Another brilliant book from my favourite author, Tracy Chevalier. I feel that this book, more than all the others Tracy has written showcases her ability to create memorable, realistic characters. Tracy's ability to transport you to another world is equally admirable as is her research which makes her work not only entertaining but highly informative and educational. At the Edge of the Orchard is a pioneer story of James and Sadie Goodenough who settle in Black Swamp, Ohio, in 1838, planting apple trees to lay claim to the land. The hardships of cultivating virgin land and battling yearly swamp fever which takes five of their ten children culminates in a family tragedy of gigantic proportions. From a family of 12, only one survives in the end with reverberating effects of family roots that can never be silenced. This book will teach you about apples and trees and living off the land. In 1800's land was everything. The contrast in the way of life from that century to ours is startling. Imagine having to wait 2-3 years to receive wages for the work you do today. This was the life of the pioneers who depended on soil for their survival and livelihood. This book will take you from the agriculture of the east coast of America to the gold rush in California and more trees...redwoods and sequoias, the groves of which run up and down the coast of California, protected in many national and state parks. It will make you want to see them. This is a book to add to your library.
