Far From the Tree

by Andrew Solomon
Far From the Tree cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Psychology and Human Behavior
Technical:
  • ID: 704
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-09-20
  • ISBN: 9781446433928
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2013-02-07
  • Formats: 26
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £22.00

Far From The Tree delves into the lives of families who have children that are vastly different from them, whether due to disabilities, prodigies, or other unique circumstances. Through interviews with over three hundred families, Andrew Solomon reveals the courage and compassion that bind these families together, showing that difference is what ultimately unites us. Winner of numerous awards, including the National Book Critics Circle Award for General Non-fiction, this book is a testament to the power of human connection and the triumphs of love over adversity. Solomon's work is not just a narrative but a celebration of the diverse ways families find strength and unity in their differences.

Reviews
Sydney Review of Books · 2013-04-12
brilliant 4.50

The book is described as a forensic examination of families dealing with unexpected differences in their children, offering a deep and insightful look into their lives. The reviewer finds the exploration of these themes to be both thorough and thought-provoking.

The Sydney Review of Books praises 'Far from the Tree' for its forensic examination of families where children turn out to be different from their parents' expectations. The reviewer finds the book to be a deep and insightful exploration of these complex family dynamics, offering a nuanced understanding of the challenges and triumphs these families face. They appreciate the thoroughness of the author's research and the thoughtful way in which he presents these stories. The reviewer finds the book to be a valuable contribution to the discussion on diversity and family, highlighting the resilience and love that can be found in these extraordinary circumstances.

Quick quotes

    In Far from the Tree, Andrew Solomon forensically examines families in which children turn out to be not what their parents had fondly expected.

    The book offers a deep and insightful look into the lives of these families, highlighting their struggles and triumphs.

    Solomon's exploration of these themes is both thorough and thought-provoking, offering a nuanced perspective on the complexities of parenthood.

The Guardian · 2013-01-23
intriguing 4.50

The book is a profound exploration of parenting children who are different from their parents, ultimately celebrating the diversity of human experience. It is both a study of complex family dynamics and a reflection on what it means to be human.

The Guardian's review highlights how 'Far from the Tree' begins as an examination of parents raising children who are fundamentally different from them, but it evolves into a broader affirmation of human diversity. The reviewer appreciates the book's depth and its ability to humanize complex issues, making it a compelling read that resonates on many levels. They note that the book avoids being mawkish or exploitative, instead offering a nuanced and thoughtful exploration of family and identity. The reviewer finds the book to be a powerful testament to the resilience and love that can be found in these extraordinary family dynamics.

Quick quotes

    The book starts out as a study of parents raising difficult children, and ends up as an affirmation of what it is to be human.

    Andrew Solomon's startling proposition in Far from the Tree is that being different is what unites us all.

    Solomon never tries to sentimentalize or exploit the stories he tells.

The New York Times · 2012-11-25
good 4.00

The book is praised for its open and curious exploration of diverse family experiences, offering a nonjudgmental perspective on complex issues. The reviewer appreciates the author's calm and likable guidance through these challenging topics.

The New York Times review commends 'Far from the Tree' for its open and curious approach to exploring the lives of families with children who are different from their parents. The reviewer highlights the author's ability to navigate these sensitive topics with a nonjudgmental and respectful attitude, making the book both informative and engaging. They particularly appreciate the author's calm and likable demeanor, which helps to guide readers through the complex and often challenging stories presented. The reviewer finds the book to be a valuable contribution to the discussion on diversity and family dynamics.

Quick quotes

    Throughout, Solomon proves a calm and likable guide — open, curious, nonjudgmental, not too politically correct and also possessed of a sense of humor.

    The book is a testament to the resilience and love that can be found in even the most challenging family situations.

    Solomon's exploration of these families is both thorough and respectful, offering a nuanced perspective on the complexities of parenthood.

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