I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

I found the description of the book intriguing which is what attracted me to wanting to read it
I'm so glad I did
Its unlike anything I have read before
Everything was new to me - I absolutely loved it - I learned so much
Fascinating

Going into this book I was so intrigued to read about the plants and plant medicines from places I am not personally familiar with, and I I did get that. But what I also got was a book about culture and identity, and being able to read about something I love so much (plants, herbalism and botany) from a perspective so different from my own was wonderful.

Much in the vein of Kimmerer's teachings, this book tells us that we need to honour the land, to remember that it is the provider of life and we need to protect it. I love the word "plantcestors" (plant ancestors), for it invokes the feeling of wonder that plants contain when you come to realise just how long they have been around, and how important they have been for countless generations that have come before you.

While plants tie the threads of this book together, beneath them we follow Feghali along a journey through Cana'an's history and a more personal journey of how the author feels caught between the two cultures she knows and how she is trying to bring them together in her own identity.

I learned a great deal from reading this, both about plants and plant history and about the Middle East. I believe anyone can benefit from this book, even if you don't fully subscribe to the author's personal philosophy. There are some important lessons here that I think we will all need to use in the future.

Thank you to the publisher, North Atlantic Books, and NetGalley for providing an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and North Atlantic Books for providing thins book. This is an interesting book. To read about plants I’ve never heard about and the writer’s experience with them is very eye-opening. I wonder if the book could provide some botanical illustrations in it. It’s sad that native people are being forced to leave their ancestral land and plant-wise lifestyle due to colonialism.

The main theme here, i think, is that plants and nature have been used for thousands of years, spanning from ancient times, and into today. As societies and cultures change, so has the land and the plants that thrive there. I believe the message here is to remember that the land and what it provides is invaluable. It can provide us a means to survive, even in the hardest of times, and should be protected and passed down to future generation in our family.

Throughout the book the reader will understand how using plants as food and medicine was a big influence in the authors cultural heritage and childhood upbringing. It is the wisdom of our parents and grandparents who reminds us about the linkage between humanity and the natural world. I would recommend this book readers who enjoy nature and plants from a different perspective.

This book examines ethnobotany and things I had never considered before approaching this book. Feghali explores our ancestors practices for healing (Plantcestral Re-Membrance) and teaches the reader to learn from multiple cultures that surround us, and to elevate our interest in the plants and living things that we disregard far too easily. Honestly lost for words at how much this book has taught me, and I think anyone with an interest in spirituality, herbalism, fungi, nature or the lost parts of culture would adore this book. Everyone else would at the very least learn something greatly intriguing. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free ARC in exchange for honest review.

"The Land in Our Bones" by Layla F. Feghali read like prayer and honor for our ancestral connections and the wisdom of plants and Mother Earth. In a political climate marked by conflict and destruction, Feghali's work serves as a prayerful guide, encouraging readers to honor the earth, our diasporic roots, and the enduring legacy of what she calls our "plantcestors."

As the daughter of Lebanese immigrants and a practitioner of herbalism, Feghali brings a unique perspective to the forefront. Her expertise in land-based therapy, coupled with a deep understanding of the impact of colonialism, displacement, capitalism, and white supremacy, weaves a narrative that resonates on both personal and collective levels.

Central to Feghali's narrative is the concept of "plantcestors," a term she employs to acknowledge the healing herbs that have supported generations in the face of historical adversities. Through this lens, she invites readers to engage with our cultural legacies by reconnecting with the land, a process she aptly terms "plancestral re-membrance."

The author's exploration of Cana'an's history, the ancestral civilization stretching from the Sinai region of Egypt to the areas west of the Jordan River and Syria, is a crucial aspect of the book. I learned so much about history in the Middle East and came away from reading with such a richer understanding. Feghali delves into the impact of colonialism and war on the cultural fabric of these lands, offering readers a nuanced understanding of the generational connection to the land that has been eroded by the impact of settler colonialism.

One of the strengths of "The Land in Our Bones" lies in Feghali's role as a student of the ongoing deconstruction of colonial mappings in the Middle East. She guides readers through a journey of comprehension, unraveling the complexities of history and the profound impact it has had on families who've experienced displacement.

The book not only serves as a historical guide but also as a manual for herbal wisdom. Feghali introduces readers to healing herbs like "Tayyoun" and "Za'atar," providing insights into their medicinal properties. As a student of elders in the herbalism tradition, she shares her knowledge generously, offering ways for readers to connect with our own "forgotten fragments."

Nevertheless, Feghali does not shy away from addressing the challenges faced by communities in maintaining their generational relationship with plants. The criminalization of such connections, particularly in light of recent events like the occupation of Israel in Palestine, adds a resonate layer to the narrative.

In a time where mental health crises are rising and we are seeking to heal intergenerational trauma by raising the collective consciousness, "The Land in Our Bones" stands out as a timely and essential read. Feghali's writing feels like an altar call, a call to action for those committed to learning more about the roots of sustenance, cultural resilience, and the enduring bond between humanity and the land.

I had never heard of an ethnobotanist before, but in this book Layla K. Feghali  does an excellent job of introducing the reader to the intricacies of the ways in which botanical knowledge and local culture interact to produce a greater appreciation for the value of medicinal and magical plants.

She examines the heritage of two key geographical areas, namely the Middle East and the Levant, to see how the qualities of special plants can help us to heal from the wounds inflicted by human disrespect - towards each other and towards nature.

In exploring ancestral healing practices as part of what she calls Plantcestral Re-Membrance, Feghali draws on ancient systems of treatment for a variety of ailments, and offers a way forward for humans to live by exercising stewardship of the natural world.

Whether or not you subscribe wholeheartedly to her philosophy, there are certainly many elements of interest to be taken from this fascinating book, with its deep rooted knowledge of indigenous cultural practices and plantlore.

As someone without a background in herbalism, I found this book to be an absolute gem. It delves into the fascinating connection between the land and its plant life, offering a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, ecological, and mythological insights. Feghali's writing encourages us to form a deeper bond with the plants, landscapes, and narratives that shape the world of SWANA herbalism. While the book primarily focuses on the herbal traditions of Canaan, its profound message resonates with people from all walks of life, inviting us to acknowledge our shared botanical heritage.

I especially enjoyed the chapters about spirituality and divine feminine as these are the modalities I work with. The rituals described in the book can be used not only by herbalists, but anyone who wants to deeper connect with the spiritual energy of plants.

This book is undoubtedly a masterpiece and a valuable addition to the library of herbal medicine literature. Its primary dedication to the people of the SWANA region, especially those in diaspora, is commendable. However, it also stands as a generous gift to anyone with an interest in herbalism, gardening, or simply a love for plants, regardless of their cultural background.

*Thank you to North Atlantic Books and Layla K. Feghali for the ARC copy of this book*