Fireweed

Book Review: Fireweed by Lauren Haddad 📚

I recently finished Fireweed by Lauren Haddad and I have to say, it left a strong impression on me. Set in the industrial north of Prince George, Canada, the story centers around Jenny Hayes, a woman stuck in a life she’s not quite sure about. Jenny lives next door to Rachelle, the only First Nations woman in the neighborhood, who has two young daughters. Jenny longs for a child herself and wrestles with feelings of jealousy and confusion over why Rachelle, despite her less-than-perfect yard and disheveled home, seems to have what she wants most. 🌲📚

Jenny’s life is complicated by the people around her—her mother Fi, who’s more interested in chain smoking than childcare, and her best friend Missy, who’s living the suburban dream but still feels hollow inside. Jenny steps into Rachelle’s world by volunteering to babysit her kids, trying to bridge the gap between their very different lives. 👩‍👧‍👧🤝

The story takes a darker turn when two young women, Beth Tremblay and Rachelle, go missing along Highway 16. The media only focuses on Beth’s disappearance, leaving Rachelle overlooked and her children taken by the state. Feeling that no one else will stand up for her neighbor, Jenny embarks on a clumsy investigation that forces her—and the reader—to confront uncomfortable truths about race, class, and gender in rural communities. 🚨🕵️‍♀️

Lauren Haddad does an incredible job peeling back layers of prejudice and self-interest, showing how good intentions can sometimes be clouded by personal bias. The book is gripping and rebellious, challenging readers to think deeply about how we see others and ourselves. 🔥📖

On a personal note, I was immediately drawn in by the striking cover—definitely one of those designs that makes you want to pick up the book. There’s been some controversy around Fireweed, which honestly only made me more curious. And I’m glad I dove in. The writing is beautiful, the setting vivid and immersive, and the characters feel real and complex. When I read a book, I like to focus purely on the story itself, without distractions from outside noise or opinions—and for me, this book delivered big time. It was genuinely entertaining, well-crafted, and absolutely worth the read. 🎨✨

Overall, I’d give Fireweed four stars. It’s a thoughtful and powerful novel that stays with you long after you turn the last page. If you’re looking for a story that challenges perspectives while keeping you hooked, this one’s for you. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️