Under the Tulip Tree

 

GIVEAWAY

SHOCKLEE, MICHELLE

UNDER THE TULIP TREE

Sixteen-year-old Lorena Leland's dreams of a rich and fulfilling life as a writer are dashed when the stock market crashes in 1929. Seven years into the Great Depression, Rena's banker father has retreated into the bottle, her sister is married to a lazy charlatan and gambler, and Rena is an unemployed newspaper reporter. Eager for any writing job, Rena accepts a position interviewing former slaves for the Federal Writer's Project. There, she meets Frankie Washington, a 101-year-old woman whose honest yet tragic past captivates Rena.

As Frankie recounts her life as a slave, Rena is horrified to learn of all the older woman has endured -- especially because Rena's ancestor's owned slaves. While Frankie's story challenges Rena's preconceptions about slavery, it also connects the two women whose lives are otherwise separated by age, race, and circumstances. But will this bond of respect, admiration, and friendship be broken by a revelation neither woman sees coming? 

My Review:

This time I really have no words. Okay, maybe I have a smidgen. But if they come out in a disjointed, discombobulating mess it's the book's fault. Phew. Here goes:

Profound. Compelling. Powerful. Pertinent. Emotionally charged. Rocked-my-word-earth-shattering. :-) I have to pause here and say I listened to the audible edition of this book and Sarah Zimmerman's narration brought this already incredible story to a whole other level. I may have used the word gobsmacked to the point of cliche in my reviews lately, but I can't help it. I am!

I felt this story right through every fiber of my being. It touched me and changed me and testified to me. Frankie and Rena came to life through the power of their stories, convicting me afresh of the importance of remembering our past in all it's imperfect, heartbreaking, hard-to-stomach reality. It's only by seeking truth that we can be set free. I saw that so clearly in both Rena and Frankie's stories.

Gah -- there are so many specific talking points in this novel which are more suited for a book club than a review so if you belong to a book club, seriously consider adding Under the Tulip Tree to your reading list.

Not only in the Top Ten of my Best Reads of 2020 -- but also the most important title on that list.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Under the Tulip Tree, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 10 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck