Review of The Understory

Lore Wilbert’s latest book, The Understory: An Invitation to Rootedness and Resilience from the Forest Floor, is a collection of reflections on the way we grieve and grow. Using the undergrowth of a forest as both spine and central metaphor, Lore traces the way we struggle, grieve, and share our lives while accepting where we are, whether we would have chosen it or not. This book is about the interconnectedness of natural life, and, no matter how awkward or painful it feels, of our communities.

I have always loved Lore’s writing. Her books Handle with Care and Curious Faith were both beautifully written and thought-provoking, and this one is possibly her best yet. I read this one very slowly, savoring her language and her imagery, trying to let her words settle in me and see how they resonated. I have never agreed with her on everything, but that’s one of my favorite things about Lore’s writing: she never expects me to. Her books are a conversation, and she is not afraid if people don’t always agree. She invites discourse and the reader’s own reflections. 

This book reminded me of Andrew Peterson’s book The God of the Garden, both because of its lovely language and its use of trees and nature as a metaphor for our lives. This book provides space to reflect on your own grief and suffering, as well as the glimmers of hope and grace that also shine through our lives. I think it’s going to be a book that also rewards re-reading. It’s contemplative, nuanced, and would be perfect for a book study, one where you could read and think and discuss over time. I loved it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Brazos Press for the advanced copy.