Part memoir, and part exultation of the wonders of trees and plants, the author takes us through her childhood, her studies and her early career, introducing us to the people and places that have been influential in her life, showing us what motivates and drives her in family and work. And she shares, too, her passion for botany, the study of plants and trees.

The chapters alternate between her memoir, which reads rather like a novel in terms of dialogue, descriptions and pace, and details of why the study of trees is so important and so interesting. 

She says she first wanted to study literature at university but discovered that 'in science classes we did things instead of just sitting around talking about things'.

But she has been able to channel her passion for words and storytelling into her work in many ways, not least, she says, because 'no writer in the world agonises over words the way a scientist does. Terminology is everything...'

She tells us lots of personal stories about her life and career, but she also gives a valuable insight into the challenges of working in research. 'Science for war will always pay better than science for knowledge,' she says about the constant battle for adequate financing in the sector. 

This is particularly an issue for the study of plants, she says, because they are still so undervalued but can teach us so much. Not least, because 'wood is strong, light, flexible, non-toxic and weather-resistant; thousands of years of human civilisation have yet to produce a better multipurpose building material.' A fascinating read!