Official Review: The Mulberry Tree by George Mournehis
Posted: 04 Nov 2014, 00:08
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Mulberry Tree" by George Mournehis.]
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The Mulberry Tree, written by George Mournehis, is a compelling story about a man’s journey, enlightenment, and transformation, brought upon by something as simple as the tending of soil.
Marcus Lamb is in no way ready for any type of responsibility. In fact, he is quite relieved that his pregnant girlfriend wants to end their relationship. All he wants is to continue his reckless and carefree life of drinking, drugs, and sex. When his grandfather passes away, he leaves Marcus an allotment and the wish for him to continue to care for his land. This of course leaves Marcus quite perplexed. After all, what would a city boy know about gardening and horticulture? His grandfather’s last wishes lead him to Butterfly Lane, where he meets his grandfather’s rival, Alex; the very mysterious, yet wise man, Benjamin; and the feisty and shapely Sophia. He then decides to keep the allotment and continue his grandfather’s work, at least until he can woo Sophia. However, this task which he once thought meaningless becomes his stepping stone into a new life. His eyes open to a more meaningful world through gardening, that is not just about growing prize winning pumpkins. Marcus then finally realizes the reason behind the inheritance his grandfather left him.
The title of this novel refers to an actual mulberry tree that is ever present in this story. Marcus’s grandfather, Ernie, had planted this tree when his grandson was born. As such, this tree is presented as a metaphor for Marcus’s development throughout the novel. Just like the mulberry tree was “all leaf and no fruit,” so had Marcus never matured and lost his way. Through his journey he slowly begins to change his attitude and begins to understand about the more important things in life. His growth is then reflected on the mulberry tree and how after tender and meticulous care, it finally gave fruit.
I think the allotments served as a good setting for the redemption and improvement of the protagonist. The earth element can mean being grounded, having stability, which I think Marcus was in need of in order to move away from his past transgressions. As one of the wiser characters, Benjamin, said “to forget how to dig the earth and to tend to the soil, is to forget ourselves.” Through working with the soil alongside his new companions, Marcus was able to find himself again and put his life in order.
The author’s understanding of human nature and his willingness to explore both the good and bad, make this a very warm and moving story. It is simple, sometimes humorous, but with a serious underlying message that comes through the characters and their lives. I really enjoyed reading about each character and the lives they live surrounding the allotments. I found that even the smaller side characters have great personalities that we immediately empathize with. I grew fond of them and having seen their sorrows and their undying hopes, I couldn’t help but shed tears for them on a couple of occasions.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Mulberry Tree. Accompanying Marcus through his transformation, all the while being a witness to the interesting day to day happenings in the allotments, made this novel a very memorable read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to be drawn into a story that can easily stir emotions in you. I will be really looking forward to Mournehis’ next novel. I give The Mulberry Tree, 4 out of 4 stars.
***
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Marcus Lamb is in no way ready for any type of responsibility. In fact, he is quite relieved that his pregnant girlfriend wants to end their relationship. All he wants is to continue his reckless and carefree life of drinking, drugs, and sex. When his grandfather passes away, he leaves Marcus an allotment and the wish for him to continue to care for his land. This of course leaves Marcus quite perplexed. After all, what would a city boy know about gardening and horticulture? His grandfather’s last wishes lead him to Butterfly Lane, where he meets his grandfather’s rival, Alex; the very mysterious, yet wise man, Benjamin; and the feisty and shapely Sophia. He then decides to keep the allotment and continue his grandfather’s work, at least until he can woo Sophia. However, this task which he once thought meaningless becomes his stepping stone into a new life. His eyes open to a more meaningful world through gardening, that is not just about growing prize winning pumpkins. Marcus then finally realizes the reason behind the inheritance his grandfather left him.
The title of this novel refers to an actual mulberry tree that is ever present in this story. Marcus’s grandfather, Ernie, had planted this tree when his grandson was born. As such, this tree is presented as a metaphor for Marcus’s development throughout the novel. Just like the mulberry tree was “all leaf and no fruit,” so had Marcus never matured and lost his way. Through his journey he slowly begins to change his attitude and begins to understand about the more important things in life. His growth is then reflected on the mulberry tree and how after tender and meticulous care, it finally gave fruit.
I think the allotments served as a good setting for the redemption and improvement of the protagonist. The earth element can mean being grounded, having stability, which I think Marcus was in need of in order to move away from his past transgressions. As one of the wiser characters, Benjamin, said “to forget how to dig the earth and to tend to the soil, is to forget ourselves.” Through working with the soil alongside his new companions, Marcus was able to find himself again and put his life in order.
The author’s understanding of human nature and his willingness to explore both the good and bad, make this a very warm and moving story. It is simple, sometimes humorous, but with a serious underlying message that comes through the characters and their lives. I really enjoyed reading about each character and the lives they live surrounding the allotments. I found that even the smaller side characters have great personalities that we immediately empathize with. I grew fond of them and having seen their sorrows and their undying hopes, I couldn’t help but shed tears for them on a couple of occasions.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Mulberry Tree. Accompanying Marcus through his transformation, all the while being a witness to the interesting day to day happenings in the allotments, made this novel a very memorable read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to be drawn into a story that can easily stir emotions in you. I will be really looking forward to Mournehis’ next novel. I give The Mulberry Tree, 4 out of 4 stars.
***
Buy "The Mulberry Tree" on Amazon
