The Dance Tree

The Dance Tree transports readers to the sweltering streets of Strasbourg in 1518, where an inexplicable phenomenon takes hold of the city. It begins with a solitary woman, who, under the oppressive heat of the summer sun, starts to dance fervently in the city square. As her movements draw the attention of onlookers, the bizarre spectacle escalates into a mass frenzy, attracting hundreds who join her in an uncontrollable dance. The authorities, gripped by fear of a dancing plague, declare a state of emergency, adding to the growing tension in the town.

The Plot

Amidst this chaos, two women navigate their intertwined lives. Lisbet, a pregnant beekeeper, finds solace in her hives while grappling with the societal expectations placed upon her. Her sister-in-law, Nethe, returns from seven years of self-imposed isolation, burdened by the weight of an undisclosed crime. As the community spirals into hysteria, long-buried family secrets and forbidden loves emerge, challenging the bonds of loyalty and trust.

Themes

• Hysteria and Social Pressure: The novel explores how fear can manifest in collective behaviour.
• Isolation and Redemption: Lisbet and Nethe's stories reflect the struggle for personal freedom and forgiveness.
• Nature and Instinct: The connection between humans and nature is vividly illustrated through Lisbet’s relationship with her bees.

“A haunting tale that weaves history and emotion into a tapestry of human experience.”

Readers who enjoyed The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton or The Famished Road by Ben Okri may find a similar resonance in the evocative prose and rich historical context of The Dance Tree.