Exploring Transformation in Rhett Davis's _Arborescence_

Rhett Davis's novel _Arborescence_ presents a speculative narrative that explores the phenomenon of mass voluntary transformation of humans into trees, a concept that serves as a provocative commentary on ecological sustainability and the challenges of an ageing population. The story centers on Bren, a man initially skeptical of reports of people believing they are trees, and his partner Caelyn, who passionately advocates for this radical solution.

The Guardian

Bren, the narrator, works at "The Queue," where he processes work packages for a manager he suspects is a disembodied intelligence. His character embodies a sense of disillusionment and distraction, often reflecting on mundane aspects of life, such as his relationship with food and his visits to his father in a nursing home. In contrast, Caelyn is depicted as ambitious and practical, transitioning from a garden centre job to a PhD researcher who becomes a prominent advocate for the idea of arborescence. Her character represents a blend of hope and pragmatism in the face of ecological crises.

The Guardian

The novel juxtaposes Bren's nostalgic reflections on his past, particularly his friendship with a tree that was once his best friend, against Caelyn's empirical approach to the concept of arborescence. This contrast highlights the emotional complexities surrounding the decision to transform into trees. Bren's internal struggle is further complicated by societal expectations of gender roles, as he grapples with the notion of supporting Caelyn's dreams while suppressing his own.

The Guardian

Davis's narrative serves as a commentary on contemporary environmental issues, echoing the satirical tradition of Jonathan Swift's _A Modest Proposal_. The idea of arborescence is presented as a potential solution to pressing ecological challenges, yet it raises questions about human attachment and the emotional ramifications of such transformations. The novel reflects the ambivalence of modern society towards environmental degradation, cycling through themes of cynicism, optimism, nostalgia, and grief.

The Guardian

The novel's context is enriched by references to rising global temperatures and the UN's acknowledgment of significant economic changes affecting the world. These elements ground the speculative narrative in real-world concerns, prompting readers to consider the feasibility and implications of mass voluntary transformation.

The Guardian

While the concept of arborescence is intriguing, the narrative also reveals a disconnect between the idealistic vision of ecological sustainability and the emotional realities of human relationships. Critics may argue that the proposal lacks a definitive exploration of why individuals are drawn to such drastic measures, leaving a gap in understanding the motivations behind the desire to escape into nature.

The Guardian

• “As a heterosexual male partner of a heterosexual woman in the first half of the twenty-first century, I should be able to support her dream and forgo dreams of my own,” — Bren, Narrator

The Guardian

• “There are too many ways we can pretend we’re not here” — Bren, Narrator

The Guardian

In summary, _Arborescence_ by Rhett Davis intricately weaves a narrative that challenges readers to reflect on the intersections of ecological sustainability, societal expectations, and the emotional complexities of transformation.

The Guardian