Amanda Peters Talks About Her New Novel 'The Birthing Tree'

"The Birthing Tree" tells the story of a woman returning to her Indigenous community and confronting her family's hidden past. Calvi noted that the novel is both intimate and rich with detail, prompting Peters to reflect on her writing process, stating, "I think I put a bit of my personality into a little part of it."

Peters, who identifies as mixed race with European and Mi'kmaq ancestry, emphasizes that the story reflects her Indigenous culture. In the novel, a tree holds significant meaning, representing kinship and ancestral ties. She discusses the importance of giving the tree a voice, aiming for its expressions to convey wisdom rather than humor.

In describing her family lineage, Peters highlighted the broad geographic span of the Mi'kmaq people, who inhabit regions from Nova Scotia to Maine. She admitted to initially feeling unqualified to tell these stories due to her upbringing outside the reserve, but her heart led her to write about her experiences and heritage.

She shared how she infused her own insecurities into her characters, drawing parallels between herself and the protagonist, Aliet. The idea for "The Birthing Tree" originally stemmed from a short story in her collection "Waiting for the Long Night Moon," which she wrote around 2017-2018. Inspired by her previous success, she decided to expand the story into a full novel.

The book centers on Aliet Paul, who grapples with loss, heritage, and the changing dynamics of her community. It explores the clash between modern medicine and traditional midwifery, alongside themes of generational trauma and identity. As Aliet returns to her childhood home after her grandmother's death, she uncovers long-hidden family secrets and navigates a complex web of relationships that challenge her understanding of her past.

In her interview, Peters also described the settings and character transformations throughout the novel, emphasizing the significance of family and tradition as Aliet learns to embrace her roots. "The Birthing Tree" promises to be a powerful exploration of identity, cultural legacy, and personal growth.

An excerpt from the novel reveals Aliet's reflections on her birth and her feelings of connection—or lack thereof—to her deceased mother. Through vivid imagery, Peters evokes the emotional landscape of her characters, illustrating the burden of generational loss and the quest for understanding one's heritage.

The novel is set to release soon, building anticipation among readers who appreciated Peters' debut work.