Cabbagehead

by Doris E. Wright

"Cabbagehead" is the story of a friendship between an inhibited human and an enlightened plant. Bradley Peterson has avoided being known or engaged in life through his fifty years of existence. Mistreated by his parents, bullied by his duplicitous wife, and long overwhelmed even by mundane events, Bradley has retreated to an uninspiring interior life. His only contentment is in gardening—until the day a plant, looking like a large and unlovely cabbage, speaks to him. Their conversations range from philosophy and religion to the merits of mold. Encouraged by the wise and persuasive Cabbagehead, Bradley becomes more assertive at work; reconnects with his children and father; stands up to the machinations of his scheming wife; and embraces a new, fulfilling life. The mundane life he knew before Cabbagehead is now in the past. But Bradley is alarmed when he learns of Cabbagehead's plan for him. "Cabbagehead" is a magical, humorous, insightful story of personal reflection, love, and transformation.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2024

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cabbagehead is a poignant yet funny well written character study by first time novelist Doris Wright. Told in highly engaging prose, the reader comes to know and understand the world of Bradley. Through his relationship with a highly evolved plant, we learn about him and his life as he contemplates his present, confronts his past, and moves on.

[Joe D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imaginative and beautifully written. Elements of Kafka’s Metamorphosis or Roth’s The Breast, but with greater emotional depth.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cabbagehead is a delightful, funny, whimsical and uplifting novel. I loved going along for this ride!

[Estelle Ford-Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cabbagehead by Doris E. Wright will have you wondering if plants have a life, and if they can intervene in our lives in ways we’ve not yet fathomed. Bradley, her main character, encounters a talking cabbage in his garden, a place he’s tended like a loving father, a refuge from his life of taking no risks, taking no positions, never talking back to his wife, or ever growing close to his three children. So bereft of excitement or emotion does Bradley’s life seem that one wonders how the children occurred, but that’s another topic. Cabbagehead becomes Bradley’s friend, and helps him start to grow more thoughtful, and, yes, more assertive. Readers will love Wright’s deft skill with words, her ability to move the story along, and her ability to keep us in suspense. Dry wit, the suspense over the next revelation in the vegetable dilemma, and Wright’s other writerly gifts will keep you reading. It’s a story for anyone who’s experienced family estrangement or lost themselves in nature anywhere. I was entranced. Someone gifted me a plant about the time I read this wonderful, whimsical, and literate read. It just seemed right that I give it a name. Croton hasn’t spoken yet, but our journey together is young. I highly recommend this novel!

[Roselyn Teukolsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let yourself be charmed by Doris Wright’s magical novel about a 50-year-old solitary, depressed man, Bradley, who becomes entranced and then rejuvenated by a cheeky cabbage-like plant that he comes upon in his garden.
The plant eggs Bradley on to re-engage with life—to reconnect with his estranged adult children, and confront his feckless, unfaithful wife.
With humor and profound wisdom, Wright takes us on a delightful journey with Bradley, as he gains strength from the incorrigible cabbage. This novel is unique and original and engrossing from beginning to end.
I was completely beguiled by the plant’s exhortations and Bradley’s transformation.
What’s not to love about a cabbage-like weed who is well-versed in science, religion, philosophy, and history?

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and thought it was amazing for a first novel. The story at first seems a little bizarre, but as you get into the book, there are many lessons of life that can be applied to your own life. It is an easy and interesting read, and it is highly recommended.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cabbagehead is a delightful , different, fun read.......enjoyed the journey the book took me on.
Well done!