
I finished this book last week, and still it lingers on my mind. Its simple power and raw story leave me wondering and hoping—sad and still clinging to the life of the orchardist who gave his everything to these girls, and then to Angeline. The robustness of the plot carried forth a tale of hideous abuse mingled with gentle compassion and filled me with tenderness for all of the characters, be they soft and gentle or hard and unforgiving. It was a story fraught with mind bending realities and unspoken grief, and it touched me to the core. There are not many books that draw out this level of emotion in me, and I will try to explain why.
Talmadge is damaged. As a young child, he was left orphaned with his young sister who soon went missing. He never forgot that loss and never stopped looking for her. This is why, when the girls appear, Talmadge comes to life, in a way. He wants to give to them all the things that his sister never received; he wants to love again. But these are badly damaged girls: confused, frightened and full of fire. They are difficult to love and even harder to manage. Talmadge comes to them with open hands and a heart full of kindness, but they can’t see it. They will never be able to see the power of the orchardist who holds their lives in his hands.
As the girls come closer and closer to delivering their babies, they wander away, trying to give birth by themselves, only to be rescued and brought back to Talmadge, where tragedy strikes. Angeline is the only surviving baby, and loved like a daughter by Talmadge. In his love there is a gentle protectiveness, a proclivity to spoil, and a heart full of wonder at the child that both girls neglect. It’s a ruinous day when the girls discover their hunter has never given up on them, and finds them in the orchard with Talmadge. He does what he can, but fate has its plans and the winds of change are in the air. Heavy with sorrow, he cannot save them, and they find themselves far away from the loving protectiveness of Talmadge, that one will come to crave later in her life.
As Angeline grows, she becomes a constant helpmate to her “father,” but as he ages, he sees things that he should never see, for one of the girls has been badly treated and seems to exist only to torment her tormenter. It’s the steady hand and quiet ways of Talmadge that save Angeline, that set her above the fate of her mother, that give her the courage to look into her past and come away unscathed. Although Talmadge tries to do the same, guilt and shame mire him in their traps and he finds himself in two frames of mind: one of sorrow for the girls and one of hope for Angeline.
This book had a power like no other. It was vast and limitless yet quiet and desolate. It was a story that bent like the branches of the trees into twisted and gnarled canopies, graced with beautiful fruit that became it like jewels in a crown. This was by far the best book I’ve read in years, and though it made me cry, it also made me feel peace as the last page was turned. Very highly recommended.
![]() Amanda Coplin was born in Wenatchee, Washington. She received her BA from the University of Oregon and MFA from the University of Minnesota. A recipient of residencies from the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Massachusetts, and the Omi International Arts Center at Ledig House in Ghent, New York, she lives in Portland, Oregon. Find out more at Amanda's website and connect with her on Facebook |
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A warm thanks to TLC Book Tours for providing this book for me to read and review. Please continue to follow the tour by visiting these other blogs:
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This book was provided as a complimentary review copy.
22 comments:
Well everyone has raved about this, and for some reason, it is still on my TBR shelf. Actually I'm going to walk in the other room RIGHT NOW and put it on the table so I will SEE it for my next book! Thanks for reminding me via this great review!
What a beautiful review. I definitely want to read this one. Anxious to read about how William's life is changed.
Hope you are having a good week.
Oh my goodness, it sounds wonderful!
Oh my goodness, it sounds wonderful!
Sounds like a very powerful read. This is the type of book I like to read for a book group because with books like this one, you almost need to discuss it afterwards with something.
Fabulous, fantastic review. I agree.....this books was powerful and had such wonderful prose.
I still thought about it after I turned the last page too.
Elizabeth
Silver's Reviews
It sounds amazing, the story itself quite simple but all the details you've included here, wow. I hadn't really read much about the book but I'm very tempted to add it to my list. Sounds a lot to think about and from what you've said, incredibly powerful.
This sounds like such a powerful book! I didn't know much about it until I read your review, although I know it's gotten great reviews. Definitely adding it to my wish list!
What a beautiful review! This sounds like a book I'd better read.
Sounds fantastic! And I must admit a slight bias - my grandfather's name was Talmadge and that endears me to this book already.
I have been hesitant about this one for a while, but I think your review just convinced me. It is much different from what I usually read, but sometimes it is exactly what is needed.
Like Jill, I've heard nothing but good about this story, but for some reason it just hasn't compelled me to pick it up. Glad you loved it so much!
You've said it all perfectly -- you lifted up so many of the best elements -- I got teary thinking about it again. It was a stunning book.
I didn't think that this book was for me but after reading your review, I'm sold. That sounds powerful!
I read this last year and really liked it. I find myself remembering the feeling of the story more than its details. Perhaps it's one I'll turn to again to re-read soon.
Wow, that is high praise indeed! Thanks for being on the tour.
I have thought about reading this one a few times, but haven't committed one way or the other. I am even more tempted after reading your review. Good job!
I've heard SO many good things about this one. I really should take an opportunity to read it soon.
Best book in years, wow!! This one didn't interest me at first but I think I MUST pick this one up!!
Jenny posted this this afternoon, and I deleted it by accident. Go for it Jenny!
doesn't the author have a new title coming out soon or that just came out?
And I"m like Jenny ~ this one has not interested me until I read your review. It sounds like a remarkable book and one I must give a try!
I want to read this one and soon especially since you liked it so much.
My sister JUST told me to read this - now it's going to have to be sooner rather than later.
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