Included in the "Most Anticipated Books of 2024" by the Chicago Review of Books
In the backyard of Margaret and Joe Dowling’s new house in the north suburbs of Chicago, Joe plants a young willow tree as a symbol of home, belonging, and growth. As the years pass, the willow becomes a place for Margaret to share life’s wisdom with their four young daughters.
Years after leaving the nest, now in their early forties, the Dowling women find themselves faced with changes that will define their lives. Debra, the oldest, is shattered when she is asked for a divorce. Rose, who has long hidden her true self, finally begins to evaluate her pattern of being in uncommitted relationships. Linney fears losing Magnolia, the magical shop where she works. Charlotte, the youngest, is the only one who knows their mother is terminally ill, and has been charged by her with keeping it a secret. And Margaret, now faced with the greatest of challenges and struggling with whether she has done enough to help her daughters find their way in life, calls them all to the family home to reunite under the willow one last time.
A metaphorically rich and reflective tale of sisterhood and strength, The Wisdom of the Willow is a story of hope and healing, of the choices that shape our lives, and the challenges we all face as we seek to find our places in the world.
“. . . a saga of love and loss, happiness and heartbreak . . . I realized that sometimes looking back on our cherished moments can provide all the strength necessary to carry on with life. The willow tree became part of the Dowling family’s legacy, its connection to nature symbolizing the unbreakable ties between the family members. Recommended to anyone who appreciates a wholesome story of family, love, and healing.”—Readers’ Favorite, FIVE STARS
“A nuanced, thoughtful take on family dynamics… A compelling story of sisterhood and resilience; perfect for book club discussions.”—The Prairies Review
“The Wisdom of the Willow is a thoughtful exploration of family, identity, and belonging, recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary fiction that delves deeply into the nuances of sisterhood and personal development.”—Literary Titans
“The Wisdom of the Willow has two levels of appreciation. It reads like a kind of fable and at the same time leads the reader on an epic family journey. The prose is gentle and softly leads the reader through a story told by a writer who understands deeply the emotional link between man and nature. The natural world plays a role in this story as if it is a character itself. That’s part of the novel’s appeal. Through the combination of novel writing and nature writing, Chadwick creates a narrative with a delicate and charming touch.”—The Writer Shed, David W. Berner
