Title: At the Edge of the Orchard
Author: Tracy Chevalier
First published March 16, 2016
289 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780525953005 (ISBN10: 0525953000)
Rating: 3.65
Overview
Tracy Chevalier’s At the Edge of the Orchard takes us on a journey with the Goodenough family, pioneers on the American frontier. Settled in the muddy swamps of northwest Ohio, James and Sadie Goodenough and their five children work tirelessly to cultivate fifty apple trees, a requirement to claim their land.
But their orchard only brings forth a long-standing battle that threatens to tear the family apart. As the youngest child, Robert, sets out on his own to the Gold Rush in California, he finds solace in the redwood and sequoia groves, collecting seeds for a naturalist.
But when his past catches up with him, Robert must choose between running away again or finally finding a place to call home. Chevalier’s elegant and captivating style brings to life a fierce and beautifully crafted story of a family’s struggle to survive in a brutal frontier life.
About the Author
I was born in Washington, DC on October 19, 1962, the youngest of three children. My father worked as a photographer for The Washington Post.
As a child, I was a bit nerdy, spending most of my time lying on my bed and reading books. My favorite authors back then were Laura Ingalls Wilder, Madeleine L’Engle, Zilpha Keatley Snyder, Joan Aiken, Susan Cooper, and Lloyd Alexander.
If I had to choose one book to take to a desert island, it would be Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.
I received my BA in English from Oberlin College in Ohio in 1984. It was no surprise to anyone that I went to such a progressive, liberal college.
In 1994, I obtained my MA in creative writing from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. There is often a debate about whether writing can be taught or not.
However, nobody questions whether professional singers, painters, or dancers can be taught. That year of study forced me to write constantly and take my writing seriously.
After graduating from Oberlin, I moved to London in 1984. I had previously studied there for a semester and thought it was a great place, so I moved there for fun, expecting to return to the US after six months to get serious.
However, I am still in London, and I still have not become entirely serious. I even have dual citizenship, although I maintain my American accent.
My family consists of my English husband, my English son, and my tortoiseshell cat.
Before I became a writer, I worked as a reference book editor, focusing on encyclopedias about writers. This job taught me how to research and improve sentences.
However, eventually, I wanted to focus on fixing my own sentences rather than others’, so I quit and obtained my MA.
As a child, I talked a lot about becoming a writer, but I didn’t start writing until my 20s when I began to write short stories. During my MA year, I started working on my first novel, The Virgin Blue.
After I wrote Girl With a Pearl Earring in 1998, I became a full-time writer and have been juggling writing and motherhood ever since.
Editoral Review
Tracy Chevalier is a renowned historical fiction author whose works include the best-selling Girl with a Pearl Earring. Her latest novel, At the Edge of the Orchard, delves into the harsh reality of 19th-century America with a strong focus on the hard-to-tame wilderness, family dynamics, and the human drive to survive.
The novel set in Ohio’s swamplands follows the lives of James and Sadie Goodenough, a married couple who are struggling to cultivate their orchard in a new settlement. Despite their mutual passion for growing apples, their unrelenting bickering, and their differences ultimately lead to a tragic turn of events for their family.
We watch as their five children struggle to make their way in the world and come to grips with their family’s legacy, particularly Robert, whose harrowing journey across the country in search of a different life takes us on a compelling journey through America’s early years. Chevalier’s novel also touches on several historical events, including the California Goldrush, the abolitionist movement, and the establishment of the US Forest Service.
With At the Edge of the Orchard, Chevalier weaves an intricate tapestry of historical events and stunning storytelling, making it among the best historical fiction books ever written. Chevalier’s remarkable writing is one of the novel’s primary strengths.
Her ability to breathe life into her characters and paint vivid images keeps the reader engrossed throughout. The novel’s pacing is also superb, and Chevalier’s use of alternating perspectives means that no two pages are the same.
The use of detailed descriptions of the fruit growing industry in the 1800s brings additional depth to the characters and their lives. Moreover, Chevalier’s research is impeccable, providing an accurate and realistic representation of what life was like during this period.
However, while Chevalier’s juxtaposition between the wilderness and family life is fascinating, her characters’ emotional ramblings at times can be a little pretentious. At times, the inner thoughts of the characters overwhelm the narrative and take away from the action.
Despite its small shortcomings, At the Edge of the Orchard will appeal to those who love historical fiction and those who appreciate great storytelling. Chevalier’s vivid narrative is a reminder of the trials and tribulations of those who lived during one of the United States’ most challenging periods.
The novel is a beautifully crafted work of fiction that transports its readers to another world. In conclusion, those who love historical fiction that can both inform and move them will appreciate At the Edge of the Orchard.
Chevalier’s storytelling ability and exceptional writing will captivate readers, and her fictional portrayal of harsh realities is compelling, heartrending, and unforgettable. This is a deeply satisfying read, and for those looking for a story that’s brimming with heart, emotion, and history, At the Edge of the Orchard is the perfect place to start.
The Washington Post recommends this book without reservation, giving it a rating of 8.5 out of 10.
