I loved The Red Grove and can’t wait to read Tessa Fontaine’s other work!

Luce lives in a hidden community that is believed to be a place where no harm can come to women who live there. Luce lives there with her mom, Gloria, her younger brother, Roo, and her aunt Gem, who had a serious brain injury after being beaten almost to death by a man she went on a date with years ago and now depends completely on Gloria. But Gloria has gone missing and Luce is desperately trying to find out what happened to her mom. The rest of the community doesn’t seem to have any interest in finding Gloria, and as Luce digs deeper into the history of their community, she starts to question if her beloved home, the women she admires, and the stories they tell might be built on a devastating lie.

This is a story about mothers, daughters, and sisters, about the dangers of being a woman in this world, and about the devastating choices we must make to protect what we love.

I loved this one so much. It’s been on my TBR (thanks Netgally!) for a while and i’m so glad I finally picked it up. The story centers around Luce, her brother Roo, her mom Gloria, her aunt Gem, and their life in the Red Grove where women are protected from harm. I loved the writing of this story, I was enthralled the whole time, and I’ll think of this one for a long time. If you think this is just going to be some man-bashing book, you’re wrong and it’s not.

The setting is interesting I did not get the horror or thriller aspect as the book was pitched. The main characters don't have much character development but are all interesting together. I felt the story moved along, which leaves the ending unfulfilling.

Thank you to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus, & Giroux for the eARC of this title.

The Red Grove by Tessa Fontaine felt a bit overdone in terms of creepy elements and so on, it also felt a bit predictable.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus, & Giroux for the eARC of this title!**

While The Red Grove was pitched as horror, meets suspense, meets thriller - I found this one to be more literary fiction with some elements of mystery mixed in.

The writing was really well done and I appreciated the depth of some of the characters - most notably Luce. She was a great character and I enjoyed her "coming of age" perspective of things, especially as it related to growing up in a commune. The mystical and lore elements of things were really enjoyable as well, and I loved the Tamsen flashbacks.

Unfortunately, the plot fell short for me and I found this to lean mostly feminist lit (which is fine - just not what the premise advertised IMO.)

I would read more from this author because I loved the actual writing and Fontaine can definitely paint a beautiful picture. I'm hoping next time the story lands for me as well.

I think fans of literary fiction will really enjoy this one! I recognize that I am not the best audience fo this work.

3.5⭐


Set in 1997, The Red Grove by Tessa Fontaine revolves around sixteen-year-old Luce Shelley who along with her mother Gloria, younger brother Roo and her aunt Gem, has spent the last eight year of her life as a part of the Red Grove, a secluded community in the redwood forests of California. Luce’s family moved to the Red Grove after an act of violence left her aunt in a vegetative state. The community, mostly comprised of women, offers a sanctuary for those seeking a haven from the violence of the outside world. Luce is deeply attached to her community, believing in its ideology and way of life. However, when her mother suddenly disappears after a disturbing incident with a visitor, Luce is compelled to question the very bonds that tie the community together and the truth behind the principles upon which the community was founded and is still governed, as laid down by its founder Tamsen Nightingale in the 1850s.

Beautiful writing, the atmospheric vibe and an interesting cast of characters render this an engaging read that revolves around themes of womanhood, secrets, belongingness and connection, trust and community. The narrative is shared from Luce’s perspective with the story of how the community originated shared in segments interspersed throughout the novel. The author deftly combines elements of family drama, coming of age, mystery (with a healthy dose of the surreal) and magical realism into a narrative that, though not quite cohesive, did hold my interest. I loved the vivid descriptions of the California redwoods, the deep connection between the community and its natural surroundings and their rituals. Luce is an endearing protagonist and though I did question a few of her choices, I was invested in her journey. Tamsen’s story was fascinating, as was the symbolism of the mountain lion. I thought the author did a remarkable job of depicting Luce’s dynamic with the members of her family and her community. However, the pacing of the novel is on the slower side and the story picks up only after the halfway mark. The story has strong feminist overtones and while I appreciated the themes that are addressed in this novel, I was a tad disappointed with the lack of intensity and depth with which certain aspects of the story were presented in the 1997 timeline. As far as the mystery is concerned, the final reveal is not entirely unpredictable, but I did like how the author chose to end the novel.

I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Erin Moon who did an amazing job breathing life into these characters and the story. The audio experience certainly elevated my experience with this novel.

Many thanks to Farrar, Straus and Giroux for the digital review copy via NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the ALC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

"The Red Grove" is a compelling, deeply resonant novel that tackles themes of grief, resilience, and the quest for safety in a world that often feels perilous for women. The story follows Luce, a sixteen-year-old girl who, after a tragic event involving her aunt, is uprooted to the enigmatic Red Grove. Here, women inexplicably flourish and remain protected from male harm, but as Luce discovers, even havens harbor secrets.

This novel is incredibly timely, tapping into the recent discourse around women's safety—akin to the viral "bear versus man in the forest" question. "The Red Grove" arrives as a poignant exploration of the lengths women go to secure a sense of security, perfectly capturing the anxieties and resilience inherent in such a pursuit.

Luce’s journey is a powerful testament to the emotional weight carried by those who are forced to grow up too quickly. The narrative deftly weaves through her grief for a mother who was, until currently, intermittently physically present but historically absent, and the heavy responsibilities that have been thrust upon her young shoulders.

The writing is both evocative and insightful, painting a vivid picture of a world that is at once magical and fraught with danger. Tessa expertly balances the fantastical and horror-adjacent elements with very real and pressing social issues, making "The Red Grove" not just a story about survival but a profound commentary on the struggles women face.

This novel is a must-read for anyone interested in a powerful, thought-provoking story that combines a gripping plot with deep emotional truths. "The Red Grove" is a testament to the strength and resilience of women, wrapped in a tale that is as enchanting as it is necessary.

The Red Grove is about an insular community tucked away in the California redwoods where women are mystically protected from the violence of the world. Although there are certain portions of the outside world that call their community a cult and the women who live there witches, it’s a haven for women to flee to, where they can be assured of absolute safety from whatever it is they’re running from. Luce has lived in the Red Grove with her mother, brother, and comatose aunt since she was a little girl, growing up in what she’s always believed to be a utopia. But then her mother disappears, and she begins to question everything she knows about her home.

The Red Grove is one of those books that is mostly vibes, blending elements of magical realism, family drama, coming of age story, and mystery. Tessa Fontaine’s writing is lyrical and affecting as she explores the interconnectedness of family and community. There are some lovely metaphors about the strength of trees and women, and the roots that sustain and nurture them. She raises interesting questions about what it means to truly be protected, about the power of belief, and about consciousness itself, and provides a thought-provoking portrait of how women have historically been viewed when they decide to take their lives, and their power, into their own hands. I was fascinated by the Red Grove’s origin story and couldn’t wait to get back to the sections about Tamsen Nightingale.

The pacing is a bit uneven, slow and meandering, and ultimately I’m not sure that Fontaine was able to bring all of her ideas together into one cohesive story. Some parts of the conclusion seem to contradict the story’s central theme, and some elements require a lot of suspension of disbelief, even within the genre of magical realism. Nevertheless, The Red Grove is a richly atmospheric exploration of complex relationships, told with an ethereal, feminist bent that I found incredibly compelling. Thanks to Farrar, Straus and Giroux for the early reading opportunity.

Sixteen-year-old Luce Shelley lives with her mother Gloria, her brother Roo, and her invalid aunt Gem in Red Grove, a secluded community comprised mostly of women in the ancient redwood forest of northern California. This community provides a safe haven for women; they are told that they will always be safe from the dangers of society, especially the violence of men. Interwoven with Luce’s story, set in 1997, is the community’s origin story dating back to 1853.

One day Gloria goes missing. Luce knows that her mother wouldn’t just abandon them, especially not her twin sister who lives in a state of “unresponsive wakefulness” and relies on Gloria for her care. As Luce looks for her mother, she uncovers secrets about Red Grove. She discovers that her home may not really be as safe as she’s been taught.

One of the book’s central ideas is inter-connectedness. The trees are connected by a mycorrhizal network: “the roots of the redwood trees reaching as wide as the trees were tall, [were] passing sugars and water back and forth, feeding the weak, holding the tallest of them upright, flashing memories to one another along the mycorrhizal network.” But Luce later suggests that the women are also “embedded in the network of this forest.” She is asked, “’Did you know it isn’t just all the plant roots that are connected in the dirt. That it’s all the animals and bugs and people in the Red Grove too? Even the dead ones.’” The later parts of the novel suggest communication is possible between humans and nature and that even the dead can use this network to communicate.

Of course, the message is also that the community of Red Grove gains its strength from the connections among its members. Though they are told that their community has a magical protective shield, “the truth of their power, which was within them, their actions and tenderness [was] so much stronger than a myth.”

There’s a mystery of course: what happened to Gloria? But the book is also very much a coming-of-age story. Luce is very much devoted to Red Grove, its mission, rituals, and myths. In fact, she is being groomed to be the next leader, though Gloria has reservations. She has issues with Una, the current leader, believing that “any isolated community, no matter how noble its intentions, restricted you. It made the world too small.” For instance, she worries that Luce and Roo think of themselves as impervious to harm in Red Grove. When Luce uncovers secrets long hidden about events at Red Grove, she has to decide whether to keep those secrets or reveal them. She loses her innocence as she learns about the place that has been her home for half her life. And her understanding of her relationship with her mother matures.

Pacing is a problem. The book begins very slowly. Even after Gloria vanishes, nothing much happens. Only two-thirds of the way through the book is there any real tension. The chapters of the origin story, though interesting, do little to add to the suspense. Then the closing chapters are vague and will leave many readers feeling unsatisfied.

What bothered me as well is the magic realism/ supernatural elements. Some of the communication that occurs I did not find convincing. The so-called mother-tree hypothesis is very appealing, but the author implies a whole new purpose of these networks and I found it difficult to suspend my disbelief. Then we are supposed to believe that “’There is no such thing as coincidence. . . . Coincidence is communication. It always means something’”? The scenes involving the mummy are just too much! Each time the mummy was mentioned, my interest lessened.

The novel has some interesting ideas. It inspires thinking about how women are viewed when they take control of their own lives and whether isolated communities such as Red Grove can be successful or are even a good idea. However, the novel’s pacing and its more outlandish elements definitely affected my enjoyment.

The premise of the book had me excited and intrigued. It sounded like a unique story but sadly I ended up DNFing. I got about 70 pages in and still didn’t feel fully immersed or engaged. It’s very slow paced and not something I was feeling drawn to read. After setting it aside a few times, I just don’t feel like going back to it. I’ll definitely recommend to some that I know would enjoy it more than me and will look for future books by the author but sadly this one just wasn’t for me

The writing style was captivating. It was spooky and intense. Some aspects of the plot were easy to guess but that didn't impact my overall enjoyment. I enjoyed the supernatural spooky bits! Those are always a fun time.

Thank you to the publisher and the digital galley in exchange for my honest review.

This is a rollercoaster of a book! I loved the mystery. It's a book that asks us all to reexamine the stories that we have been told. Great debut!

Rating 3.5 stars.

The Red Grove is a story of bravery, strength and community in the face of violence and the power that a shared history can have over group of people.

In a secluded forest community primarily comprised of women, teenager Luce Shelley and her family are safe and happy living amongst the redwood trees and far away from the dangers of modern society. They are self-sufficient and self-governed and whenever a new woman shows up with her own burden or past of violence, she is welcomed with open arms. This beautiful existence falls apart when a stranger appears on Luce's doorstep and soon after her mother disappears. As Luce works to find what her mother, she discovers that The Red Grove has many secrets and has to decide which to pursue and which are best kept buried.

The Red Grove was amazing to read about - it was similar to M.Night Shyamalan's 'The Village' in theme. The origin story of the community was heartbreaking and fascinating, and weaving it throughout Luce's main story accentuated that it wasn't just thrilling as a standalone tale but also really did wonders for heightening the anticipation for what could possibly come next. A few of the plot points were a bit too ambiguous even after reaching the end of the book, but altogether this was a highly moving tale of choices, grief, love, and survival.

Thank you to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 Stars

’The trees soon revealed startling secrets. I discovered that they are in a web of interdependence, linked by a system of underground channels, where they perceive and connect and relate with an ancient intricacy and wisdom that can no longer be denied … They pass their wisdom to their kin, generation after generation, sharing the knowledge of what helps and what harms.’
- Suzanne Simard, ’Finding the Mother Tree’

’The women asked: Who is safe?
And Tamsen Nightingale said: The women who shelter in
this red grove are safe.
The women asked: How are they safe?
And Tamsen Nightingale said: In this red grove, no woman
can be harmed. No violence may come upon her. No
injury to her flesh from the flesh of another.
The women asked: Who is welcome?
And Tamsen Nightingale said: Those who can walk in
darkness are welcome and those who affix to the deeply
woven roots are free.
-The Story of the Sisters, Welcoming Incantation

This is a beautifully written story about women, the things they endure, and the bonds they form to keep one another safe. Set in Northern California, this is an atmospheric read, the setting is more or less a commune of women who are drawn to nature, although there are men who are part of this story, this is essentially a story of and about women.

Set in a community where the premise is to provide a safe place for these women living there, and to provide an ‘open door’ to any women who need a safe haven, and within this community are welcomed, they place their faith in knowing that they can do anything, and leave their fears behind them.

I loved this from the first pages, loved how easily this flowed, how beautifully written, and how the story came together at the end.


Pub Date: 14 May 2024

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

The dangers of the rest of the world can’t touch them in The Red Grove. Luce believes in the power of their community, but when her mother goes missing, she learns more than she bargained for about the place she calls home.

I thought this was well written and very poignant. The idea behind it is incredibly intriguing to me, a safe place for women, where no harm can touch them from the hands of another. An apt idea for the danger and violence women face everyday in the world.

But, at what cost? Luce must go on a journey of self discovery, while caring for her little brother and her invalid aunt, seeking the truth of her mother’s whereabouts. This was eerie and whimsical. The atmosphere was fantastic and the message loud and clear.

Immersive, unexpected, beautifully written. "The women can do anything. They do not need to be afraid ever again." Cinematic, probing themes of gender and violence, utopia/dystopia, the natural world. A fever dream of writing, reminds me why I love literary fiction. Thank you, Tessa Fontaine and FSG.

Thank you to Farrar, Straus and Giroux and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this title!

This book exceeded all of my expectations. It’s atmospheric, compelling, and beautifully written. I wasn’t sure if I would like it in the beginning, but the unique elements of supernatural horror and mystery/thriller interwoven into the plot captivated me very quickly and I was unable to put it down until I read the entire thing.

What I loved about the plot was that it goes so far beyond its premise. There’s so much depth to the story, from the historical context to the aspects of magical realism, and the way everything feels so purposeful and intertwined. The way Fontaine incorporated so much rich background into her plot and characters, more so with Luce than the others, was so impressive. I loved the psychological complexity given to Luce’s character as well, and the exploration of her childhood and her relationship with her mother added so much depth to the narrative.

I feel like I could go on and on about the little details that made this book so intriguing. First of all, dual point-of-view? So fascinating and well-written. Then there was the underlying dystopian/utopian parallel and juxtaposition throughout the novel, and all the parallels in general, which really heightened the isolation and mysticism of the Red Grove. I’m also still thinking about the supernatural elements tied not only into the community’s folklore but the characters themselves, and how effectively that horror and fear for something unknown was conveyed. Really, there’s just so much to talk about.

Despite all of this, however, I did find myself getting lost in the dense writing from time to time, which kind of impacted my reading experience and maybe even my understanding of the plot. So while I loved the depth, the way it was delivered was a bit hard to consistently follow. Furthermore, I liked the mystery and its twists, but I’m not entirely a fan of the ending of the novel, and some of the details surrounding how the main conflict was resolved. It did feel a little vague when compared to the other parts of the novel, but it’s still good.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel, and I can definitely see myself re-reading it to pick up on more of its intricate details. This is such a thought-provoking novel that is a great read for anyone who enjoys mystery/thriller imbued with history and the fine line that operates between reality and the supernatural. As a first-time reader of Tessa Fontaine, I’m really impressed, and I’d love to read more of her work in the future.

I deeply enjoyed this book. The descriptions read a bit like a movie, and the character development was really satisfying. There were some plot twists I wasn’t expecting, which is always fun, and I loved Tamsen’s storyline and the way it helped unravel the mystery of the grove and Gloria’s disappearance. Looking forward to reading more from Fontaine!

The description of the book seemed interesting, so I wanted to check the story out. Unfortunately, it is not working for me right now. It is nothing against the story or the author, but I couldn't get into the story/characters. I may try and find a physical copy to add the my library when it is released, though, because I think my readers could like it!

There was much to love in this story. I found myself having a bit of a hard time getting into the story and then I found myself drifting away from it. In the end, it was beautifully written, just needed a tiny bit of an edit to keep the reader immersed.