Set in an apple orchard in Wisconsin, the story of The Excellent Lombards is told by Mary Francis (Frankie) Lombard. Frankie and her older brother William grow up helping with the apple harvest. The first chapter talks about the family baling hay. A thunderstorm is coming. William begs his father to take them back to the barn before the storm hits. William is freaking out. He worries they will be struck by lightening. The other family members focus on the task and scurry to get the hay into the barn. Just as the wagon pulls into the barn, the rain falls. This magical moment is an example of Jim Lombard's skill as a farmer and a father. Frankie loves her life on the apple orchard and she wants everyone to stay here and live happily ever after. This was a great coming of age novel. Jane Hamilton is a great story teller.
No comments:
Post a Comment