Rarely is a novel so poignant as to arouse the reader’s every sense: taste, smell, visual images, sounds, love, compassion, hate, fear–it’s all there in The Orchardist (Harper Collins) by first-time novelist Amanda Coplin. The story takes place at the turn-of-the-century in rural Pacific Northwest.
Talmadge is a quiet man, a man whose life and passion exist in an orchard. His father died when he was just a boy and the three of them–his mother, sister and Talmadge–walked a great distance to the Wenatchee Valley where they settled. Eventually his mother died, leaving the two children, now in their teens, to carry on. Talmadge was devoted to his sister, and when she mysteriously disappeared he was heart-broken. He lives alone, steadily increasing the size of his orchard. He never married, but he does have a close relationship with Caroline Middey, a wise woman who lives in town.
On market day, two teenage but very pregnant sisters, steal fruit from him. A kind man, Talmadge realizes that the girls stole the fruit because they were desperate. Later, they appear at his orchard, but are shy as feral animals. Talmadge sets meals out for them and they take them away when he isn’t watching. Finally, he gains their trust and they manage a strained relationship. When it is time for the girls to give birth, he sends for his friend, Caroline Middey who is commonly called upon as midwife. Talmadge helps bring into the world Angelene from one sister and stillborn twins from the other.
Through a tragic chain of events, Talmadge becomes the sole caretaker of Angeline, Although they never speak of love, the devotion shown is apparent. Talmadge isn’t always sure of himself, but his kindness toward his foster daughter never wavers. Caroline Middey plays an important role in supplying a listening ear, advice, and companionship to the growing girl.
Although it may seem that I have “given away” the story, I have only touched on the highlights. The Orchardist is an in-depth story covering many years, situations and people.
The Orchardist is a stunning, unique novel. Coplin’s crisp style involves the reader in the life and times of the early Northwest, its place and people. She conveys a sense of love without ever using the word but by showing what happens when a simple man opens his heart and home, even when it means his peaceful lifestyle is disrupted.
Sounds like a great novel. Thanks.
Sounds like a “must-read!” Thanks, Mary.
I’ve been reading a lot in various publications about The Orchardist and can hardly wait to read the book itself!