This book is difficult for me to rate. On the one hand, it is very unique, poetically written, deeply moving and the characters and setting are very compelling. I loved learning about the women in the main character's story, and how you don't learn her name until the very end of the book. The descriptions were great, and the commentary on the novel's technical aspects within the novel itself were an interesting metatextual touch, although they became a little tiresome by the end. The characters were vivid and compelling and the complex problems that they all face were interesting.

However, although it was deliberate and I understand the author's reason for doing so, the disjointed and chaotic structure of the narrative slowed down the narrative tension and often pushed me out of immersion in the novel, which also created a bit of distance between the reader and the characters that made it harder to empathise with their problems. I think it needs a second pass at editing the structure to tighten it up, cut out some of the tedious moments and maintain the tension to pull the reader through.

That said, stylistically it is beautiful and the combined stories of all the women involved were very moving.

A YA book, applicable towards teen readers, with modern-day references. I am glad to have the opportunity to read this advanced readers' copy, and I will keep it in mind for recommendations in March 2020 for those interested in YA.

I loved the premise of this book but just couldn't get into it. The stream of consciousness style of writing just didn't hold my attention unfortunately. .

Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy. I was looking forward to this book, as I had not read anything at all by the author. The prose was fine, but I simply did not see a plot line. There was no story. I know it was supposed to be a coming of age in a violent time/place, etc... but honestly- did not work at all for me.

I tried really hard to make sense of this book, but it was simply not for me.

I appreciate an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I wish I’d been able to finish and enjoy it, but that was not the case.

Emotionally driven, in your face, blunt, poetic, painful, and completely enjoyable read. Loved this book, that pushes your emotions to the edge and back again. The Girl in the Tree explores the pain's in life with family, depression, love, pain, and some deep emotional trauma. The life challenges vary from writing, to the absent mother figure in her life, to the deaths of close family members. There is swear words at times that fit the dialog making it more shocking. At times it reads poetically beautiful then other times the harsh words of reality hit with a blow. Here is a quote I loved from the book, "Goodbye, cats. I'm going to miss you very much. I"m going to miss you the most of all because your wickedness never brought me any harm." In contrast the story demonstrates that the girl is safe in the presence of other living creatures such as a tree, or a cat but not a human. Human's can cause the worst pain of all. But in the end love does win over every harsh emotion. The ending left me feeling dizzy with gratitude, wanting to run out and explore the world.

Wasn’t a huge fan of it tbh — got bored 25% through the book. It could’ve been better written, with a little more depth to the characters.

The Girl in the Tree is an enjoyable and different read. Spun in poetic prose, it drifts between humour and angst as we learn what drove a young woman to climb a tree and decide to stay there. Our narrator is completely unreliable--she confesses several times that some of the stories from her past were lies or exaggerations--but the meaning behind everything she says and does is compelling and makes you want to believe her regardless. This unconventional work held my interest from start to finish, and I would certainly like to read more from this author if any of her other works are translated into English in the future. A thoughtful and thought-provoking read.

E-ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

Let me just start by saying how beautiful this cover is. I think is very important to invest in having a good looking book. That will definitely help with making it successful.

Anyway, the story was very compelling and I like how over-descriptive some scenes or places were.
The characters were excellently flashed out and I found them very likeable.
I thoroughly enjoy this and would recommend!