At once intimate and epic, The Orchardist is historical fiction at its best, in the grand literary tradition of William Faulkner, Marilynne Robinson, Michael Ondaatje, Annie Proulx, and Toni Morrison.
In her stunningly original and haunting debut novel, Amanda Coplin evokes a powerful sense of place, mixing tenderness and violence as she spins an engrossing tale of a solitary orchardist who … orchardist who provides shelter to two runaway teenage girls in the untamed American West, and the dramatic consequences of his actions.
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I was pulled into the narrative of this story by unusual characters and setting. A good read!
This book had a plot that centered on sexual abuse over 100 years ago and its aftermath on all those involved. Wonderful characters that you came to really care about. Depicts how the abuse affected an entire generation.
A different kind of book. Made me really cheer for the man, who had lost so much inhis life, but had stayed his course. He cared greatly for the plight of the two girls he encounters on his property. He befriends them and cares for their needs without expecting anything in return.
Slow moving
Beautifully written. Historical fiction at its finest.
This book was a slow start, but if you read on,its a page turner.
A long book without much dialog. Tells rather than showing the reader…
One of those stories that will stay with you for awhile.
Finally gave up on this book half way though. The characters seemed lacking. Cold and dark.
Very well written and interesting. Didn’t want to put the book down.
Great, if sparse, language. Evocative of a time gone by.
Beautiful prose.
Wonderful characters that were very detailed you felt like you knew them them personally with a great story
A sad tale of two young girls who needed saving an old man who tried to help them.
Absolutely loved this book; very original, especially the way dialogue is written. Highly recommend it, especially if you’re tired of the ‘same old same old’.
Nonsensical characters. Plods along at a snail’s pace.
I read this book several years ago, mainly because my sister recommended it and the setting is where we grew up. I recall the descriptions were vivid in my imagination and the characters made me think of how my ancestors lived, the itinerant workers and trees, the caring of neighbors for each other. Nostalgia.
Interesting characters. Enjoyed the historical perspective. Couldn’t put it down.
Thought provoking historical novel with an incredible story line and beautiful language. I loved this book! The strong sense of place became a character in its own right. I hardly believe this came from a first time author and I look forward eagerly to other books by Amanda Coplin.
Loved it! At first, I thought it was going to be slow, but I was wrong. Great book!