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The Lion Trees #1
Unraveling
"THE LION TREES" -- WINNER OF THE KINDLE BOOK AWARD
What if survival required you to unlearn who you are? How far would you fall to save yourself? Sometimes happiness is a long way down.
The Johns family is unraveling. Hollis, a retired Ohio banker, isolates himself in esoteric hobbies and a dangerous flirtation with a colleague’s daughter. Susan, his wife of forty years, risks everything for a second chance at who she might have become. David, their eldest, thrashes to stay afloat as his teaching career capsizes in a storm of accusations involving a missing student and the legacy of Christopher Columbus. And young Tilly, the black sheep, having traded literary promise for an improbable career as a Hollywood starlet, struggles to define herself amid salacious scandal, the demands of a powerful director, and the judgments of an uncompromising writer.
By turns comical and poignant, the Johns family is tumbling toward the discovery that sometimes you have to let go of your identity to find out who you are.
What if survival required you to unlearn who you are? How far would you fall to save yourself? Sometimes happiness is a long way down.
The Johns family is unraveling. Hollis, a retired Ohio banker, isolates himself in esoteric hobbies and a dangerous flirtation with a colleague’s daughter. Susan, his wife of forty years, risks everything for a second chance at who she might have become. David, their eldest, thrashes to stay afloat as his teaching career capsizes in a storm of accusations involving a missing student and the legacy of Christopher Columbus. And young Tilly, the black sheep, having traded literary promise for an improbable career as a Hollywood starlet, struggles to define herself amid salacious scandal, the demands of a powerful director, and the judgments of an uncompromising writer.
By turns comical and poignant, the Johns family is tumbling toward the discovery that sometimes you have to let go of your identity to find out who you are.
762 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2014
5 people are currently reading
603 people want to read
About the author
Owen Thomas
62 books68 followersOwen Thomas is a life-long Alaskan living on Maui because life is too short for long winters. He has written six books: "The Lion Trees" (which has garnered over sixteen international book awards, including the Amazon Kindle Book Award, the Eric Hoffer Book Award, the Book and Author Book of the Year, the Beverly Hills International Book Award and, most recently, a finalist in the Book Excellence Awards); “Mother Blues,” (a novel of music and mystery set in post-Hurricane Harvey Texas); “Message in a Bullet: A Raymond Mackey Mystery,” (the first in a series of detective novels); "The Russian Doll" (the second installment in that series); "Signs of Passing" (a book of interconnected short stories, and winner of fourteen book awards, including the Pacific Book Awards for Short Fiction, also named one of the 100 Most Notable Books of the Year by Shelf Unbound Magazine); and “This is the Dream,” (a collection of stories and novellas that explore that perplexing liminal distance between who we are and what we want). Owen maintains an active fiction and photography blog on Facebook, Tumblr and on his author website at www.owenthomasliterary.com.
For the ninth consecutive year since he has been measuring his commercial success as an author, Owen has not won the Orange Prize for Fiction. Also, to great acclaim, he has not won the Man Booker Prize. Most recently, in April of 2020, Owen was not nominated for a Pulitzer.
Owen makes his home in Alaska and Hawaii. When he is not writing, Owen can be found recreating and taking photographs in the grandeur of these wonderfully picturesque locations. Some of these photos are posted on Owen's photo blog, 1000 Words per Frame.
For the ninth consecutive year since he has been measuring his commercial success as an author, Owen has not won the Orange Prize for Fiction. Also, to great acclaim, he has not won the Man Booker Prize. Most recently, in April of 2020, Owen was not nominated for a Pulitzer.
Owen makes his home in Alaska and Hawaii. When he is not writing, Owen can be found recreating and taking photographs in the grandeur of these wonderfully picturesque locations. Some of these photos are posted on Owen's photo blog, 1000 Words per Frame.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 29, 2020
I wrote it, so I'm just a little biased. But seriously... it's not half-bad. I only used 26 different letters and just over 1,616 numbers. For anything more substantive, I refer you to other reviews. Enjoy.
August 27, 2014
This two-volume juggernaut is an orgy of literary yummy - and way more fun than a serious work of fiction has a right to be. I’m always looking for a novel that has it all: credible characters, an entertaining story line, suspense, humor, good writing, something unexpected, a satisfying ending, and a meaningful theme. It’s a tall order for any author, so I was surprised to find the whole package in a debut novel.
“The Lion Trees” unfolds in four interwoven narratives. The Hollis chapters are told in a deft third-person voice infused with the character’s point-of-view. I think it says something about the maturity of the author that as Hollis shambles through his character arc, we root for him even as we want to punch him in the nose. The Susan chapters are told entirely through dialogue. The Tilly chapters are told in the first-person from a retrospective 60 years in the future, and I must say, it was poignant and compelling to listen to a woman with end-of-life wisdom recall the missteps of her turbulent youth. The David chapters are engagingly told in the first-person as his life sprawls away from him in a debacle that is outrageous and yet relatable.
“The Lion Trees” has a profound central theme, combined with astute character studies, some social observation, genuine soulfulness, and a good sense of humor. It’s a deeply satisfying read.
And yet, let me offer at least one criticism. There is something unsettling about Susan’s character. I never got a good grasp on her, and while her frustrations and triumphs are plausible, we don’t encounter them with the same sharp humanity that the author creates for the other main characters.
And then there is the length of the book. What can I say? It’s long. But if you’re thinking that a book this size must be an impenetrable mess or a tedious slog, then you are in for a nice surprise. Four distinct voices keep the narration fresh. The drama is engrossing. And the story becomes a suspenseful page-turner as the novel picks up momentum. Reading this book reminded me of binge-viewing an HBO series, or reading a trilogy back-to-back. I emerged at the end feeling like I’d been somewhere.
The other advantage of a super-size novel is that the author gets to take the reader on an occasional detour. These secondary characters add delicious texture to an already multilayered story, and because the subplots are well crafted, they meld seamlessly into the greater story without feeling extraneous. I found that the minor characters advanced the central theme of the book and were fascinating in their own right.
I want my book club to select this book even though it’s a two-volume set. I visited the author’s website and discovered that he is willing to participate in discussions, which I think is fantastic. (It’s a cool website).
As a point of reference for those who like comparisons, this book has the family dynamics of “The Corrections,” the story-within-a-story of “The Blind Assassin,” the alternating voices of “The Poisonwood Bible,” the social incisiveness of “A Man in Full,” the wry irreverence of “The Financial Lives of Poets,” and the timeless quality of “A Prayer for Owen Meany” (with a dash of Bradbury sci-fi on the side).
I know this is an exuberant review - especially since I’m constantly exasperated by blurbs that declare every book to be Amazing! Astounding! Breathtaking! - nevertheless, this novel is truly a standout and I loved its audacious length and ambition.
“The Lion Trees” unfolds in four interwoven narratives. The Hollis chapters are told in a deft third-person voice infused with the character’s point-of-view. I think it says something about the maturity of the author that as Hollis shambles through his character arc, we root for him even as we want to punch him in the nose. The Susan chapters are told entirely through dialogue. The Tilly chapters are told in the first-person from a retrospective 60 years in the future, and I must say, it was poignant and compelling to listen to a woman with end-of-life wisdom recall the missteps of her turbulent youth. The David chapters are engagingly told in the first-person as his life sprawls away from him in a debacle that is outrageous and yet relatable.
“The Lion Trees” has a profound central theme, combined with astute character studies, some social observation, genuine soulfulness, and a good sense of humor. It’s a deeply satisfying read.
And yet, let me offer at least one criticism. There is something unsettling about Susan’s character. I never got a good grasp on her, and while her frustrations and triumphs are plausible, we don’t encounter them with the same sharp humanity that the author creates for the other main characters.
And then there is the length of the book. What can I say? It’s long. But if you’re thinking that a book this size must be an impenetrable mess or a tedious slog, then you are in for a nice surprise. Four distinct voices keep the narration fresh. The drama is engrossing. And the story becomes a suspenseful page-turner as the novel picks up momentum. Reading this book reminded me of binge-viewing an HBO series, or reading a trilogy back-to-back. I emerged at the end feeling like I’d been somewhere.
The other advantage of a super-size novel is that the author gets to take the reader on an occasional detour. These secondary characters add delicious texture to an already multilayered story, and because the subplots are well crafted, they meld seamlessly into the greater story without feeling extraneous. I found that the minor characters advanced the central theme of the book and were fascinating in their own right.
I want my book club to select this book even though it’s a two-volume set. I visited the author’s website and discovered that he is willing to participate in discussions, which I think is fantastic. (It’s a cool website).
As a point of reference for those who like comparisons, this book has the family dynamics of “The Corrections,” the story-within-a-story of “The Blind Assassin,” the alternating voices of “The Poisonwood Bible,” the social incisiveness of “A Man in Full,” the wry irreverence of “The Financial Lives of Poets,” and the timeless quality of “A Prayer for Owen Meany” (with a dash of Bradbury sci-fi on the side).
I know this is an exuberant review - especially since I’m constantly exasperated by blurbs that declare every book to be Amazing! Astounding! Breathtaking! - nevertheless, this novel is truly a standout and I loved its audacious length and ambition.
September 18, 2014
The Lion Trees is a brilliant debut novel. As the Johns family members lives begin to fall apart, Owen Thomas is able to weave their individual journeys together. The characters certainly come alive through their strong and distinct voices. You will recognize these characters—individuals in your life or perhaps yourself. The amazing plot keeps you reading. This novel has all the elements of great literature. It would be compelling discussion for any book club. As well, the story would certainly translate to the big screen. A must read.
I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2014
Ties that bind us – A review of the novel ‘The Lion Trees’
“Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans” - John Lennon
As I finished reading the novel which fully deserves that loosely and widely used epithet ‘magnum opus’, I realized that The Lion Trees was much more than what it claims to be and definitely wiser than what I could comprehend in the first reading. And yet, it is those first impressions that matter most of the time and of which I’m about to share with you. As I close my eyes and look back at the book, certain images that my mind crafted while reading this novel comes alive to me in spurts and in solitary, of connecting with another individual, experiencing their angst, their remorse, their resolve, their happiness, their endings. And when I think about it, it sometimes feels like I’m drifting in and out of sleep, recollecting images from a dream that I’ve seen or perhaps one I’m seeing right now but I know they were from a book, from a novel that is as real as fictionalized reality gets or perhaps and funnily enough from pure fiction shot with an absolute dose of honest reality.
Author Owen Thomas’s two part saga on family and the lives of individuals that make up such a social unit form the base for his novel, ‘The Lion Trees’. Juxtaposing with the moral and social environment of America circa 2005, his novel reads as a part impressionistic memoir and part anecdotal account of the lives of five individuals of a family. They are the Johns family; papa Hollis, mom Susan and siblings David and Tilly’s separate narrative intertwines with each other’s and sometimes stays afloat on its own. But the one thing that unites them all is Ben, Hollis and Susan’s third child and the one constant presence in all their lives.
The character of Hollis is of a retired banker, a man of many stories, a man with odd hobbies and a stranger interest in a former colleague’s daughter. Wife Susan, the proverbial caregiver of the family increasingly finds herself contemplating her individual future separate from that of her family; looking for a more meaningful purpose to her existence. So it would be no surprise to state at this point that their marriage has hit a giant roadblock and isn’t going anywhere, a fact that is openly acknowledged by both her adult children. David is the quintessential right guy at all the wrong places, saying and doing all the wrong things. His earnestness and his almost obsessive compulsion to follow a path of righteous integrity lands him trouble more often than not. Ben, the youngest suffers from Down syndrome, is the epitome of love and innocence and a figure that resembles the allegorical home all the four characters return to whenever they go off the track. And then there’s Tilly, the only character who’s narrative transcends the linear nature of the book and we get to see her explore herself and her story in a retrospective manner down the ages from her struggles as an young aspiring starlet to an established and mature woman and actress. The Lion Trees is their story, part one deals with their falls while part two shows their revival, starting their lives afresh.
You take one look at the novel and your impulsively judgemental mind may be excused for jumping the gun and trying to categorize the novel into that of a genre with a dark theme and heavy duty drama and thinking it to be related to its similar American and Russian cousins. But by the time you are done with The Lion Trees, you would have forgotten all about the length and will realize what an amazingly entertaining piece of literature it was and do I dare say it, a serious novel that provides you with some genuine laugh out loud moments.
Owen Thomas is so sure of his writing and the unique and individual voices that he has created for his characters that he doesn’t feel the need to add (a highly distracting) ‘he said’, ‘she said’ after every line of conversation between the characters. The level of detailing is pretty amazing, even the way each character’s immediate environment has been made up to highlight and reflect on their unique personalities has been well thought out. In addition to the novel's principal characters, Owen has given us as a fine array of secondary characters as well. Their back stories and their sub plots will be relatable to most. There are some stand out scenes in the book, worth mentioning are Susan’s political speech, Angus Mann’s diatribe against Hollywood and pretty much all the scenes involving David, especially those of him teaching history to his students, his interrogation scenes and the final courtroom drama. The novel is also filled with great quotable quotes, a true book aficionado’s delight.
The Lion Trees depicts people who can’t be slotted as just saints or monsters, they fall somewhere in between, just like any of us. Owen Thomas’s writing leaves you richer with emotions and contentment even before the ending arrives. And if there is only one book that you are going to read this year, make it The Lion Trees.
“Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans” - John Lennon
As I finished reading the novel which fully deserves that loosely and widely used epithet ‘magnum opus’, I realized that The Lion Trees was much more than what it claims to be and definitely wiser than what I could comprehend in the first reading. And yet, it is those first impressions that matter most of the time and of which I’m about to share with you. As I close my eyes and look back at the book, certain images that my mind crafted while reading this novel comes alive to me in spurts and in solitary, of connecting with another individual, experiencing their angst, their remorse, their resolve, their happiness, their endings. And when I think about it, it sometimes feels like I’m drifting in and out of sleep, recollecting images from a dream that I’ve seen or perhaps one I’m seeing right now but I know they were from a book, from a novel that is as real as fictionalized reality gets or perhaps and funnily enough from pure fiction shot with an absolute dose of honest reality.
Author Owen Thomas’s two part saga on family and the lives of individuals that make up such a social unit form the base for his novel, ‘The Lion Trees’. Juxtaposing with the moral and social environment of America circa 2005, his novel reads as a part impressionistic memoir and part anecdotal account of the lives of five individuals of a family. They are the Johns family; papa Hollis, mom Susan and siblings David and Tilly’s separate narrative intertwines with each other’s and sometimes stays afloat on its own. But the one thing that unites them all is Ben, Hollis and Susan’s third child and the one constant presence in all their lives.
The character of Hollis is of a retired banker, a man of many stories, a man with odd hobbies and a stranger interest in a former colleague’s daughter. Wife Susan, the proverbial caregiver of the family increasingly finds herself contemplating her individual future separate from that of her family; looking for a more meaningful purpose to her existence. So it would be no surprise to state at this point that their marriage has hit a giant roadblock and isn’t going anywhere, a fact that is openly acknowledged by both her adult children. David is the quintessential right guy at all the wrong places, saying and doing all the wrong things. His earnestness and his almost obsessive compulsion to follow a path of righteous integrity lands him trouble more often than not. Ben, the youngest suffers from Down syndrome, is the epitome of love and innocence and a figure that resembles the allegorical home all the four characters return to whenever they go off the track. And then there’s Tilly, the only character who’s narrative transcends the linear nature of the book and we get to see her explore herself and her story in a retrospective manner down the ages from her struggles as an young aspiring starlet to an established and mature woman and actress. The Lion Trees is their story, part one deals with their falls while part two shows their revival, starting their lives afresh.
You take one look at the novel and your impulsively judgemental mind may be excused for jumping the gun and trying to categorize the novel into that of a genre with a dark theme and heavy duty drama and thinking it to be related to its similar American and Russian cousins. But by the time you are done with The Lion Trees, you would have forgotten all about the length and will realize what an amazingly entertaining piece of literature it was and do I dare say it, a serious novel that provides you with some genuine laugh out loud moments.
Owen Thomas is so sure of his writing and the unique and individual voices that he has created for his characters that he doesn’t feel the need to add (a highly distracting) ‘he said’, ‘she said’ after every line of conversation between the characters. The level of detailing is pretty amazing, even the way each character’s immediate environment has been made up to highlight and reflect on their unique personalities has been well thought out. In addition to the novel's principal characters, Owen has given us as a fine array of secondary characters as well. Their back stories and their sub plots will be relatable to most. There are some stand out scenes in the book, worth mentioning are Susan’s political speech, Angus Mann’s diatribe against Hollywood and pretty much all the scenes involving David, especially those of him teaching history to his students, his interrogation scenes and the final courtroom drama. The novel is also filled with great quotable quotes, a true book aficionado’s delight.
The Lion Trees depicts people who can’t be slotted as just saints or monsters, they fall somewhere in between, just like any of us. Owen Thomas’s writing leaves you richer with emotions and contentment even before the ending arrives. And if there is only one book that you are going to read this year, make it The Lion Trees.
September 22, 2014
This is a beefy novel that doesn't rush the reader, but instead grafts them to the family tree. The Johns family is a wreck with father Hollis disconnected and searching for some sort of nirvana, maybe even with the young daughter of a colleague. 40 years of marriage has both he and his wife disenchanted with their own lives, and each other. Susan doesn't seem to have an identity any longer, having buried it in her husband's needs and raising the children. From the beginning the reader is intimately drawn in with the cold interaction Susan and Hollis share with her calling to Hollis and he ignoring her. The reader knows that they may as well be living on separate planets and may as well be separate creatures entirely. Their daughter Tilly is living under constant rumor and scandal as a Hollywood star with a rotten reputation, no longer living up to her promising future. The dynamic between Hollis and Tilly is slowly uncovered, and she demands her parents get counseling before she dares to see them. Son David is hooked into a scandal of his own when a female student disappears, only to find his teaching job pulled out from under him. Of course, there is always the undercurrent of jealousy towards his sister 'the star' to contend with. This is not a happy family, they are not just slowly unraveling, they are crumbling.
As with most families, each character has their own complexities and does a fast job annoying the reader as much as demanding their attention. It is not a light, quick read. David was the easiest to feel compassion for. But each of the Johns family has a way of reaching out and forcing the reader to care. The Lion Trees is very involved in the life of the Johns, and reminds me of certain classics. It took my quite some time to finish this story, but I had to know what happened with everyone. There are strange turns in the novel that I didn't expect. Particularly with Hollis and his little honey. The characters can't hide from the reader here, the probe inside the heart of each Johns is too deep. Wonderful writing.
As with most families, each character has their own complexities and does a fast job annoying the reader as much as demanding their attention. It is not a light, quick read. David was the easiest to feel compassion for. But each of the Johns family has a way of reaching out and forcing the reader to care. The Lion Trees is very involved in the life of the Johns, and reminds me of certain classics. It took my quite some time to finish this story, but I had to know what happened with everyone. There are strange turns in the novel that I didn't expect. Particularly with Hollis and his little honey. The characters can't hide from the reader here, the probe inside the heart of each Johns is too deep. Wonderful writing.
August 26, 2014
With constant urging from a friend, I finally agreed to take on a sizable piece of fiction entitled ”The Lion Trees”. She assured me it was even screenplay-worthy and a book we would enjoy discussing. In her words “This is a winner!”
SO “The Lion Trees” it was, and what a ride it turned out to be! It almost took over my life as I had trouble putting it down. The novel invites you into the personal lives of four members of the Johns family, each in the midst of his and her own private upheaval. But while these individual narratives are separately told, the author has woven them together beautifully to tell a much larger story. Further, Thomas effectively engages the reader into the character and unfolding life story of each family member while expertly and unsuspectingly tying each back to the unbelievable happenings of the others.
Just as I was totally engrossed in the suspense of Hollis Johns, I was thrown into the personal drama going on with Susan, David or Tilly Johns which all contribute powerfully to several common themes that span and bind together the entire book. The character development in “The Lion Trees” makes each character so alive that you feel you want to rush to the phone and offer a “piece of advice” to keep them from falling into the traps you suspect are just around the corner. “YIKES, DON”T GO THERE”! As you read, you are totally drawn into this story.
And yet, “The Lion Trees” is more than just suspenseful. It has the wonderful humor of David in which you find you laugh out loud as his life story explodes in a chaotic and unpredictably entertaining spiral. It is so relatable and warm, you want to read David’s story twice. I suspect every reader will have a favorite. David was mine.
Susan is the one who made me actually stop reading momentarily to think about how she related her life with her family. Her story is told entirely through dialogue and I found her story to be very compelling with some quite unexpected twists and turns. I still think about her. I believe many women her age will be able to relate to her in one way or another. I feel the author’s character development of Susan was written with just enough depth to fuel the reader’s imagination.
The Tilly chapters are told in the first person, retrospectively, as she looks back over decades of an eventful life. She shares the joys and pain of her childhood in Ohio, the sordid saga of her all-too-public experience as a Hollywood starlet, and her reconciliation with her own past as she matures into a fully-realized person.
Each family member’s story is more than a worthwhile reading experience unto itself but since the Johns family is connected in so many memorable ways, these characters are compelling because of how they connect to each other. They are indeed a “family” which is why the reader can so easily relate.
“The Lion Trees” is soulful, humorous and meaningful and it has some of the best character development I have read in a while. The story is rich, so very rich in its depth.
I actually tried to find something I didn’t like. I’m sorry but I cannot. When I started I was concerned about the length. This is a big book (two volumes, so make sure you are not purchasing just half the book), but I found myself wishing there was more. Imagine that?
OK, my friend was absolutely correct in pushing me to the point of frustration to take on “the Lion Trees” Thank you friend! I am now open to discussion as you suggested.
This book is a true winner!
SO “The Lion Trees” it was, and what a ride it turned out to be! It almost took over my life as I had trouble putting it down. The novel invites you into the personal lives of four members of the Johns family, each in the midst of his and her own private upheaval. But while these individual narratives are separately told, the author has woven them together beautifully to tell a much larger story. Further, Thomas effectively engages the reader into the character and unfolding life story of each family member while expertly and unsuspectingly tying each back to the unbelievable happenings of the others.
Just as I was totally engrossed in the suspense of Hollis Johns, I was thrown into the personal drama going on with Susan, David or Tilly Johns which all contribute powerfully to several common themes that span and bind together the entire book. The character development in “The Lion Trees” makes each character so alive that you feel you want to rush to the phone and offer a “piece of advice” to keep them from falling into the traps you suspect are just around the corner. “YIKES, DON”T GO THERE”! As you read, you are totally drawn into this story.
And yet, “The Lion Trees” is more than just suspenseful. It has the wonderful humor of David in which you find you laugh out loud as his life story explodes in a chaotic and unpredictably entertaining spiral. It is so relatable and warm, you want to read David’s story twice. I suspect every reader will have a favorite. David was mine.
Susan is the one who made me actually stop reading momentarily to think about how she related her life with her family. Her story is told entirely through dialogue and I found her story to be very compelling with some quite unexpected twists and turns. I still think about her. I believe many women her age will be able to relate to her in one way or another. I feel the author’s character development of Susan was written with just enough depth to fuel the reader’s imagination.
The Tilly chapters are told in the first person, retrospectively, as she looks back over decades of an eventful life. She shares the joys and pain of her childhood in Ohio, the sordid saga of her all-too-public experience as a Hollywood starlet, and her reconciliation with her own past as she matures into a fully-realized person.
Each family member’s story is more than a worthwhile reading experience unto itself but since the Johns family is connected in so many memorable ways, these characters are compelling because of how they connect to each other. They are indeed a “family” which is why the reader can so easily relate.
“The Lion Trees” is soulful, humorous and meaningful and it has some of the best character development I have read in a while. The story is rich, so very rich in its depth.
I actually tried to find something I didn’t like. I’m sorry but I cannot. When I started I was concerned about the length. This is a big book (two volumes, so make sure you are not purchasing just half the book), but I found myself wishing there was more. Imagine that?
OK, my friend was absolutely correct in pushing me to the point of frustration to take on “the Lion Trees” Thank you friend! I am now open to discussion as you suggested.
This book is a true winner!
September 17, 2014
A Roaring Success
Is change possible? Personal growth? A new day? A fresh start? Or are we destined from birth, or perhaps from our first early missteps, to an immutable character? Character not just as a collection of mental and moral qualities, but as a character in a play, a dramatis persona that we must act out again and again in multiple scenes of our lives, a perpetual Groundhog Day? And what room is left for morality, judgment, approbation and adulation if we are each merely spinning in the discs of our lives?
The Lion Trees: Part One: Unraveling, poses these questions through close examination of a dysfunctional family in Columbus, Ohio. Chapters cycle among the viewpoints of four main protagonists, with only one family member, Ben the innocent, being left without a voice of his own. The others weave in and out, warping and wefting through the tragic unfolding of their lives.
Hollis, the father; his wife, Susan; and their apparently doomed son, David, occupy an early turn of this century present, extended to other dimensions of time through extensive flashbacks. Only Tilly, the ultimate persona, an actress by profession, transcends the linear nature of time, flitting back and forth over decades past, present and future. The whole cast occupies the same moment in time, with most of them being in the same physical place, only once, at a tragicomic celebration worthy of Mordecai Richler, but the fugal flashbacks create a Rashomon effect of multiple vantage points for many other important incidents in their lives.
This is a complex and serious book, exploring weighty themes with steady and precise writing. The characters are real, their fates are moving, their dialogue is spot on. I know many of these people. Worse yet, I fear that I am some of them, or at least parts of me are present in parts of them. And not the good parts. The mirror is held close, and the reflection is not always pleasing. Owen Thomas has been compared, favorably, to John Updike, and the nod to Rabbit’s creator is not far from the mark.
As Part One: Unraveling closes, it seems like things can’t get much worse for Tilly, and especially for David, whose own unraveling is reminiscent of Sherman McCoy’s in Bonfire of the Vanities. Fortunately for those who want the characters to break out of the cycle of return, to start a new day and perhaps escape the fates foretold for them, there is hope, if not certainty of salvation, in the second volume of this lengthy work. This reviewer hasn’t read it yet, but is turning immediately to The Lion Trees: Part Two: Awakening.
Regardless of the outcome, Owen Thomas has shown a mastery of craft that sustains this original and engrossing new novel. It is one of the best works of literary fiction that I have read in a very long time.
Is change possible? Personal growth? A new day? A fresh start? Or are we destined from birth, or perhaps from our first early missteps, to an immutable character? Character not just as a collection of mental and moral qualities, but as a character in a play, a dramatis persona that we must act out again and again in multiple scenes of our lives, a perpetual Groundhog Day? And what room is left for morality, judgment, approbation and adulation if we are each merely spinning in the discs of our lives?
The Lion Trees: Part One: Unraveling, poses these questions through close examination of a dysfunctional family in Columbus, Ohio. Chapters cycle among the viewpoints of four main protagonists, with only one family member, Ben the innocent, being left without a voice of his own. The others weave in and out, warping and wefting through the tragic unfolding of their lives.
Hollis, the father; his wife, Susan; and their apparently doomed son, David, occupy an early turn of this century present, extended to other dimensions of time through extensive flashbacks. Only Tilly, the ultimate persona, an actress by profession, transcends the linear nature of time, flitting back and forth over decades past, present and future. The whole cast occupies the same moment in time, with most of them being in the same physical place, only once, at a tragicomic celebration worthy of Mordecai Richler, but the fugal flashbacks create a Rashomon effect of multiple vantage points for many other important incidents in their lives.
This is a complex and serious book, exploring weighty themes with steady and precise writing. The characters are real, their fates are moving, their dialogue is spot on. I know many of these people. Worse yet, I fear that I am some of them, or at least parts of me are present in parts of them. And not the good parts. The mirror is held close, and the reflection is not always pleasing. Owen Thomas has been compared, favorably, to John Updike, and the nod to Rabbit’s creator is not far from the mark.
As Part One: Unraveling closes, it seems like things can’t get much worse for Tilly, and especially for David, whose own unraveling is reminiscent of Sherman McCoy’s in Bonfire of the Vanities. Fortunately for those who want the characters to break out of the cycle of return, to start a new day and perhaps escape the fates foretold for them, there is hope, if not certainty of salvation, in the second volume of this lengthy work. This reviewer hasn’t read it yet, but is turning immediately to The Lion Trees: Part Two: Awakening.
Regardless of the outcome, Owen Thomas has shown a mastery of craft that sustains this original and engrossing new novel. It is one of the best works of literary fiction that I have read in a very long time.
December 11, 2014
The Lion Trees is about the individual lives of a family whose stories are connected by their need to find themselves. The story is told from each person’s perspective. Hollis, the father, exhibits the mannerisms of a man whose marriage of 40 years is badly in need of a make-over. He is retired and one would expect him to be enjoying his freedom but this does not appear to be the case. His wife, Susan, does not give him the respect he thinks is due to him. She, on the other hand, seems to be worn out by years of being a wife and mother and is determined to re-discover herself. The couple have three children. Tilly is a budding Hollywood actress who is also trying to clean up her reputation as an easy girl. David is a history teacher at the high school where he was once a student. He faces the daily challenge of teaching students who show no interest in education and leading an unremarkable life compared to his sister Tilly until he is linked to the disappearance of a girl. Then there is Ben, who is a special needs child. Each of the characters has their own complexities which the author dissects as their stories unfold.
This is one of the most well-written novels I have read in a long time. As I read it I remember thinking, this is what novel writing is about. It is not just about the plot unfolds or even how the story ends but about engaging with its audience and awakening their imagination and senses. The rich descriptive language not only draws the reader in but makes them care about what happens to each character and somehow feel like a part of the story.
The Kindle version is over 1300 pages making it a very long book which can be intimidating. However, I would say that with its healthy mix of intrigue and mystery Owen Thomas definitely has a winning combination.
Highly recommended for serious readers.
This is one of the most well-written novels I have read in a long time. As I read it I remember thinking, this is what novel writing is about. It is not just about the plot unfolds or even how the story ends but about engaging with its audience and awakening their imagination and senses. The rich descriptive language not only draws the reader in but makes them care about what happens to each character and somehow feel like a part of the story.
The Kindle version is over 1300 pages making it a very long book which can be intimidating. However, I would say that with its healthy mix of intrigue and mystery Owen Thomas definitely has a winning combination.
Highly recommended for serious readers.
September 30, 2014
Given To Me For An Honest Review
Owen Thomas' book The Lion Trees: Part One: Unraveling is a powerful, gripping and a very realistic story. It is about the Johns family. The parents are Hollis and Susan. The children are Matilda (Tilly) and David. Ben who is mentally challenged who lives with his parents.
Hollis is a retired banker and has a problem with drinking. He is usually downstairs in the basement trying to avoid his wife. Susan is a wife and mother who is beginning to regret her past choices in life. She is also the caregiver for Ben. David is a high school teacher who seems to always be fighting a battle with his students who don't really care about learning. Finally there is Tilly. She is an actress. After using director's couches to try and climb the ladder to success she is now earning respect with her acting. She has earned a nomination for an Academy Award.
This is a family that from outside looks like an average family. From behind the doors they are a family without love or caring and have many problems. This book is a must read. Once you begin it'll grab you and won't let go until you get to the end. There are many twist and turns. And talk about a page turner, this truly is one. The interesting thing is as you read it seems to make you a part of the story. When you get to the end of the book you go "Hey"? But, no worries there is Book #2. So it's all good. I gave this book 5 stars but I think it really deserves more than 10+ stars. I loved it and you will too. I highly recommend it to all. I look forward to more from Owen Thomas
Owen Thomas' book The Lion Trees: Part One: Unraveling is a powerful, gripping and a very realistic story. It is about the Johns family. The parents are Hollis and Susan. The children are Matilda (Tilly) and David. Ben who is mentally challenged who lives with his parents.
Hollis is a retired banker and has a problem with drinking. He is usually downstairs in the basement trying to avoid his wife. Susan is a wife and mother who is beginning to regret her past choices in life. She is also the caregiver for Ben. David is a high school teacher who seems to always be fighting a battle with his students who don't really care about learning. Finally there is Tilly. She is an actress. After using director's couches to try and climb the ladder to success she is now earning respect with her acting. She has earned a nomination for an Academy Award.
This is a family that from outside looks like an average family. From behind the doors they are a family without love or caring and have many problems. This book is a must read. Once you begin it'll grab you and won't let go until you get to the end. There are many twist and turns. And talk about a page turner, this truly is one. The interesting thing is as you read it seems to make you a part of the story. When you get to the end of the book you go "Hey"? But, no worries there is Book #2. So it's all good. I gave this book 5 stars but I think it really deserves more than 10+ stars. I loved it and you will too. I highly recommend it to all. I look forward to more from Owen Thomas
November 28, 2014
This 1,600+ page epic novel is a worthwhile read if you have the time. The story is complex, believable, and memorable, with characters that are distinct, interesting and purposeful. I admire the way the author skillfully gets inside each character’s head allowing readers to feel they are right there along for the ride. Thomas’s writing style is concrete and specific, and his use of the English language is impressive.
I love the theme of this story. In life we become the person we believe we are, but making that determination can often be a struggle. Sometimes we have to search for truths about ourselves to confirm who we are. And sometimes after we discover new truths, we change. Literary fiction is my favorite genre.
I believe the author took several risks with this two-part saga. First, he told the story in a variety of different POVs and verb tenses— non-traditional and highly unusual for someone’s debut novel. But I think he pulled it off well, and I personally didn’t find it distracting. Second, he risked losing some readers with long passages of back story. While it helped tremendously with character development, in places I found it disruptive to the story being told. And third, of course, was the length of the book and some of the chapters that require a huge time commitment from the reader.
Despite some of my criticisms (and the fact that it would have benefited from better editing and proofreading), I enjoyed reading The Lion Trees and sincerely appreciate its value.
I love the theme of this story. In life we become the person we believe we are, but making that determination can often be a struggle. Sometimes we have to search for truths about ourselves to confirm who we are. And sometimes after we discover new truths, we change. Literary fiction is my favorite genre.
I believe the author took several risks with this two-part saga. First, he told the story in a variety of different POVs and verb tenses— non-traditional and highly unusual for someone’s debut novel. But I think he pulled it off well, and I personally didn’t find it distracting. Second, he risked losing some readers with long passages of back story. While it helped tremendously with character development, in places I found it disruptive to the story being told. And third, of course, was the length of the book and some of the chapters that require a huge time commitment from the reader.
Despite some of my criticisms (and the fact that it would have benefited from better editing and proofreading), I enjoyed reading The Lion Trees and sincerely appreciate its value.
December 9, 2014
What a riveting story! The personalities of the Johns family ring true. Their faults cause them no end of trouble. A husband and wife drifting apart and each trying to find their own separate identities. A daughter who avoids her father and at the same time seeks his approval. A son who feels he is a disappointment to his father and is dealing with his own nightmare. A downs syndrome son who brings the only light to the family with his joyous smiles and dancing. Each family member circles around the others, with brief overlaps where they interact.
I can't wait to find out what happens to each of them in Part 2!
I can't wait to find out what happens to each of them in Part 2!
January 1, 2019
I could not love this book more. One criticism -- Who chose that cover art?????? BORING. Does not give any clue how fascinating and fun this book is. Although I do realise that SOMEONE thought that the Tilly part was the really important part of the book.
My favorites were Hollis and David. Hollis's preening and self love was so bad you actually began to feel bad for him. And David's adventure/misadventure was truly the best part of the book, but then I love the absurd. I was so happy to see the arc of the mother's story.
My favorites were Hollis and David. Hollis's preening and self love was so bad you actually began to feel bad for him. And David's adventure/misadventure was truly the best part of the book, but then I love the absurd. I was so happy to see the arc of the mother's story.
July 6, 2017
Extraordinary writing
This is a fine novel that celebrates extraordinary writing and is in the leagues of other classic books where a single family is in the centre of action and conflict; and through them and using fluid prose and descriptions the author traces out the stumbling and growing up period of a nation as well. Each page in this book was both a challenge and a pleasure to read. Even though it is a 1000 plus pages, the way it is written works out well for readers who read in short passages. You can read sections and chapters in between and have no trouble picking up from where you last left off.
The book is divided into several episodes featuring each member of the family and sometimes even a fictional character. We get introduced to these characters one by one and their life stories are a good mix of serendipitous emotion and self-reflection and it isn’t long before they all become endearing to us. All the major characters in this book are well-thought out and appear very organically.
This is a fine novel that celebrates extraordinary writing and is in the leagues of other classic books where a single family is in the centre of action and conflict; and through them and using fluid prose and descriptions the author traces out the stumbling and growing up period of a nation as well. Each page in this book was both a challenge and a pleasure to read. Even though it is a 1000 plus pages, the way it is written works out well for readers who read in short passages. You can read sections and chapters in between and have no trouble picking up from where you last left off.
The book is divided into several episodes featuring each member of the family and sometimes even a fictional character. We get introduced to these characters one by one and their life stories are a good mix of serendipitous emotion and self-reflection and it isn’t long before they all become endearing to us. All the major characters in this book are well-thought out and appear very organically.
August 19, 2015
Thanks to Librarything and the author for a free copy of The Lion Trees. This is an epic novel told in two parts, Unraveling and Awakening, and I loved every minute of it.
This is the story of a very dysfunctional family with chapters alternating from the point of view of four of the family members. How dysfunctional is this family? David, the adult son not living at home, sneaks his younger brother out of the house through his bedroom window for a night out at the movies, all to avoid seeing his parents.
We begin and end the novel with Matilda at the end of her life, reflecting as Tilly on her younger years as a Hollywood actress, famous for her steamy offscreen behaviour. These chapters are in first person past tense. Hollis, her father, is struggling to adapt to retirement. His chapters are told from a third person perspective in the past tense. Susan his wife is the main caregiver for their special needs child Ben and is struggling with her role in their marriage. Her chapters are all written in dialogue. They are so well done that there is no confusion as to who is talking even though there is no he said or she said.
David, the oldest child is a very conscientious high school high school teacher who is always putting his concerns for his students before his own, much to his detriment. At one point I had to put the book down in frustration at his actions. His chapters are told in first person present tense. Although Ben is given only one chapter of his own of internal dialogue which gives us some further insight into his character, he is a very important character which holds the family together.
The differing set up for each character's chapters was brought to my attention while reading a review after I had read the book. It was so well done that I must confess, I hadn't noticed. I had to go back and skim over the chapters to see for myself.
As well as great characterization, there is a suspenseful plot, lots of interesting historical, and political information, interesting facts about Hollywood, and a science fiction story woven into the storyline. Yes, this is a lengthy read, but well worth the effort.
This is the story of a very dysfunctional family with chapters alternating from the point of view of four of the family members. How dysfunctional is this family? David, the adult son not living at home, sneaks his younger brother out of the house through his bedroom window for a night out at the movies, all to avoid seeing his parents.
We begin and end the novel with Matilda at the end of her life, reflecting as Tilly on her younger years as a Hollywood actress, famous for her steamy offscreen behaviour. These chapters are in first person past tense. Hollis, her father, is struggling to adapt to retirement. His chapters are told from a third person perspective in the past tense. Susan his wife is the main caregiver for their special needs child Ben and is struggling with her role in their marriage. Her chapters are all written in dialogue. They are so well done that there is no confusion as to who is talking even though there is no he said or she said.
David, the oldest child is a very conscientious high school high school teacher who is always putting his concerns for his students before his own, much to his detriment. At one point I had to put the book down in frustration at his actions. His chapters are told in first person present tense. Although Ben is given only one chapter of his own of internal dialogue which gives us some further insight into his character, he is a very important character which holds the family together.
The differing set up for each character's chapters was brought to my attention while reading a review after I had read the book. It was so well done that I must confess, I hadn't noticed. I had to go back and skim over the chapters to see for myself.
As well as great characterization, there is a suspenseful plot, lots of interesting historical, and political information, interesting facts about Hollywood, and a science fiction story woven into the storyline. Yes, this is a lengthy read, but well worth the effort.
October 3, 2015
Rich, rewarding, compelling literature!
There is a richness and intensity to the writing that I loved. The characters are convincing, their lives are disturbingly familiar, the themes are provocative, the literary references are thoughtful and the construction is brilliant.
Four adults tell their stories. An arrogant controlling father, victimised wife, determined rebellious daughter and self destructive son. Their stories are told from the perspective of each character and, among other things, this device demonstrates how capable we are of self deception.
At times the writing (or is it the reading?) is emotionally exhausting. In a good way.
I disliked the father intensely. Much of the dysfunctionality of the family is due to his inability to take responsibility for his actions, but to demand accountability from others. One of the most exciting and intense chapters involves a discussion/argument between him and his wife during which his self deception begins to crumble. I had to put the book down for a day to process it.
The son drove me crazy. His emotional neediness and naivety seems to know no bounds.
I cheered as the wife found herself, that is rediscovers her self.
I found the daughter more difficult to get to know. I got the impression that she is self censoring her story.
And there is a delightful chapter written from the perspective of the fifth family member. Ben is a character who is both central and peripheral to the story. He adds richness to the lives of others and gives an insight to the complexity of the characters.
But this is more than the story of a family, or the stories of the people within the family. There are stories within stories, and they all come together in this amazing saga.
There is enough material to keep a book club going for a year. I find myself still thinking about story and the characters a month or more after having read the book.
Despite the literary complexities, the writing is very accessible. I can't praise the author's work enough. I believe that he is one of the best of today's writers of literary fiction.
There is a richness and intensity to the writing that I loved. The characters are convincing, their lives are disturbingly familiar, the themes are provocative, the literary references are thoughtful and the construction is brilliant.
Four adults tell their stories. An arrogant controlling father, victimised wife, determined rebellious daughter and self destructive son. Their stories are told from the perspective of each character and, among other things, this device demonstrates how capable we are of self deception.
At times the writing (or is it the reading?) is emotionally exhausting. In a good way.
I disliked the father intensely. Much of the dysfunctionality of the family is due to his inability to take responsibility for his actions, but to demand accountability from others. One of the most exciting and intense chapters involves a discussion/argument between him and his wife during which his self deception begins to crumble. I had to put the book down for a day to process it.
The son drove me crazy. His emotional neediness and naivety seems to know no bounds.
I cheered as the wife found herself, that is rediscovers her self.
I found the daughter more difficult to get to know. I got the impression that she is self censoring her story.
And there is a delightful chapter written from the perspective of the fifth family member. Ben is a character who is both central and peripheral to the story. He adds richness to the lives of others and gives an insight to the complexity of the characters.
But this is more than the story of a family, or the stories of the people within the family. There are stories within stories, and they all come together in this amazing saga.
There is enough material to keep a book club going for a year. I find myself still thinking about story and the characters a month or more after having read the book.
Despite the literary complexities, the writing is very accessible. I can't praise the author's work enough. I believe that he is one of the best of today's writers of literary fiction.
March 19, 2015
ARC from Netgalley for an honest review
I will review both parts together but will rate them separately: 5 starts for Unraveling, 4 for Awakening.
It is a great book, with wonderful cadence and distinct voices for each narrator. Rather long, sure, but well worth it.
Timeline is a bit vague, but in a way it adds to the experience, with Tilly's POV being a memoir and others following the events more or less as they happen.
Characters' memories throughout the book had the dream-like feel, and I liked the author's use of TV/radio as background sound: really made me immersed in the story.
It is an emotional read - Tilly's chapters more that others, I thought. I was very moved by her musings about Zack/Zel; Ivanova, Angus...
The one part that I really hated, and hated may not be a strong enough word, is the chapter in Awakening quite early on where David turns stupid.
Ok, he is a bit spineless, floats through live and makes mistakes like the rest of us (some rather big, admittedly), but right up to that point he was simply unlucky, with circumstances stacking up against him in a rather ugly way. At no point until then he came across as plain stupid.
If he has called the police immediately when he encountered certain person in his home it would not have affected the plot, I don't think, and still maintained his identity (if the police took their time to arrive, of course, allowing for the events of that chapter to happen).
This little tidbit cost Awakening fifth star in the end; in all honesty I was so annoyed after I read that bit I was close to not even finishing!
I persevered, and as the story went on the pace picked up, with some parts towards the end that read more like a crime drama than a family saga, redeeming Awakening to 4 stars.
PS: I did not get the symbolism of three broken fishtanks!
I will review both parts together but will rate them separately: 5 starts for Unraveling, 4 for Awakening.
It is a great book, with wonderful cadence and distinct voices for each narrator. Rather long, sure, but well worth it.
Timeline is a bit vague, but in a way it adds to the experience, with Tilly's POV being a memoir and others following the events more or less as they happen.
Characters' memories throughout the book had the dream-like feel, and I liked the author's use of TV/radio as background sound: really made me immersed in the story.
It is an emotional read - Tilly's chapters more that others, I thought. I was very moved by her musings about Zack/Zel; Ivanova, Angus...
The one part that I really hated, and hated may not be a strong enough word, is the chapter in Awakening quite early on where David turns stupid.
Ok, he is a bit spineless, floats through live and makes mistakes like the rest of us (some rather big, admittedly), but right up to that point he was simply unlucky, with circumstances stacking up against him in a rather ugly way. At no point until then he came across as plain stupid.
If he has called the police immediately when he encountered certain person in his home it would not have affected the plot, I don't think, and still maintained his identity (if the police took their time to arrive, of course, allowing for the events of that chapter to happen).
This little tidbit cost Awakening fifth star in the end; in all honesty I was so annoyed after I read that bit I was close to not even finishing!
I persevered, and as the story went on the pace picked up, with some parts towards the end that read more like a crime drama than a family saga, redeeming Awakening to 4 stars.
PS: I did not get the symbolism of three broken fishtanks!
July 25, 2015
I received a copy of this book in a LibraryThing members giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I am a critical reader, and do not fling star ratings out lightly. But, how to review this book? Can I give it more than five stars? I need to do so. Words fail me. Fortunately, they do not fail Own Thomas. This book is quite simply one of the ten best books I've read. Ever. Ever. Ever. I don't want to summarize the plot; I'll leave that to other, prior reviewers. And, frankly, although the plot is interesting and moves along at a reasonable pace, for me the pure joy of the author's expression out-weighed the plot line. I just have to say that this book NEEDS to become more widely known -- why it's not at the top of the best seller lists is beyond me. Okay. It's long. But you should not fear the length of this book -- a bad long book is a long book; a jaw-dropping long book is worth dropping to your knees and thanking the universe for. If you take this book on, you, like me, will find yourself on your knees, saying "thank you universe." At the very least, give yourself a taste of the book. If you like words; if you like writers who know how to use words in an interesting and unique and readable and expressive way; you will like this book. It's a book that will hold your interest, because each main character has a unique voice, and they are each allowed the space to develop as individuals, so that your understanding of them dawns in a gradual and real (sometimes visceral) way. When I first encountered the book, I ready through the first 20 or so pages twice, thinking "okay, this is different; I'm not entirely sure who's talking, or what's going on." By the time I was 50-100 pages into the book, I was hopelessly hooked by the writing. This author handles the language in a way we don't run across often enough. I'm hoping for more.
April 4, 2015
I received an advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is a two-volume epic. It is a story about a dysfunctional family and their relationships. The youngest boy is a special needs child with Down’s syndrome. I love the author’s accurate portrayal of Ben, the youngest child, his innocence and sense of humor. The parents have been married for 40 years and are individually going through what might be called a late mid-life crisis. They are products of the 60s, the Kent State riot, Vietnam, the civil rights movement, hippies, flower children, etc. The very self-centered husband is retired and seems to be groping for something to do. The wife, who seems to have lost her individual identity, is having problems coping with his retirement and wants to rediscover herself. The marriage is in trouble. The other two adult children are each trying to cope with major problems in their lives.
“The Lion Trees” is written in two very appropriately named parts, Unraveling and Awakening. I recommend reading part 2 immediately following part 1 to maintain the flow of the story. This book is a true literary work with a good balance of humor and attention-getting suspense. The author has a way with words and does an excellent job of portraying and developing each character in a manner that holds the reader’s attention throughout this family epic. I didn’t realize until the last chapter that the daughter who is in her 80s and near her death is remembering her family’s story from the perspective of each family member probably as she would have written it. This is a book that everyone should read especially all of us who are products of the 60s. This is a great story.
“The Lion Trees” is written in two very appropriately named parts, Unraveling and Awakening. I recommend reading part 2 immediately following part 1 to maintain the flow of the story. This book is a true literary work with a good balance of humor and attention-getting suspense. The author has a way with words and does an excellent job of portraying and developing each character in a manner that holds the reader’s attention throughout this family epic. I didn’t realize until the last chapter that the daughter who is in her 80s and near her death is remembering her family’s story from the perspective of each family member probably as she would have written it. This is a book that everyone should read especially all of us who are products of the 60s. This is a great story.
July 7, 2017
Makes you wonder
I often read two or three books simultaneously. I was already reading one when I was given a copy of this book. The other book was an occult thriller. Now the lion trees and this other book couldn’t be further apart in theme and style and prose. The thriller had characters that you could identify easily as both good characters and bad characters. Some men were heroes and some were villains. Here you can’t do that. The characters here reside somewhere in between and they are heroes that saves the day and villains who cause much harm to themselves.
I don’t think you should even try to explore them in detail or find out if they are good people or not. I imagine it’s like when you weed out a plant from underneath the ground, the roots of all plants look alike. Sometimes human beings are like that, everyone is alike when you really get down and strip bare the artificiality surrounding our lives. All the characters here live in reality but they also have a different reality that they live in inside their heads.
The plot moves slowly and it allows you to understand and engage with the characters. It isn’t unbearably morbid or anything. There’s plenty of humorous moments. And I loved reading these.
I don’t think a lot of people will get this book, but I would still go ahead and recommend it. If you can get used to the crawling pace and subtle humor and references then this book is for you.
I often read two or three books simultaneously. I was already reading one when I was given a copy of this book. The other book was an occult thriller. Now the lion trees and this other book couldn’t be further apart in theme and style and prose. The thriller had characters that you could identify easily as both good characters and bad characters. Some men were heroes and some were villains. Here you can’t do that. The characters here reside somewhere in between and they are heroes that saves the day and villains who cause much harm to themselves.
I don’t think you should even try to explore them in detail or find out if they are good people or not. I imagine it’s like when you weed out a plant from underneath the ground, the roots of all plants look alike. Sometimes human beings are like that, everyone is alike when you really get down and strip bare the artificiality surrounding our lives. All the characters here live in reality but they also have a different reality that they live in inside their heads.
The plot moves slowly and it allows you to understand and engage with the characters. It isn’t unbearably morbid or anything. There’s plenty of humorous moments. And I loved reading these.
I don’t think a lot of people will get this book, but I would still go ahead and recommend it. If you can get used to the crawling pace and subtle humor and references then this book is for you.
June 15, 2015
I read the novel The Lion Trees (Both Parts: I & II) after receiving a free ecopy in a Member Giveaway on LibraryThing. I see such giveaways as an opportunity to experiment with fiction that sounds interesting but is of unknown quality. This book proved to be a diamond in that relative proverbial rough; this is the kind of book that should have an impressive reputation preceding it. In fact, a foundation for such a reputation is laid by Kirkus Reviews, which described this novel as "a powerful and promising debut" that "takes numerous literary risks" (see the entire review -- http://goo.gl/i6VokQ). So, let there be no further doubt about the quality of Owen Thomas's work in your mind, dear readers. He has created a tremendously rich and rewarding work that also provides a compelling and enjoyable experience for the reader.
The most outstanding quality of this novel in my mind is the sheer quality of Thomas's prose. His writing is unusually evocative, serving as a great platform for the reader's imagination. I highly recommend this novel to a broad audience and look forward to reading it all over again soon!
The most outstanding quality of this novel in my mind is the sheer quality of Thomas's prose. His writing is unusually evocative, serving as a great platform for the reader's imagination. I highly recommend this novel to a broad audience and look forward to reading it all over again soon!
April 16, 2015
The Lion Trees is one of those rare books that is worth losing sleep over. It's a book you think about when you are not reading it. You are invested in it's characters and come to know them well. The book draws you in.
Summarizing the storyline is difficult to do, not only due to the length, but because it is multi-faceted. There are reviews here that have already tackled a summary. I would say this novel might be best described as many "slices of life" that flow from page to page.
Owen Thomas delivers a look at relationships. These glimpses are often humorous, but he also can be tough and right up and in your face. Insightful, and at times almost mesmerizing, this book almost gives the reader a sense of nostalgia that is unrelated to the past. These imperfect characters are intricately woven into imperfect relationships, and I rooted for them like they were rock stars.
I can't say if this is Mr. Thomas's first novel or if he has written a hundred other books. But I will say if it doesn't hit the bestseller list, there's an editor out there somewhere who isn't doing their job.
Mr. Thomas, you are on the radar
Summarizing the storyline is difficult to do, not only due to the length, but because it is multi-faceted. There are reviews here that have already tackled a summary. I would say this novel might be best described as many "slices of life" that flow from page to page.
Owen Thomas delivers a look at relationships. These glimpses are often humorous, but he also can be tough and right up and in your face. Insightful, and at times almost mesmerizing, this book almost gives the reader a sense of nostalgia that is unrelated to the past. These imperfect characters are intricately woven into imperfect relationships, and I rooted for them like they were rock stars.
I can't say if this is Mr. Thomas's first novel or if he has written a hundred other books. But I will say if it doesn't hit the bestseller list, there's an editor out there somewhere who isn't doing their job.
Mr. Thomas, you are on the radar
October 6, 2017
The Lion Trees presents an exquisitely crafted, multilayered landscape whose characters are complex, incredibly flawed, occasionally heroic and, in the end, relatable. Owen Thomas unfolds their tales with psychological and emotional precision. Alternately victims of circumstance and provocateurs, their struggles unfold gradually, and Thomas is able to delve into motivations guided by haunted histories, innate character lapses, and the inconsistent capacity to surmount challenges, whether those challenges are external - careers, relationships, family - or internal - the fragmenting of emotions too long held in one place. Thomas's command of both narrative and character relies on language that is appropriate to the situation. While he has the ability to make his writing soar in broad, lyrical arcs, he can also employ the most basic and direct approach when such lyricism would be distracting.
The book is long and requires patience, but it is patience well spent, not unlike dining at a fine restaurant whose courses are revealed in slow sequence. In the end, it is difficult to put down this book without thinking that American literature may have found an important new voice.
The book is long and requires patience, but it is patience well spent, not unlike dining at a fine restaurant whose courses are revealed in slow sequence. In the end, it is difficult to put down this book without thinking that American literature may have found an important new voice.
September 23, 2015
At first, I have to admit, I was a bit intimidated by the length of this book, as well as by my lack of understanding over what exactly was going on with the family of characters. Once I read a few chapters, I was hooked, and I believe you will be too.
This story is so well crafted, that you begin to feel as if you are part of the family itself, and the goings-on carry you away from your own life and into the lives of these people.
This book is funny at times, sad at others, and occasionally frustrating. If you are looking for a work that you can fully immerse yourself in, this is it.
I enjoyed the reality of life, aging, marriage, the power of decisions both positive and negative and the author's use of people who were ordinary to fulfill the required drama of a book like this.
I definitely recommend that if you are looking for a quality read that will make you reflect on your own life, that you pick this one up.
This review is based on a complimentary copy, provided in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This story is so well crafted, that you begin to feel as if you are part of the family itself, and the goings-on carry you away from your own life and into the lives of these people.
This book is funny at times, sad at others, and occasionally frustrating. If you are looking for a work that you can fully immerse yourself in, this is it.
I enjoyed the reality of life, aging, marriage, the power of decisions both positive and negative and the author's use of people who were ordinary to fulfill the required drama of a book like this.
I definitely recommend that if you are looking for a quality read that will make you reflect on your own life, that you pick this one up.
This review is based on a complimentary copy, provided in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 7, 2017
Good writing
Owen Thomas has proven himself to be a master of the English language with this book. He demands and then takes control of your attention from page one through well planned writing. He has a hypnotist’s skill, you just have go through every syllable, and every word and every page that he has written to find proof of this. And to back everything up, he has told a fantastic story, so that helps as well.
The Lion Trees tells the story of a broken family from each family member’s perspective. Through each person’s chapter we get to see how messed up and how their dysfunction has affected their lives. They all have grown up as flawed individuals and some haven’t even grown-up yet. But they still have qualities that you support and root for.
There’s a refreshing and brutal honesty in this book that is both devastating and heartbreaking to read. Do read this book for this is sure to move you.
Owen Thomas has proven himself to be a master of the English language with this book. He demands and then takes control of your attention from page one through well planned writing. He has a hypnotist’s skill, you just have go through every syllable, and every word and every page that he has written to find proof of this. And to back everything up, he has told a fantastic story, so that helps as well.
The Lion Trees tells the story of a broken family from each family member’s perspective. Through each person’s chapter we get to see how messed up and how their dysfunction has affected their lives. They all have grown up as flawed individuals and some haven’t even grown-up yet. But they still have qualities that you support and root for.
There’s a refreshing and brutal honesty in this book that is both devastating and heartbreaking to read. Do read this book for this is sure to move you.
January 10, 2016
A good story inspires its readers to do two things: think and feel. The characters that incite these activities should live within you, speaking in your mind long after the words on the page cease to be their translator. Owen Thomas’s THE LION TREES accomplishes these goals in such a successful manner it seems he’s hardly trying. Lawyer he may be, but Owen Thomas has the soul of an artist. His voice is so unique and his perceptions so sharp, you will become spoiled by his intelligence and insight, taking for granted his next beautiful metaphor or perfect choice of verb.
Unearth the roots of THE LION TREES here: http://amymhawes.com/unearthing-the-l...
Unearth the roots of THE LION TREES here: http://amymhawes.com/unearthing-the-l...
April 12, 2015
I loved this book. Normally I finish a book in 3 days as I read every spare moment. This book, together with part two, took me much longer. I even had to check the meaning of a couple of words. How great is that! Could identify with the problems of some of the characters even if I didn't specially like said character. I had intended reading part 1 then veering off to read a different book before reading part 2. I couldn't. I had to finish part 2 to find out what happened to everyone. Great book(both parts). Worth reading.
July 8, 2017
I just read through a bunch of reviews The Lion Trees had gotten before sitting down to write my review of it. I don’t know what I’m supposed to add here. It feels like everything that needed to be discussed has already been done by other customers. So I’m not going to waste my time or yours by going over the story or the characters in this book. I will say this though. This was a good book and can be compared with the best out there. I give this book full 4 stars wholeheartedly. I sometimes get what you can call a reviewer’s remorse after rating a book, but not here. This book fully deserves its top marks. I literally cannot remember the last time I read a book that was both hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time. Buy this book today and get ready to meet wonderful, and yet flawed members of an average yet unforgettable family.
August 11, 2021
Hollis and Susan are going through turbulence in their married lives and in their minds, and are grappling with keeping things together. What doesn't make things easy for them is ill-timed fate, which also puts their children David and Tilly in career crises. With a central theme of rediscovery and life alterations, the plot follows four characters looking to rebuild their lives. The characters are credible and incite likeability with their vulnerabilities, flaws, and blindspots. I loved how Thomas used different narratives and different voices for each character's chapters, such as future first-person, dialogues, third person, and so on, which make the pages all the more quirky. Despite being long, the book is quite a fun read. My thanks to Thomas, the publishers OTF Literary, and NetGalley for gifting me with a copy of this book.
July 11, 2017
Does a book with this many high ratings and awards need another reviewer and another review to convince a reader? Whatever, I’m just going to say it – read it people, ignore the hype and the hoopla, but this is a terrific book. Thomas does swing a little too hard at times, but these are minor aberrations and can be easily forgiven. The characters in his novel are interesting, complex and fascinating individuals. They are sharply delineated and yet share a common past and a bond with their family. The way they interact with each other and the world unfolds in presenting a fascinating tale before you. You will run into parts which will overwhelm you but I assure you it is worth the effort to read through. Thomas has a great way of writing dialogues and they are screamingly funny.
July 13, 2017
If I could write the shortest review ever, then this would be it – The Lion Trees is funny, poignant, and honest and is the novel you mustn’t miss for anything else in the world.
It was an excellent character study of an average American family. It was also a remarkably honest portrayal of the downward spiral that certain people go through in life. Thomas has proved himself to be a highly capable writer here. The way he humanizes his characters and makes them accessible for everyone is a great talent to have. His biggest strength has to be the way he creates characters that take on a life of their own after their introduction.
Read this book for the realism and the sensitive take on human relationships.
It was an excellent character study of an average American family. It was also a remarkably honest portrayal of the downward spiral that certain people go through in life. Thomas has proved himself to be a highly capable writer here. The way he humanizes his characters and makes them accessible for everyone is a great talent to have. His biggest strength has to be the way he creates characters that take on a life of their own after their introduction.
Read this book for the realism and the sensitive take on human relationships.
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