Heart Wood – Four Women, for the Earth, for the Future

by Shirley DicKard

Deep in the heart of a small, oak writing desk is a legacy that mysteriously connects three family women across centuries and generations in their fight for the future.

Shima’a, an ancient woman with disturbing visions of the Earth’s demise, sends a message of warning and a seed of hope forward in time within the heart of an acorn to three family women:
• Eliza: Post-Gold Rush in the Sacramento Valley, late 19th century
• Harmony: Back-to-the-land homestead in the Sierra Nevada, late 20th
century
• Amisha: Dystopic San Francisco and the Sierra Nevada, late 21st century

Writing on the heartwood of the old desk, each woman is influenced by the ancient message as she views mankind’s escalating destruction of the natural world through the eyes of her time. The women learn to listen to the silence, hold the earth in their hands, gather the women, then do what must be done.

Heart Wood is a compelling family saga set in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada. Its characters shift from one generation to the next, as do the struggles they face in saving their homestead from the ravages of climate change, fire, and human greed. But it is mankind that poses the most dire challenges to the land and to those who seek life upon it.

Heart Wood speaks of the collective power of feminine energy to protect the Earth. If you feel you’re not doing enough or that it’s already too late to make a difference, Heart Wood may change your mind.
An eco-speculative-historical-mystical-feminist novel.

430 pages, Paperback

First published March 14, 2020

Reviews

[Simi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a 13 year old, I enjoyed this book immensely. I think this book is suited for many generations, mainly because of the many generations being written about. The author makes the message very clear: take care of your planet, it's the only way we're going to survive. I felt connected to this book in ways I have never felt reading anything else, because of the shockingly realistic view of the future. Shirley also does a great job putting emotion and connection into the main drive of the story: a small writing desk made out of the heartwood of an ancient oak tree that connects three family women over the generations. Also, Shirley has a very impressive and accurate description of all of the time periods, especially the the gold rush, making the story really come to life. Overall, I think that this book is deep and empowering, and has an amazing environmental message. Definitely a book to read.

[chris byal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-crafted novel that spans three inter-generations of frontier women from the past, the present and the near-future. Each of these women face societal and environmental challenges to their core values, guided by a spiritual impulse borne out of the last rite of a dying indigenous woman from many centuries before who had visions of a catastrophic future for mankind. The author gives us much to ponder as she braids her tale, each protagonist seeking answers and strength from an oak desk, the only remnant of the tree that grew out of that ancient woman's last act. A powerful story, relevant in our era of climate-change and coming to terms with the attitudes and indifference borne out of 19th Century America's exploitation of the planet's resources. Shirley DicKard touches all of us with her spirit... Five Stars!

[Nancy Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend Heart Wood ! I admit having my doubts when I read it was “an eco-speculative-historical-mystical-feminist novel”…that’s a lot to deliver ! But once I started reading, I was totally absorbed in the lives and worlds of Eliza, Harmony, and Amisha, described with remarkable detail and based on elaborate research. Dickard did a masterful job of transitioning from one generation to another, interconnecting the women, the heart wood, and the challenges they each faced. Most importantly, I now feel empowered by these brave women and impelled to do what I can on this precious earth so desperately in need of healing.

[Kurt Lorenz]

"Heart Wood" is indeed about the heart, and much more. This elegantly crafted book will introduce you to women long gone, to women that you may know, and to a dystopian near future where women's lives have become much more challenging, all held together by a small oak desk. These are realistic and real people, not just characters. As a man I found them to be real and fascinating, both brave and flawed, human to the core, and all part of a gripping story. I couldn't put it down. No one in this book gets off easy, and neither do we, the readers. Heartily recommended.

[Albert Dover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this impeccably crafted read. Heart Wood has now been properly placed in my den's library between Gary Snyder's This Present Moment and Steve Sanfield's The Right Place. " Proper" because the best of the Sierra should be able to rub dust jackets if not elbows during this pandemic.

[Emily Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read. Especially dystopian fiction, historical novels, and books that feature women with courage under daunting circumstances. What can I say; I was an English major. I plow through too many poorly-written novels which annoys the dickens out of me. I LOVED Heart Wood! My husband, an engineer, falls asleep while reading books, sometimes just a few pages in. He devoured this book, reading for hours at a time. He was fascinated by the details of these past, present and future women's lives. Triggered by the book, we talk extensively about our own lives during this covid-19 pandemic, ever aware of the climate crisis. My husband ordered copies of Heart Wood for a couple of his friends. Great idea! I'm going to do the same.

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an engrossing and lively novel that moves nimbly between time periods and characters. It embodies “eco-feminism” with grace and authenticity. I was inspired and only wished I could have more time with these characters.

With this book in mind, I went on to read the Overstory, by Richard Powers, a powerful novel in which again the trees have an ancient and vital message. And after that, I listened to the audio of Braiding Sweetgrass, read by the author, Robin Wall Kimmerer, a native American mother, poet and scientist.
These books have formed a “braid” for me that inspires me to want to know more about building a real and healthy relationship among all living beings.

[Linda C. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although "Heart Wood" is a novel, it contains all that makes a book a "goodread" from the very first page. It includes information about women the lives of women who lived during historical periods in the northern California foothills and evolves into the live of women in more modern times, and then offers a glimpse of what could become true reality in the future of our world; then there's romance and suspense and a view into the determination, commitment, and sacrifices these women made along the way; you name it! The strength, endurance and perseverance each of these women underwent in their pursuit to hang on to their beliefs and goals, as well as their demonstrative love and devotion to family, all speak loudly about the oppression endured by women over the centuries, and in the struggles and sacrifices they have encountered to overcome them, and how their efforts could have contributed to making this a better world.
I highly recommend this thought-provoking read for anyone, but in particular women.

[Wendy Barnhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Moly and OMG.....not sure where to start, well....from start to finish a completely engrossing story for our current world and our future. Brilliantly researched and written, fast-moving while still allowing the reader to be totally entwined in the lives and times of each of these interconnected women. I was grabbed from the first sentence and even had a difficult time letting go at the end. These characters rapidly became a part of my state of being and my life. Even the movement back and forth between different eras is so smoothly written the reader can follow connect the dots with ease. The reader develops a deep and abiding affection for each of these women as we sense them within our souls. I have since purchased 15 more copies and have given them to friends and family to read. This is an absolute must-read in terms of heart, soul and a call to awaken.

[John Deaderick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A plea for renewal and sustainability in these perilous times, Shirley’s book couldn’t be more timely. If you’re looking for an engrossing lockdown or post-lockdown read, choose Heart Wood. While some have labeled her work as “feminist dystopian,” I take a little issue with that. Though the work focuses on its extraordinary female characters and is surely a call to what may be termed a more feminine relationship with nature, any label sells the work short. And as its future view is indeed dire, it is not without hope. The author clearly sides with the POV that “we will find a way.” The way she finds is original and rooted in the author’s commitment to service and cooperation. For a debut novel to engage in such scope and purpose is impressive. Was it the Roman playwright Terence who first said “Fortune favors the bold”? Fortune is indeed favoring this bold new work.

[Leslie Rivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Wood is a compelling family saga set in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada. Its characters shift from one generation to the next, as do the struggles they face in saving their homestead from the ravages of climate change, fire, and human greed. But it’s time that poses the most dire challenges to the land and to those who seek life upon it.
Shirley DicKard deftly weaves the worlds that time turns up, from the pastoral world of the 19th century to the menacing environment of the future that transforms the homestead into a refuge. She writes from a knowledge of California’s hills and rivers, and with a fine eye for detail. Heart Wood’s fluid journey into both the past and the decades yet to come should not be missed.

[s]

It's a real treat to be so caught up in a book! As you follow the intersecting paths of these very different women, you find yourself mentally cheering for each one to succeed in the challenging work of her time. The characters quickly become dear to you, the fast-moving plot keeps the pages turning, and the details of the women's eras and natural surroundings immerse you in each environment in turn. DicKard's view of the future is chilling, especially in light of our current world troubles. May we all wake up in time to "do the work that must be done"! Tip: Be sure to read the historical notes at the end, which make the story even more compelling!

[Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Guy Heart Wood got to me!
Not expecting it, but as a man, I was immediately drawn into this story and propelled along the lives of the 3 main women. Each woman and her time are well developed. Many scenes just grabbed my heart. The themes of the need for feminine vs masculine energy, the need for humans to stand back from over-exploiting our planet, and that everything is connected over time, are powerful and relevant to us now.
This is a superbly written book! I highly recommend Heart Wood to both men and women as an eco-mystical trip with a delightful, hopeful ending.

[Cynthia Yaguda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwood is a gem of a book. As the author develops the characters, 4 generations of women, you care, and you want to know more about them....The book encompasses an interesting and potent look into the future. I think it is too limiting to call it an Eco-novel, but Shirley DicKard is certainly aware of the degradation of the planet we live on, our beautiful Mother Earth. There are so many levels we can awaken to through the book.....The importance of intuition, and continuity of generations. I felt I had made new friends and was sorry to see it end!

[Catharine Bramkamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning!

Based on the author’s own homesteading experiences as well as that of her great-grandmother Emily Hoppin, Heartwood explores explores man’s impact on the earth – from the gold rush to the present environmental degradation concerns of back-to-the-land homesteads in the Sierra, to the future world of 2100 that is not the utopia we hoped for, but the cumulate of everything we’ve so far ignored. The book is a masterful weaving of three generations and three stories that will keep you enthralled to the very end.

[Candace Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished your wonderful book. It is truly eye-opening! Earth needs to pay attention -perhaps this pandamic will bring on needed changes-it is certainly amazing that smog is virtually gone, fish are visible in Venice, more birds and butterflies-and very important, families are closer!

We are definitely ready to move forward and get hugs and enjoy activities that earth offers us but hopefully we will make changes for a better future. Thank you for the heartfelt, meaningful book.

[Shirley DicKard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, as the author of Heart Wood, I don't know how many times I've read my book. Each time, something different resonates with me. This time, it's how we're already living the future that I projected by extending present trends out (pollution, GMO's, artificial technology, climate change etc). The pace is accelerating. I'm getting more and more readers saying it's almost too scary to read. But others say that the ending is one of the most satisfying endings they've read. You decide!

[Richard Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting approach to the soul of mother earth through a lens of the world past, present and future. A wonderful read of insight, passion and appreciation of the human spirit. Well written and captures the issues of today through the visions of four women linked by family legacy, love and beliefs.

[Jenifer Bliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reaching through time and space, the wisdom of an old native grandmother, calls out through the wood of an ancient oak tree, across generations to three women, who feel the urgency to alter the catastrophic destiny humanity has set out for itself. Beautifully written, Heart Wood calls you back to find out what happens next.

[Stephanie Beerling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seen through the eyes of 3 generations of women in one family, the engaging characters in this eco-novel wind in and out of a California-centric plot that slips back and forth through time. The take-away is a renewed passion for nature and an appreciation for everything we take for granted. Loved every page!

[Lisa Burns]

This tale of past and future is very well written and a smooth read. Ms. Dickard paints a very likely and believable scenario of our future in this eco-novel. It is also historical fiction based on family journals. This story will lure you back for more until the end and then leave you pondering society's inability to change our ways.

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one on my Kindle and it took me FOREVER to read but every time I picked it up I truly enjoyed reading it. I legit can read one percent a night lol then I pass out. But I kept wanting to come back for more so it has to be really good. I loved all the local to me places referenced in this book 📚

[M.D.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first sentence to the first paragraph and chapter my 13 year old daughter and I were captivated. We had made the agreement that I would read it first and hand it to her when finished, but now we are in a battle of who get's to read and when! Should have ordered two copies!

[Hattie Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say - the title speaks for itself “Heart Wood - Four Women, for the Earth, for the Future”.
I really enjoyed this book. It was timely, compelling and engaging, exploring the struggles and realities these interconnected women faced over different generations. Highly recommended!

[Catherine Stifter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feminist eco-futurism focused on intersectional individual and planetary crises as experienced through four generations of women connected through an old oak tree. Northern Californians will appreciate familiar locations in the western Sierra Nevada.

[Shirley Benedick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very timely Eco Fiction! This is a great story about the lives of four generations of women and their relationship to the Earth in the past, present and future.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. The connections among the women across the years was amazing. Hard to put down and so relatable.

[Marianne Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written book that I couldn't put down. Makes one think about what could be in our future. Story inspires one to journal and leave a legacy for future family members. Well written.

[Bonnie McKeegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing

This story portrays a future of ecological and human devastation we may well face. The weaving of women past, present, and future relevant to 2020 was brilliant.