A Journey Through Faerie: Reflecting on The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar
Every so often, a story comes along that rekindles my love for reading and reminds me of its magic—a special kind of alchemy between the writer and reader. Amal El-Mohtar’s The River Has Roots did just that for me. I curled up on my couch last Sunday, wrapped in a blanket, and dove into this enchanting novella. Although it’s short, each moment felt profound. As soon as I turned the last page, I found myself immediately reaching out to my local bookshop to preorder the hardcover edition, especially after hearing about its exquisite illustrations. This is a book I will cherish.
At its heart, The River Has Roots is a faerie tale—rich and layered, it serves as both a cautionary tale and a manifesto of feminist solidarity. It thoughtfully examines the avarice that plagues men and celebrates how sisterhood can rise against the pressures of patriarchy. El-Mohtar’s narrative, steeped in beauty, embraces sorrow yet ultimately leaves us in a place of hope. The interconnectedness of story and emotion here captivated me—from the ambiguous setting, which seems vaguely English, to the intricate relationships between characters.
The bond between sisters Esther and Ysabel truly anchors this story. It’s mesmerizing how Esther’s love for Ysabel allows her to transcend their struggles. El-Mohtar skillfully illustrates that sometimes, we face injustices we didn’t create, yet we still possess the power to shape our responses. Through Esther’s journey, we witness a beautiful affirmation of resilience: she chooses love and fidelity to her promise despite overwhelming adversity.
As I read, the nuanced anxiety between the sisters resonated deeply with me. I’ve found myself in both Esther and Ysabel’s shoes—clinging to friends with fierce loyalty while also navigating the inevitable changes life brings. Unlike traditional faerie tales that trap characters in static roles, El-Mohtar allows the Hawthorn sisters to evolve, thus deepening their connection.
Interestingly, the romantic subplot between Esther and Rin is presented with a refreshing ambiguity that feels authentic. As someone who identifies as aromantic, I appreciated how the romance took a backseat to the themes of sisterhood and friendship. The unconventional nature of their attraction—rooted more in emotional connection than physical longing—made me feel acknowledged rather than marginalized. It’s a love story that resonates deeply, regardless of one’s own relationship dynamics.
Conversely, Samuel’s violent outburst against a defiant woman was jarring, echoing the violence that women often face. It serves as a stark reminder of societal failings, leaving me shaken and reflective on the broader implications of such actions. El-Mohtar masterfully captures this tension, illustrating the dire choices imposed on women through the actions of men, forcing us to confront harsh realities.
The title encapsulates one of the central themes: our connection to the land, embodied in the river that runs through Esther’s journey. The ebb and flow of the river parallels the cycles of fortune and disappointment, mirroring Esther’s path to resilience. The land itself becomes a character—a source of strength and sustenance amidst the trials.
El-Mohtar’s playful prose and stylistic choices weave a narrative rich with postcolonial and feminist ideas, expertly subverting traditional tropes. While I hesitate to label any book as “perfect,” The River Has Roots comes remarkably close. This is a story I know will linger with me as one of the best I’ll encounter in 2025, and we’re still early in the year!
If you appreciate stories that explore the complexities of sisterhood, resilience, and the intricate ties we share with one another and the world around us, then I urge you to seek out The River Has Roots. It is a sublime work that offers both heartache and redemption, likely to resonate with anyone who seeks depth in their reading. This novella may very well restore something precious within you, just as it did for me. Happy reading!
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