Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and Tracy Chevalier is among the authors in this genre that I enjoy reading. Her careful research and delightful way of pulling you into the story make her books real page turners. At the Edge of the Orchard was a fascinating tale that I found myself unable to put down.
Book Summary
James and Sadie Goodenough leave their home in Connecticut to head out west. When they get to Ohio their wagon gets stuck in the muddy 1830's black swamp area. They decide to claim some land in this area and settle down to growing apple trees. If they plant 50 trees within 3 years, they can claim the land for their own. James is enthralled with apple trees, that remind him of his home in Connecticut, while Sadie is more interested in the apple jack that they can produce. She can use it as an alcoholic retreat from the tough times that visit them, including deaths of a child to illness in many years. Their children are helpers on their farm from a very early age.
The next part of the book skips to 15 years later when the youngest son Robert is wandering through the Gold Rush in California. He is haunted from his past and the family he left behind when he was only 9 years old. He does find some peace working with a naturalist and helping him to gather saplings and seed of the majestic redwoods and sequoias to send to gardeners in England.
I found the book to be very interesting and really appreciate the care the author takes in describing the historical settings in the novel. The characters are delightful, and you find yourself pulled into their lives.
I have read several of Tracy Chevaliers books in the past and have never been disappointed.
About the Author
Tracy Chevalier was born and grew up in Washington DC. After attending Oberlin college in Ohio, she moved to London in the mid 1980's. Her first novel was Virgin Blue in 1997 followed by The Girl with the Pearl Earring in 1999. She is currently working on her 12th book.
She does a lot of research for each book and one thing she likes to do is put herself in some of the situations she writes about. She tried painting for one book, stitching for another and for At the Edge of the Orchard she spent some time among trees, including the redwoods and sequoias in California.
Link to Book on Amazon
At the Edge of the Orchard, along with Tracy's other books can be found on Amazon. Here is the link: At the Edge of the Orchard
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
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