Eco-Fiction Meets Grief

Reviewing: The Wilder Path by Deborah Tomkins*

Keywords: introspective, eco-fiction, motherly grief, climate psychosis

The Plot (No Spoilers)

The novel follows Roly (Rosalie) as she relives her past while trapped in a cave in the present. Through her memories, we learn about her son, Jonnie, who was viewed as a radical climate activist by his parents. They both dismissed climate change as a hoax and soon after the most explosive fight with their son (twenty years ago), Jonnie dies in a tragic accident while advocating for climate change. 

As Roly reflects on her past, she gradually awakens to the reality of climate change, experiencing severe climate anxiety that begins to dominate her daily life and relationships. This anxiety is closely intertwined with her unresolved grief and regret for how things ended with Jonnie, and it shapes how she understands both the world and her own personal history.

The Wins

The first half of the book is striking and thoughtful eco-fiction, a genre I’ve mostly interacted with through dystopian stories. This was much more rooted in facts and also showcases how the climate conversation has evolved from the ‘90s.

The emotional depth is impressive. Deborah Tomkins handles the intersections of climate, loss, and memory with nuance, showing how environmental and personal crises can coexist. Roly’s grief and guilt feel raw and authentic, and the gradual recognition of her own complicity (and missed opportunities for connection) is heartbreaking in a way that stays with you long after the last page.

It was interesting to explore loss and responsibility through the lens of climate change, which isn’t just a backdrop or allegory here, but a lens through which the entire story takes place. I’d be curious to explore more eco-fiction, especially outside the dystopia genre, though I do love a good dystopian novel too. 

The Misses

The shift from eco-fiction to a grief-focused narrative in the second half is logical, but it changes the rhythm of the book. If you are seeking a book with more outward-facing activism, you might find that inward turn slow or less gripping. 

I’ll also say that at times, Roly’s climate anxiety can feel almost overwhelming, which I think is the point, and speaks to the caliber of writing, but for me personally, it was difficult to read at times. Facing my own climate anxiety, as most people I know, this could be a book that exacerbates that. I don’t know if that comes under ‘a miss’ but I’m putting that here for now. 

Takeaways

Ultimately, The Wilder Path is a novel about grief, forgiveness, and the ways unresolved loss shapes how we see both the past and the future. Climate change is the medium through which Roly maintains a connection to her son and seeks forgiveness for herself. It’s a compelling exploration of both personal and global crises, and a strong picture of how the two can intertwine.

Final Rating

★★★★☆ (4/5)
This book is overall pretty devastating and it definitely lingers. Its exploration of grief, climate anxiety, and parental reflection makes it a deeply rewarding read.

*Note: This review is based on an advance reader copy provided by NetGalley.