A review by annica_reads_books
Cottonwood by R. Lee Smith

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

 “They were never meant to come to Earth. They were never allowed to leave…”

I thought R. Lee Smith had tapped into all my feelings when I read her book Land of the Beautiful Dead, but reading Cottonwood has made me realize that Smith is nowhere near done with me. I never saw myself picking up a romance between an ant-like alien man and a human woman, but here I am. And it’s now one of my favorite books of all time. 

If I attempted to describe Cottonwood in a few simple words, I would say that it’s best described as an erotic sci-fi romance with horror elements, reminiscent of the movie, ‘District 9.’ 

“His family on yang’Tak had ceased to exist; they offered him no hope, no sense of purpose. Earth’s reality had killed that memory and all he had was here, and it was Hell.”

The two love interests could not be more different, and Smith shows you a myriad of reasons why this unnatural pairing should not work. But, that’s the beauty of her writing – I found myself desperate for more, clinging to every subtle moment I could get. The heartfelt connection between Sanford and Sarah was a beautiful thing to unfold. I’ll remember their love for a long time. 

“I am your air, your heart. I drink water from your hands. You bare your back to me.” He spoke softer now, but with growing intensity, the words vibrating from his chest-plate to her breast. “Your voice is the secret sounding of my name. I give my unprotected skin to your touch. I am always in you. You are always with me.”

It’s nearly impossible for the reader not to make parallels between what transpires in Cottonwood and other atrocities in human history. The story has political undertones, but the reader is not shown a clear “right” answer on which species is best. Now that I’ve read two of Smith’s books, I’ve found that her storytelling is nothing short of provocative, leaving me to ruminate on its profound messages long after I’ve finished her work.  

“You are doing,” he said, sternly now, “the best you can. And biting at your hands for what they can’t carry achieves nothing.”

“If they can do this to their own kind, what hope is there for us?”

In essence, this book made me feel overwhelming sadness, grief, longing, happiness, agony, despair, and hope. I also lived for the short moments of humor that Smith expertly placed into the story. It’s going to live in my heart for a long time. If you’re looking for a story to captivate you from the moment you open it, to long after you turn the final page, look no further than Cottonwood. 

“I am you and you are me.”

P.S. If there was ever a side character I was desperate to have a spin-off book written for, it’s Samaritan. I adore that hilarious, menacing asshole.