, mental health, trauma, grief, and much more. This book depicts the trauma many dysfunctional families have experienced, especially in very broken ones. There is a lot of guilt that spews around in the storyline, and it is told in three parts. The book starts off fairly quick, but it does slow down a lot. If that isn't your cup of tea, this might not be the storyline for you. There are parts that could've been left out and replaced to explain parts of the plot, but each to their own! It's an emotional book that'll grab at your heartstrings when it comes to multigenerational chaos and trauma.
March 26, 2025
This story spans the legacy of one sad event on a California landscape which haunts the family land. When Lyla hangs a rope for a swing from the family's great oak for her father, a recently returned WWII veteran, she inadvertently helps him in his ultimate demise. How does a child grow with such a burden, how does a wife live on, how does his mother? And is anyone really responsible for anything other than surviving such a loss?
I loved the realistic characters, all slightly stubborn which helps no one connect with each other, ever, but feel real to the story. Ultimately, this tale offers a satisfying build up and release of how we live with and must, at some point, forgive a loss to survive it.
It is beautiful, sad, strange, unexpected, and often funny. Reading in the womb of a dark plane, I wept a little at the from the imperfect beauty of people who can continue to love each other, despite a shared history of pain.
I loved the realistic characters, all slightly stubborn which helps no one connect with each other, ever, but feel real to the story. Ultimately, this tale offers a satisfying build up and release of how we live with and must, at some point, forgive a loss to survive it.
It is beautiful, sad, strange, unexpected, and often funny. Reading in the womb of a dark plane, I wept a little at the from the imperfect beauty of people who can continue to love each other, despite a shared history of pain.
February 8, 2025
This is an intimate look at the effects of multigenerational trauma. Spanning fifty years, the story is filled with reflection, grief, guilt, and the challenges of moving on after life altering trauma.
The plot is extraordinarily slow moving which might be frustrating for some readers. The author does an exceptional job of illustrating the after effects of suicide - the blame, avoidance, and confusion - and the deep scars inflicted on those left behind who are seek answers that are not readily available. My heart ached for Lyla whose entire life was shaped by her father’s decision to take his own life.
Readers should be aware of the content warnings and proceed carefully. Though handled with sensitivity, suicide is the underpinning of this entire book.
Thank you to the author and Book Sparks for the advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review.
The plot is extraordinarily slow moving which might be frustrating for some readers. The author does an exceptional job of illustrating the after effects of suicide - the blame, avoidance, and confusion - and the deep scars inflicted on those left behind who are seek answers that are not readily available. My heart ached for Lyla whose entire life was shaped by her father’s decision to take his own life.
Readers should be aware of the content warnings and proceed carefully. Though handled with sensitivity, suicide is the underpinning of this entire book.
Thank you to the author and Book Sparks for the advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review.
February 11, 2025
📖✨ Book Review ✨📖
Thank you, @BookSparks, for the opportunity to participate in the #WinterPopUp! 📚❄️
The Pale Flesh of Wood by Elizabeth A. Tucker is a raw, haunting, and deeply emotional exploration of family, love, and the scars we inherit. This gripping novel delves into the complexities of generational trauma, mental health struggles, domestic violence, and the tangled bonds between a daughter and her father. Lyla’s love for her dad is profound, yet his suicide leaves wounds that cut deep. Tucker’s storytelling is unflinching and evocative, making this a powerful and unforgettable read.
🔥 Pub Date: 2/11! 🔥 If you love books that tackle tough, emotional themes with honesty and depth, this one is a must-read.
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This book contains themes of domestic violence, suicide, mental illness, and family trauma. Please read with care.
Thank you, @BookSparks, for the opportunity to participate in the #WinterPopUp! 📚❄️
The Pale Flesh of Wood by Elizabeth A. Tucker is a raw, haunting, and deeply emotional exploration of family, love, and the scars we inherit. This gripping novel delves into the complexities of generational trauma, mental health struggles, domestic violence, and the tangled bonds between a daughter and her father. Lyla’s love for her dad is profound, yet his suicide leaves wounds that cut deep. Tucker’s storytelling is unflinching and evocative, making this a powerful and unforgettable read.
🔥 Pub Date: 2/11! 🔥 If you love books that tackle tough, emotional themes with honesty and depth, this one is a must-read.
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This book contains themes of domestic violence, suicide, mental illness, and family trauma. Please read with care.
February 12, 2025
What captivated me about this story was the central role of the tree in the family’s narrative. One of my favorite books is Greenwood by Michael Christie (like another reviewer I’ve seen here!), and upon reading the synopsis of this book, I felt this story would maybe resonate similarly. There are several timeline jumps throughout the book that occasionally left me feeling disoriented, but the core message of the story didn’t seem to unravel for me with these.
Overall, I felt this book offered a solid exploration of familial trauma with a good pace, and despite a few plot and planning issues, it was still an enjoyable read and worth the time.
Thank you BookSparks for my gifted copy of this book as part of your Winter Reads Pop Up🫶🏼
Characters: 3
Setting: 3
Plot: 4
Themes: 4
Emotional: 3
Enjoyment: 3
Rating: 3.5 rounded to 3
Overall, I felt this book offered a solid exploration of familial trauma with a good pace, and despite a few plot and planning issues, it was still an enjoyable read and worth the time.
Thank you BookSparks for my gifted copy of this book as part of your Winter Reads Pop Up🫶🏼
Characters: 3
Setting: 3
Plot: 4
Themes: 4
Emotional: 3
Enjoyment: 3
Rating: 3.5 rounded to 3
February 27, 2025
Actual review: 4.5 stars
I picked up The Pale Flesh of Wood because I knew it would dive deep into grief, generational trauma, and loss—and I was right. The book paints a raw, heartbreaking picture of the relationship between Lyla and her father, especially after his tragic suicide. Although my own father's death came at an older age, the suddenness of it made me feel a connection to Lyla’s journey.
The story is powerful, evoking frustration, empathy, and sorrow for its characters, and the symbolism of the tree running throughout was brilliantly done. The alternating timelines kept me on my toes, sometimes making me go back to truly grasp the depth of a character's pain. This book makes you pause and reflect—exactly what I love in a story. A big thank you to Booksparks for the ARC!
I picked up The Pale Flesh of Wood because I knew it would dive deep into grief, generational trauma, and loss—and I was right. The book paints a raw, heartbreaking picture of the relationship between Lyla and her father, especially after his tragic suicide. Although my own father's death came at an older age, the suddenness of it made me feel a connection to Lyla’s journey.
The story is powerful, evoking frustration, empathy, and sorrow for its characters, and the symbolism of the tree running throughout was brilliantly done. The alternating timelines kept me on my toes, sometimes making me go back to truly grasp the depth of a character's pain. This book makes you pause and reflect—exactly what I love in a story. A big thank you to Booksparks for the ARC!
February 10, 2025
Full disclosure: I was given an ARC of this book from SparkPoint Studio in exchange for an honest review.
Content warning: this review discusses suicide, trauma, and grief.
Ever since I read "Everything I Never Told You" by Celeste Ng, I became intrigued by stories of how families deal with losing a loved one. However, that book was so good that I put it on my best list last year. It would be a tough act to follow. "The Pale Flesh of Wood" by Elizabeth A. Tucker tries to fill that void with exploring how a daughter grieves her father after his death and contains tree-life metaphors, but the structure doesn’t fully work.
To read more of this review, click on this link: https://chick-who-reads-everything.co...
Content warning: this review discusses suicide, trauma, and grief.
Ever since I read "Everything I Never Told You" by Celeste Ng, I became intrigued by stories of how families deal with losing a loved one. However, that book was so good that I put it on my best list last year. It would be a tough act to follow. "The Pale Flesh of Wood" by Elizabeth A. Tucker tries to fill that void with exploring how a daughter grieves her father after his death and contains tree-life metaphors, but the structure doesn’t fully work.
To read more of this review, click on this link: https://chick-who-reads-everything.co...
January 24, 2025
Thank you @netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of The Pale Flesh of Wood by Elizabeth Tucker. Lyla is 10 years old when her father hangs himself from the oak tree in her grandmother’s yard. Her father was the “fun” parent, although she realizes as an adult that he suffered a lot from some rough experiences in WWII. A lot of the story is about how this impacted her teen and young adult years. She tries to get away from home, but ends up going back. I don’t think I am doing this justice, it was a good read. #thepalefleshofwood #elizabethtucker #netgalley #advancedreadercopy #bookstagram #lovetoread #readersofinstagram
March 21, 2025
The Pale Flesh of Wood by Elizabeth Tucker is a beautifully haunting novel that delicately intertwines the natural world with human emotion. Through evocative prose, Tucker explores themes of loss, identity, and the passage of time, drawing readers into a world where memory and reality often blur. The writing is lush and atmospheric, rich with symbolism that reflects the fragility of both nature and the human spirit. Tucker’s ability to capture deep, raw emotions while weaving in elements of the mystical makes this book a poignant and thought-provoking read. It’s a testament to the quiet power of storytelling.
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