tracy chevalier at the edge of the orchard review

This is particularly true of frontier novels where the family is already up against the harsh natural elements. The women are all too often depicted as wooden paragons of virtue. One of the mistakes that too many novelists make is to have all their choice villain roles filled by males. I was just disappointed after liking the author's previous novels so much.‘At the Edge of the Orchard’ by Tracy Chevalier (2016) – 285 pages It's not a terrible book, just rather slow and dull with unlikeable characters. I don't think I would've continued to listen if the narration hadn't been as good. On the plus side, the narration was great, with lots of voices to help differentiate characters. There were moments that should have touched me emotionally but I felt removed from them because of the writing style. From the book blurb I thought the book would be about the journey to the swamp but it wasn't. Unfortunately I found this structure disjointed and I didn't much like any of the characters. There's a lot of info here about trees as he finds his way in the world and his joy in nature. It then switches to the son's story - after he has left the black swamp - told through letters and up to a point where we switch back in time to find the reason he left. The wife is an odd person who wishes they lived elsewhere and has a difficult relationship with her husband. There is a lot of info about the orchard and apples. The story follows a woman living with her family in the black swamp and the difficulties they have trying to make a living on the farm. I loved The Last Chevalier and enjoyed Remarkable Creatures, but sadly this novel didn't live up to expectations. Wonderful book, highly recommended, I'm working through the rest of Tracey's books and look forward to her next one.

The family had such a tough life which you can imagine is very true of many families at that time. Robert's story is amazing and Martha's life made me want to cry, she was so badly treated by her mother and had a terrible childhood.

Sadie, the mother, is very unlikeable as is the Father. Have you listened to any of Liza Ross’s other performances? How does this one compare?ĭid you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? I enjoyed listening to the story about a family while learning about a period in history and a subject I've never even thought about really-who knew apple growing could be so interesting? Tracey Chevalier has a way of entwining a human story with history that brings her books to life. What made the experience of listening to At the Edge of the Orchard the most enjoyable?

Another brilliant book by Tracey Chevalier

Tracy chevalier at the edge of the orchard review