Gillian Reads: The Tree and the Mountain by Jonathan Cave | Inspirational Fiction Book Review
- gillianyoung
- Feb 21
- 3 min read
As both a writer and a reader, I’m always drawn to books that offer more than just a story — the kind that leave you thinking long after you’ve closed the cover.
I’m delighted to be part of the Online Book Review Tour organised by LiterallyPR, who kindly invited me to take part. My thanks also go to Jonathan Cave for gifting me a copy of The Tree and the Mountain in exchange for an honest review.
AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR BIO
JONATHAN CAVE experienced a nomadic childhood, living in five countries before settling in New Zealand to study law. By forty, he was a partner in a prestigious Geneva law firm — outwardly successful yet inwardly restless. Determined to bridge that gap, he turned inward, seeking clarity and purpose. Today, Jonathan is an international leadership coach guiding people through self-discovery, transformation and alignment. The Tree and the Mountain, his first allegorical book, is born of that personal journey. He lives in Switzerland with his wife and two children and loves rugby.
OLIVIA DHORDAIN is an experienced IP lawyer in the luxury industry and an emerging artist
BOOK BLURB
A journey to become who you are meant to be
When a sudden tragedy tears Andrew from the life he knows, he awakens in an endless forest beneath a towering mountain. To return to his loved ones, he must climb, guided only by three mysterious companions who challenge his heart, mind and inner child. Each step tests his courage, strips away illusion, and brings him closer to the truth of who he really is.
Blending story and symbolism, Jonathan Cave’s allegorical debut is both a moving fable and a mirror for modern life.
Inspired by the author’s own transformation from high-performing lawyer to leadership coach, The Tree and the Mountain is a timeless exploration of meaning, mindfulness and hope; an uplifting companion for anyone seeking to live, work and love with greater authenticity.
MY REVIEW
The Tree and the Mountain is a reflective story of self-discovery woven around Andrew — a man whose life revolves around career success and external validation. Driven by achievement and the desire to prove himself, Andrew appears to have it all. Yet, despite his accomplishments, he is left with a quiet sense that something essential is missing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is an enlightening and thought-provoking read — one that genuinely made me pause and reflect on my own priorities. The author writes with clarity and intention, guiding the reader through themes such as Dreams, Alignment, Values and Self-Belief in a way that feels both accessible and profound.
Andrew’s journey is a powerful reminder of how easily we can lose ourselves in a world obsessed with ambition, wealth and measurable success. The book doesn’t simply highlight the problem — it gently offers perspective and insight, encouraging the reader to look inward.
I particularly appreciated the section at the back of the book where Jonathan summarises the core messages within each chapter. This thoughtful addition allowed me to revisit certain sections with a deeper understanding.
There are many important lessons within these pages, but this quote beautifully captures the heart of the book:
“The purpose of being me. It wasn’t about achieving more, proving himself or ticking off accomplishments. It was about rediscovering who he was beneath it all – his values… his dreams… his essence.”
A meaningful and quietly powerful read.
COMING SOON.
Alongside these reviews, I’m currently completing a new project — a dual-timeline supernatural thriller. It’s a new genre for me and, for personal reasons, the journey has taken a little longer than expected, but I’m pleased to say the first draft of the manuscript is now nearing completion. I look forward to sharing more about it soon.
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