Book Review – Birnam Wood

When I first picked up “Birnam Wood,” I wasn’t sure what to expect. The premise sounded intriguing – a group of guerrilla gardeners going head-to-head with a tech billionaire in New Zealand? It reminded me of when I accidentally stumbled across “Station Eleven” thinking it was going to be a typical post-apocalyptic novel, only to discover it was so much more. I have to admit, the first quarter of this book had me checking how many pages were left, but oh my goodness, am I glad I stuck with it!

The story centers around Mira and her collective called Birnam Wood (and yes, that Macbeth reference becomes more significant as you read). They’re essentially modern-day Robin Hoods of agriculture, planting crops on abandoned or neglected land. When Mira discovers an isolated farm cut off by a landslide, it seems like the perfect opportunity. However, she’s not the only one eyeing this particular piece of paradise. Enter Robert Lemoine, an American billionaire with plans for an end-of-the-world bunker. You know that feeling when something seems too good to be true? Yeah, this is definitely one of those situations.

Catton’s writing style took me a while to warm up to. She spends considerable time laying the groundwork with character backgrounds and relationships, which initially felt like trudging through thick mud. But just like that one time I almost gave up on “The Secret History” before it clicked, everything suddenly fell into place. The slow build-up proves essential to understanding the characters’ motivations and the explosive events that follow.

The tension in this book sneaks up on you like a summer storm – one minute you’re basking in detailed descriptions of New Zealand landscape and philosophical discussions about capitalism and environmentalism, and the next you’re gripping the edges of your book as everything goes sideways. I found myself staying up way too late, telling myself “just one more chapter” (my husband keeps telling me I need to stop doing this, but some books just demand to be finished!).

What really got me thinking was how Catton tackles the complexities of modern activism. There’s something deeply uncomfortable about watching idealistic characters navigate the murky waters of compromise. It reminded me of conversations I’ve had with friends about whether it’s possible to create real change while working within the system you’re trying to change. The members of Birnam Wood grapple with these questions in ways that feel painfully real.

The character dynamics are fascinating, even though some of them occasionally tip into caricature territory. Mira’s passionate idealism, Shelley’s practical competence, and Tony’s righteous anger all feel like people I’ve met at various activist meetings over the years. And Lemoine? Well, he’s every tech billionaire who’s ever made me roll my eyes at their “solutions” to world problems.

I particularly appreciated how Catton weaves in themes from Macbeth without beating us over the head with the parallels. The way ambition and moral compromise slowly poison each character’s noble intentions is masterfully done. It’s like watching a row of dominoes fall in slow motion – you can see where it’s going, but you’re powerless to stop it.

Now, I should warn you – if you’re expecting a light read about gardening and environmental activism, this isn’t it. This book goes to some dark places, especially in its latter half. The shift in tone is jarring but effective, like when you realize that cozy mystery you’re reading has suddenly turned into a psychological thriller.

The New Zealand setting adds another layer of fascination for me. While you don’t need to understand New Zealand politics to follow the story, I found myself doing some late-night Googling to better understand the context (another bad habit my husband wishes I’d break!).

The ending left me breathless and slightly shaken. It’s not the kind of book you can just close and move on from – it lingers in your mind, making you question your own compromises and complicities. I finished it three days ago and I’m still thinking about it.

Is it perfect? No. The pacing in the first quarter could be tighter, and some readers might find the philosophical discussions a bit heavy-handed. But these minor flaws actually add to its authenticity – like the slightly bitter edge to really good dark chocolate that makes it all the more satisfying.

If you enjoy novels that challenge your thinking while keeping you on the edge of your seat, “Birnam Wood” is definitely worth your time. Just maybe don’t start it right before bedtime – you might find yourself, like me, still reading at 3 AM, unable to stop until you know how it all ends.

And whatever you do, don’t skip the slow build-up at the beginning. Trust me, it’s like that time I almost gave up on making sourdough bread because the starter took so long – the patience pays off in the end.