The Wisdom of the Willow


Fiction - Womens
304 Pages
Reviewed on 05/07/2024
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite

The first thing Joe Dowling did after settling into their new home was to plant a willow in their backyard. The tree bore witness to Joe and Margaret’s life as they raised their four girls. Debra, the eldest, had a go-getter attitude that made her a successful businesswoman. Rose soared with equal ease through the worlds of theater and travel writing. Always one to stay close to nature, Linney cherished the little shop she worked in, whereas Charlotte, the youngest, cared for their parents. However, faced with unforeseen obstacles, the four women flock toward home, unaware of a devastating secret awaiting them. To find out what happens, read The Wisdom of the Willow, a novel by Nancy Chadwick.

I loved how the story breathed life into the Dowling family, weaving together a saga of love and loss, happiness and heartbreak. Nancy Chadwick demonstrates how, despite having very different personalities, each Dowling girl had an inherent resilience that saw them through the rough patches. I admired how each sister showed a satisfactory character arc, reaching milestones without losing their unique identities. As the four women reminisced over their fond memories, I realized that sometimes looking back on our cherished moments can provide all the strength necessary to carry on with life. Despite heartrending moments, the solidarity between the parents and the children was reassuring. I loved how the willow tree became part of the Dowling family’s legacy, its connection to nature symbolizing the unbreakable ties between the family members. Providing solace on tiring days and assurance on turbulent days, their memories of the tree helped each character find their way. I recommend The Wisdom of the Willow to anyone who appreciates a wholesome story of family, love, and healing.