And The Trees Stare Back

And the Trees Stare Back is a folk-horror YA novel that takes place in the Soviet Union during the era of the Cold War. It gives readers a glimpse of history that they may be unfamiliar with and though historical fiction at its core it is rooted in the politics, economy, and lifestyles of that time. Reading through the first-person perspective of the main character, Vik, allows us to experience firsthand the uncertainty and scarcity faced by many.

While an engrossing narrative with lyrical writing, this novel does have a lot of inconsistent pacing. This factor took me in and out of the story’s environment many times making it a difficult read. A lot of the story is told through Vik’s inner thoughts and feelings, and I would have liked to have seen even more on-page action. That’s not to say that the book isn’t packed with action-filled and high-tension moments along the way, but the inconsistency takes away from many of these elements.

I do think this novel highlights an important part of history by showcasing what life was like in the USSR. I appreciated how this book was about rebellious people in Estonia and how it reflected the protests of that era. The book delicately handles many complex themes and balances it with lighter moments throughout the text. It has a powerful message of hope when times are dark as it explores the effects of occupation, prejudice, marginalization, and mental illness.

The mystery at the novel’s core is what will keep readers guessing throughout the novel as they will have to discern the horror elements as human or figments of the imagination. It keeps you guessing until the very end with a surprising twist. I would recommend this novel for those who enjoy historical fiction or gripping suspenseful stories.