Cabbagehead

by Doris E. Wright

"Cabbagehead" is the story of Bradley Peterson and his friendship with a wise, philosophical plant. Abandoned by his alcoholic father and thwarted by a domineering mother, Bradley is reclusive. At fifty, long in the same tedious job, his goal remains to be unnoticed and comfortably alone, maintaining a perfect lawn and garden. His beautiful wife Calley runs the show, and he and his three grown children barely know each other. Calley, who is having an affair with Bradley's boss, Ted, has other secrets. A miserable child reared in poverty, she resolved to change. She excelled, received scholarships, cut off family contact, and became an accomplished, successful person. Bradley readily acquiesces to her wishes, even in bed. On a day while Calley is away, Bradley discovers a large, cabbage-like plant in his yard that speaks to him. Bradley is horrified and wonders if he is losing his mind. He considers exorcism or destroying the plant. Instead, he and the plant become friends. His talks with Cabbagehead - a plant well-versed in science, religion, philosophy, and history - engage him fully, and Bradley realizes how much he has suppressed himself. Soon, Bradley is different at work, now speaking honestly. Ted reports this to Calley, who hires a private detective. Meanwhile, Cabbagehead explains to the confused Bradley he is becoming a person and needs to seek forgiveness from his children, prompting Bradley to take a trip. He encounters KATIE, a botany major, living with FADI, her Lebanese boyfriend, a circumstance that brought Calley to cut off her funds. Bradley next visits his sarcastic, mercurial son, PHILIP, and learns Calley has been sending Philip money to cover gambling debts. Bradley meets and comforts the waif-like Olivia, who is carrying Phillip's child. On the road to see his eldest child, ANNE, a would-be clone of Calley, Bradley encounters ARNOLD, the father he's not seen in forty years. Meanwhile, Calley misses the old, predictable Bradley and fumes over his interference with "her" children.
Finally, because of pressure from Cabbagehead, he embarks on another trip—an epic journey to save the planet. The mundane life he knew before Cabbagehead is now in the past. "Cabbagehead" is a magical, humorous, insightful story of personal reflection, love, and transformation.

288 pages, Paperback

Published January 15, 2025

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!