H. A. Callum

I have delayed writing a review of this book thinking I might change my mind, that I may have misunderstood the author’s intention, but upon reflection I can’t dispel the opinion that this was one of the most tragic books I have ever read. The story is narrated by thirteen year old Aubrey Worthington, an only child in an extremely dysfunctional family. She can find no positives in her life and being alone with either of her parents is intolerable. She perceives herself as the daughter of the most despised man in town and it makes no difference in which town they live. Her father is an executive with a manufacturing conglomerate that is taking over plants along the east coast, laying off workers, absorbing whatever profits are left and moving on to the next target.

Arriving at Alder Ferry in 1974 was just another stop and the story centers around this town, Aubrey Worthington, Alton Mackay known as Tommy, a solitary oak tree and a stand of alders. It is in this stand of Alder trees that Aubrey and Tommy find refuge from their daily struggles. It is in this environment that the writing soars. Hate, violence, brutality, child abuse, betrayal, are all in this book. I hoped for more humanity, compassion, and understanding.

It took me longer to finish this book than I thought possible, but I attribute that to the depth of the writing. I savored the words and descriptions. The writing is very good with beautiful, mellifluous descriptions. The story is just too painful.

Thank you NetGalley, HA Callum and Sunbury Press for a copy.… (mais)