I'm starting to be a big fan of Premee Mohamed. It's not often that I feel like there's a book written specifically "for ME" but this entire trilogy seems like it might be.
I expected this novel to follow Reid as she returned to her campus, but instead we follow Henryk on his journey to his Uncle's more Northern community.
Short No Spoiler ( I hope!) synopsis:
Feeling bereft after Reid's departure, Henryk sets out on a wild adventure, traveling with a makeshift map to find his Uncle. With more luck than skill, he's able to find the community. Henryk is taken in conditionally and really does give it his all to fit in and be visibly productive in a vastly different community than the one he left. He struggles much in the same way he struggled at home, making some poor decisions, and being, in general, not very welcome. Much like his past, as series of disasters follows him, and while none are notable his "fault" dystopian communities seem to have no time for accidental blunders. After a particularly spectacular error Henryk somewhat redeems himself and makes a choice to move on.
For me, I wanted Henryk to desperately have sort of a hero's arc of redemption, but that does not occur, and to be honest, this seems so realistic as so many of us work very hard at being in community with others, and despite our efforts we aren't always successful.
In the end, the message I took away again was that people often survive better together, and no one really wins unless everyone can share in the winning. I love this message as it's one I believe in whole heartedly.
The writing again is precise and story construction is on point. These novellas are great for book club as there's so much to discuss- themes of belonging, community, class systems, the environment, poverty and wealth, community building and more!
The First Thousand Trees comes out September 30th! I am grateful to ECW press for the opportunity to read the novella as an Advanced copy!
STATS
First Published : September 2025
Pages: 136
Available as an Audio Book : not currently, but maybe soon?
Trigger Warnings: Climate crisis, Death of child, death of parent, blood, medical situation, violence, weaponry, (not a complete list- be responsible!)
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