Title: Solomon’s Oak
Author: Jo-Ann Mapson
First published January 1, 2010
384 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781608193301 (ISBN10: 1608193306)
Rating: 3.77
Overview
In Jo-Ann Mapson’s heartwarming novel, Solomon’s Oak, three individuals who have experienced immense loss come together to find hope and healing. Glory Solomon, a young widow, struggles to keep her farm afloat while holding onto memories of her late husband.
Juniper McGuire, a teen haunted by her sister’s disappearance, seeks refuge with Glory, bringing with her a rebellious spirit and a wounded heart. Joseph Vigil, a former police officer disabled in a tragic incident, travels to California to capture the beauty of the state’s giant trees.
As these three broken souls come together, they find unexpected solace and friendship in each other, proving that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.
About the Author
Jo-Ann Mapson was born and raised in Fullerton, California, as the middle child of five siblings. Although she initially dropped out of college to get married, she later finished her creative writing degree at California State University, Long Beach.
After giving birth to her son in 1978, she worked various jobs, including teaching horseback riding, cleaning houses, typing resumes, and working in retail. However, after earning a graduate degree from Vermont College, she taught at Orange Coast College for six years before becoming a full-time writer in 1996.
Her novels, such as Shadow Ranch, Blue Rodeo, Hank Chloe, and Loving Chloe, have received critical acclaim.
Mapson believes that the setting is just as important as the characters in her stories. Her vivid descriptions of the Southwest, where she has lived for most of her life, come from personal experience.
Growing up in California and living in Arizona and New Mexico, she now resides in Costa Mesa, California. Her love for horseback riding, a passion she’s had since childhood, has also influenced her writing.
She even owns a 35-year-old Appaloosa named Tonto. According to Mapson, learning to jump horses taught her an important lesson about writing: to let go and trust the motion.
She believes that this same concept applies to writing as well as horseback riding.
Editoral Review
Solomon’s Oak, by Jo-Ann Mapson, is a heartwarming tale of loss, love and finding oneself. Set in a small California town in the 1990s, the novel explores themes of redemption and second chances.
Mapson is a prolific author known for her ability to craft a good story with well-rounded characters, and Solomon’s Oak is no exception. The novel follows Glory Solomon, a 45-year-old recovering alcoholic, who has lost everything, including her family and home.
She finds solace in her job as a nurse at a convalescent home, where she meets Juniper McGuire, an 11-year-old girl who has been abandoned by her drug-addicted mother. Glory takes Juniper under her wing and together they embark on a journey of healing, as they confront their painful pasts and build a new life together.
Mapson’s writing style is poised and lyrical, with a perfect blend of humor and heartache. She creates a vivid and believable world filled with well-drawn characters, from the fiercely independent Glory, to the feisty Juniper, to the kind and eccentric cowboy-owner of the convalescent home, Joseph Vigil.
The novel also touches on issues such as race, gender, and social class, as we see different characters grapple with their identities and place in society. One of the strengths of Solomon’s Oak is Mapson’s ability to weave multiple subplots together into a cohesive narrative.
The novel is a perfect balance of plot and character development, with each subplot adding depth and nuance to the story. The pacing is excellent, with just the right amount of tension and resolution throughout.
That said, there are a few moments where the novel feels a bit too sentimental, and some readers might find the ending a bit predictable. However, overall, Solomon’s Oak is a beautifully written and highly engaging novel that will resonate with anyone who has struggled with loss or searching for meaning in their life.
In conclusion, Solomon’s Oak is a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction, especially those interested in character-driven stories that explore deeper themes. This novel is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, and offers a refreshing perspective on the power of love and human resilience.
I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a touching and memorable read. Rating: 4.5/5
