The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World is the latest publication by Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of the bestseller Braiding Sweetgrass. A petite book in size and a relatively quick read, one should not underestimate the powerful concepts contained within.
Kimmerer proposes a new paradigm for our participation in the world, one that utilizes a gift economy approach. A gift economy is one in which one consumes only what is needed and freely shares surplus with others. Grounded in Indigenous values and observations of the natural world, Kimmerer centers the book on the serviceberry, a calendar plant that produces unique and delicious berries generously. “The abundance of berries feels like a pure gift from the land. I have not earned, paid for, nor labored for them” (p. 2).
Kimmerer observes the bounty and how the berries are available not only for humans, to be used for nourishment in their original form, but also in products in which the berries can have their shape changed. The plant and its berries are also used to sustain other life forms in nature. Although Kimmerer’s scientific perspective may occasionally be dense reading, the reader is easily able to focus on themes of connecting elements in the natural world to an understanding of gratitude and plentifulness.
Kimmerer challenges the capitalist economy of Western culture, with themes of consumption, selfishness, and self preservation. She offers instead a perspective that leans in to the ways in which we have enough, can make our surplus available to others, and can move toward integrated systems of interdependence. She states:
In a gift economy, wealth is understood as having enough to share, and the practice for dealing with abundance is to give it away…the currency in a gift economy is relationship, which is expressed as gratitude, as interdependence and participation in the ongoing cycles of reciprocity. A gift economy nurtures well -being, the economic unit is “we” rather than “I,” as all flourishing is mutual. (p. 32-33)
At a time when many Americans are reconsidering their purchasing patterns and how individual consumption is part of larger corporate greed, The Serviceberry provides a construct for the ways in which we might further consider our individual and collective impact as well as improve our connection to the natural world. The Serviceberry also is a reminder to seek participation in gift economies. It’s surprising, after adopting this lens, that opportunities are seen everywhere.
Reviewed by Lisa Eible, DSW, MSW, LCSW, a consultant, writer, and educator with more than 34 years of social work experience. Lisa has advanced certificates in Cultural Competence and Trauma. Professional interests include social work in healthcare, administration, leadership, supervision, Relational-Cultural Theory, and diversity issues. Lisa is a member of The Relational-Cultural Theory Collective.