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The Unfurling Frond
Time and space weave the past and present into the story like an unfurling frond holding layers of memories in a single moment. This memoir explores becoming and belonging on the shores of the Atlantic and Pacific and in the mystical and spiritual realms.
Rebecca Beardsall's transnational narrative between the United States and Aotearoa, New Zealand, The Unfurling Frond, investigates land and place as physical space, home, and moments in time. The collection wrestles with the concept of personal transformation through time with the added complexity of settler colonization.
As she travels between her two selves/two moments in time, her histories/two nations' histories, Beardsall senses and feels where her physical body aligns with the spiritual, telling her that she is home, that she belongs.
Longlisted for the C & R Press - Nonfiction Award
Longlisted for the Santa Fe Writers Project - Literary Awards Program
Rebecca Beardsall's transnational narrative between the United States and Aotearoa, New Zealand, The Unfurling Frond, investigates land and place as physical space, home, and moments in time. The collection wrestles with the concept of personal transformation through time with the added complexity of settler colonization.
As she travels between her two selves/two moments in time, her histories/two nations' histories, Beardsall senses and feels where her physical body aligns with the spiritual, telling her that she is home, that she belongs.
Longlisted for the C & R Press - Nonfiction Award
Longlisted for the Santa Fe Writers Project - Literary Awards Program
254 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2023
14 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Beardsall
8 books7 followersRebecca Beardsall is the author of the memoirs The Unfurling Frond and My Place in the Spiral. She received her MA in English from Lehigh University and her MFA from Western Washington University. Her poetry and essays have appeared in SWIMM, West Texas Review, Two Cities Review, The Schuylkill Valley Journal, Poetry NZ, Thimble Lit Magazine, and Gold Man Review. Find her at: rebeccabeardsall.com
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 20, 2023
It is not exciting, It is softly dramatic. Through her eyes again we learn the importance of a name. Most people call her Becky. We have heard that name so often. We can draw pictures of a Becky. She wants the name Rebecca. It is facts like that which lead us through Pennsylvania and Auckland, New Zealand. Yippee! she mentions row homes. It is well know where they are found. In New Zealand are the black beaches. I have never seen one. Can't imagine one. How many can remember where they drank their first beer? Rebecca Beardsall remembers. It happened in New Zealand at the first legal pub. Altogether it is a visit to a trunk of memories. There are Crazy quilts, Double Wedding Rings and papers full of words. We can not miss writing more about New Zealand. Sixty volcanoes are there. One is named Ruapehu.This review could go on and on. Every page is interesting in The Unfurling Frond including the calmness felt at a volcanic site. Sit or lay anywhere and joy in the abundance of life.
October 11, 2023
The Unfurling Frond: A Memoir of Belonging and Becoming
By: Rebecca Beardsall
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Publication Date: October 10, 2023
ISBN: 978-1639889556
Reviewed by: Diane Lunsford
Review Date: August 7, 2023
Rebecca Beardsall’s The Unfurling Frond: A Memoir of Belonging and Becoming is exceptionally thought-provoking and a memorable journey of self-definition and personal reflection.
The prologue to The Unfurling Frond, ‘Blank Slate/White Bag’ is the key that opens Ms. Beardsall’s journey into ‘defining herself’ over the many years ahead in her journey through life. She was in her twelfth-grade art class and the assignment presented was the ‘white bag project.' The students were each given a white bag with the task to "...illustrate a bag that would represent a product that said something about ourselves..." (pg. 3) Inspired later that evening by a Ralph Lauren ad in Seventeen Magazine, Ms. Beardsall is drawn not only to the simplicity, but the impact it made. It was an ad for perfume and the bottle simply had the name ‘Lauren’ on it. Suddenly, she was inspired to design an image depicting "... a blue, round-shaped bottle with a wave-like cap in dark blue. Water, ocean waves—the elements that sing to my soul..." While the premise of this account is foundational to the memoir about to unfold, this was a defining moment that, in time, would guide Ms. Beardsall to leave her birthplace in a small Mennonite community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and "...wander and find places to hold me and become home, Aotearoa New Zealand, Bellingham, Washington..."
The story begins with Ms. Beardsall sharing the story around the tragic loss of her brother Dwayne. He was 26 years old and on March 13, 1992, Dwayne died from a horrific farming accident. He lost his life when he fell into the feed mixer after the evening milking and sustained multiple injuries to his neck, chest, and legs. Ms. Beardsall was nineteen when she lost her brother. He was supposed to be the best man in her wedding one day. Dwayne, in many respects, was her anchor that kept her tethered to Pennsylvania. As she eloquently puts it, her loss "...loosened the soil that bonded me to Pennsylvania but still holds Dwayne. It wasn’t a vision that caused me to venture; it was a life lost in an instant that spurred me to move on and into myself..." (pg. 14) This was her catalyst to not only go to whatever far reaches she needed to go to in an effort to seek and explore who she was, but maintain the hope that once she arrived, she would recognize herself. New Zealand is her eventual destination and where she finally meets her former on-line dating partner (Geoffrey) in the flesh and marries him.
It is difficult to pay proper respect and deliver a worthy critique to this author in two short paragraphs. Suffice it to say, Ms. Beardsall has done a stellar job of eliciting an instant connection with her audience immediately upon reading the first couple of pages. Ms. Beardsall extends her hand by way of beautiful prose and eloquent passages that are telltale signs of an author who is in command of her pen and has a clear vision of her audience. She drew raw emotion from me at the onset when sharing the epithet on her brother’s headstone: "...Vision to Venture are the words engraved on his headstone. They rest there in granite on the bottom right under: Dwayne E. Helm May 18, 1966, Mar. 13, 1992..." (pg. 13) Ms. Beardsall’s gloriously exposes who she is through emotions that range from heartfelt grief toward the loss of her brother to setting up the opening to many chapters in Section II with the whimsy of Lewis Carroll via select passages from his iconic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. There are also insightful thought challenges at the end of certain chapters that provoke moments of introspection. They are presented in either an obvious context (‘upright’) or a challenge to dig deeper (‘reversed’) in that the sentiment is worded similarly, yet quite different simply by how the words are assembled in the sentence. In other words, there are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers. Rather, they are intentional pauses to take (and make) the time to digest the content and look at what has been offered in a different light. Simply put, this is a body of work like no other I have read! I am honored to have had the privilege to write this review. Write on, Ms. Beardsall! The world anxiously awaits your next book!
Quill says: The Unfurling Frond is a magnificent garden that produces an amazing bounty of beautiful insights!
By: Rebecca Beardsall
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Publication Date: October 10, 2023
ISBN: 978-1639889556
Reviewed by: Diane Lunsford
Review Date: August 7, 2023
Rebecca Beardsall’s The Unfurling Frond: A Memoir of Belonging and Becoming is exceptionally thought-provoking and a memorable journey of self-definition and personal reflection.
The prologue to The Unfurling Frond, ‘Blank Slate/White Bag’ is the key that opens Ms. Beardsall’s journey into ‘defining herself’ over the many years ahead in her journey through life. She was in her twelfth-grade art class and the assignment presented was the ‘white bag project.' The students were each given a white bag with the task to "...illustrate a bag that would represent a product that said something about ourselves..." (pg. 3) Inspired later that evening by a Ralph Lauren ad in Seventeen Magazine, Ms. Beardsall is drawn not only to the simplicity, but the impact it made. It was an ad for perfume and the bottle simply had the name ‘Lauren’ on it. Suddenly, she was inspired to design an image depicting "... a blue, round-shaped bottle with a wave-like cap in dark blue. Water, ocean waves—the elements that sing to my soul..." While the premise of this account is foundational to the memoir about to unfold, this was a defining moment that, in time, would guide Ms. Beardsall to leave her birthplace in a small Mennonite community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and "...wander and find places to hold me and become home, Aotearoa New Zealand, Bellingham, Washington..."
The story begins with Ms. Beardsall sharing the story around the tragic loss of her brother Dwayne. He was 26 years old and on March 13, 1992, Dwayne died from a horrific farming accident. He lost his life when he fell into the feed mixer after the evening milking and sustained multiple injuries to his neck, chest, and legs. Ms. Beardsall was nineteen when she lost her brother. He was supposed to be the best man in her wedding one day. Dwayne, in many respects, was her anchor that kept her tethered to Pennsylvania. As she eloquently puts it, her loss "...loosened the soil that bonded me to Pennsylvania but still holds Dwayne. It wasn’t a vision that caused me to venture; it was a life lost in an instant that spurred me to move on and into myself..." (pg. 14) This was her catalyst to not only go to whatever far reaches she needed to go to in an effort to seek and explore who she was, but maintain the hope that once she arrived, she would recognize herself. New Zealand is her eventual destination and where she finally meets her former on-line dating partner (Geoffrey) in the flesh and marries him.
It is difficult to pay proper respect and deliver a worthy critique to this author in two short paragraphs. Suffice it to say, Ms. Beardsall has done a stellar job of eliciting an instant connection with her audience immediately upon reading the first couple of pages. Ms. Beardsall extends her hand by way of beautiful prose and eloquent passages that are telltale signs of an author who is in command of her pen and has a clear vision of her audience. She drew raw emotion from me at the onset when sharing the epithet on her brother’s headstone: "...Vision to Venture are the words engraved on his headstone. They rest there in granite on the bottom right under: Dwayne E. Helm May 18, 1966, Mar. 13, 1992..." (pg. 13) Ms. Beardsall’s gloriously exposes who she is through emotions that range from heartfelt grief toward the loss of her brother to setting up the opening to many chapters in Section II with the whimsy of Lewis Carroll via select passages from his iconic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. There are also insightful thought challenges at the end of certain chapters that provoke moments of introspection. They are presented in either an obvious context (‘upright’) or a challenge to dig deeper (‘reversed’) in that the sentiment is worded similarly, yet quite different simply by how the words are assembled in the sentence. In other words, there are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers. Rather, they are intentional pauses to take (and make) the time to digest the content and look at what has been offered in a different light. Simply put, this is a body of work like no other I have read! I am honored to have had the privilege to write this review. Write on, Ms. Beardsall! The world anxiously awaits your next book!
Quill says: The Unfurling Frond is a magnificent garden that produces an amazing bounty of beautiful insights!
August 23, 2023
The Unfurling Frond, a memoir by Rebecca Beardsall, presents an engrossing and invigorating chronicle of her life that masterfully intertwines the elements of childhood, education, and travel experiences. Growing up in an intimate family in America during the late 20th century, Rebecca's narrative diverges from the commonplace. Instead of embarking on the traditionally anticipated path of marriage, she boldly ventured into the unexplored terrains of New Zealand. This adventurous streak continued to define her journey, guiding her through a tapestry of global cities, kindling an online romance with her partner, Geoffrey, and fostering enduring friendships.
Rebecca's professional life weaves a parallel narrative. Despite carving a successful career as a teacher, her innate passion for writing prevailed. She pursued this creative calling, proving not just her proficiency but her exceptional talent.
The Unfurling Frond stands out as a distinctive memoir, primarily due to the deep resonance it generates within the reader. It is not just Rebecca's tale but a reflection of a universal struggle – the tug-of-war between the identities we adopt and our true selves. Furthermore, Rebecca's spirit of wanderlust breathes life into the book, making readers yearn for similar adventures. Until that becomes a reality, one can traverse the globe through Rebecca's vivid and immersive descriptions, notably her affectionate portrayal of New Zealand.
The memoir also casts Rebecca as an unapologetic feminist, unafraid to challenge societal norms. Her personality showcases the rare combination of fierce independence, self-awareness, and humility, the ability to acknowledge her missteps. Her narrative is also tinged with poignancy as she recounts the irreplaceable loss of her brother, an event that underscores the enduring pain of losing a sibling.
The Unfurling Frond is not merely a memoir; it is a heartfelt expression emanating from the deepest chambers of Rebecca's heart. The book skillfully weaves together themes of history, particularly the Civil War, with elements of friendship, love, family, and adventure. For enthusiasts of memoirs, this book is more than just a fantastic read; it's an extraordinary journey through a life lived with courage, self-discovery, and unrelenting love for exploration.
Rebecca's professional life weaves a parallel narrative. Despite carving a successful career as a teacher, her innate passion for writing prevailed. She pursued this creative calling, proving not just her proficiency but her exceptional talent.
The Unfurling Frond stands out as a distinctive memoir, primarily due to the deep resonance it generates within the reader. It is not just Rebecca's tale but a reflection of a universal struggle – the tug-of-war between the identities we adopt and our true selves. Furthermore, Rebecca's spirit of wanderlust breathes life into the book, making readers yearn for similar adventures. Until that becomes a reality, one can traverse the globe through Rebecca's vivid and immersive descriptions, notably her affectionate portrayal of New Zealand.
The memoir also casts Rebecca as an unapologetic feminist, unafraid to challenge societal norms. Her personality showcases the rare combination of fierce independence, self-awareness, and humility, the ability to acknowledge her missteps. Her narrative is also tinged with poignancy as she recounts the irreplaceable loss of her brother, an event that underscores the enduring pain of losing a sibling.
The Unfurling Frond is not merely a memoir; it is a heartfelt expression emanating from the deepest chambers of Rebecca's heart. The book skillfully weaves together themes of history, particularly the Civil War, with elements of friendship, love, family, and adventure. For enthusiasts of memoirs, this book is more than just a fantastic read; it's an extraordinary journey through a life lived with courage, self-discovery, and unrelenting love for exploration.
November 15, 2023
We watch Rebecca grow up as she weaves many strands together, from her childhood and Mennonite upbringing, and the conflicts that created, repressing her deeper spiritual awakening. “My Mennonite upbringing didn’t provide the space for intense spiritual spaces even within the so-called Christian church. … the spiritual gifts of the Bible were for a particular time and they
were no longer needed or a part of our time.”
But most of the book is an account of her relationship with New Zealand with her Kiwi husband, discovering each of their homelands and roots in a deeper way, along with its legacy of colonialism. She has much of her traditional background to overcome, including recognizing herself as a feminist, and coming to terms with meaningful issues she’d buried and tried to avoid.
were no longer needed or a part of our time.”
But most of the book is an account of her relationship with New Zealand with her Kiwi husband, discovering each of their homelands and roots in a deeper way, along with its legacy of colonialism. She has much of her traditional background to overcome, including recognizing herself as a feminist, and coming to terms with meaningful issues she’d buried and tried to avoid.
June 18, 2024
This is a beautiful book that follows creative development in a constantly inventive structure. The narrative stays fresh and takes us on an inventive spiral journey to self discovery. I really enjoyed reading this and was inspired by the book's innovative format.
July 15, 2024
A beautiful narrative of stories that weaved landscapes, loss, love, and life into a journey of discovery of one’s true self.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews