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The Shade Tree
Winner of the Alberta Book Award for Fiction
Winner of the Guernica Prize
“Mesmerizing, engrossing, and brilliantly plotted, this is an achievement that will echo long after the last page is turned.” Editors' Choice, Historical Novel Society
When the lies of thirteen-year-old Ellie Turner cause a Black man's lynching in Florida, her younger sister Mavis begins to question the family's long-held beliefs about race. Set against the backdrop of some of America's most turbulent historical events, The Shade Tree is a dramatic exploration of racial inequality.
Two white sisters and a Black midwife find their lives inextricably linked through a series of haunting tragedies; they must make life-changing decisions about where their loyalties lie: with their biological families or with a greater moral cause. From a Florida orange grove in the 1930s to the seat of power in Washington, DC, during the height of the civil rights movement, The Shade Tree tells a sweeping yet intimate story of racial discrimination and the human hunger for justice.
Winner of the Guernica Prize
“Mesmerizing, engrossing, and brilliantly plotted, this is an achievement that will echo long after the last page is turned.” Editors' Choice, Historical Novel Society
When the lies of thirteen-year-old Ellie Turner cause a Black man's lynching in Florida, her younger sister Mavis begins to question the family's long-held beliefs about race. Set against the backdrop of some of America's most turbulent historical events, The Shade Tree is a dramatic exploration of racial inequality.
Two white sisters and a Black midwife find their lives inextricably linked through a series of haunting tragedies; they must make life-changing decisions about where their loyalties lie: with their biological families or with a greater moral cause. From a Florida orange grove in the 1930s to the seat of power in Washington, DC, during the height of the civil rights movement, The Shade Tree tells a sweeping yet intimate story of racial discrimination and the human hunger for justice.
373 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2021
4 people are currently reading
2210 people want to read
About the author
Theresa Shea
2 books60 followersTheresa Shea's third novel, Dog Days of Planet Earth, will be out fall 2026 with ECW Press. Her second novel, The Shade Tree, won the 2020 Guernica Prize and the 2022 Alberta Book Award. The Historical Novel Society named it an Editors' Choice: "Mesmerizing, engrossing, and brilliantly plotted, this is an achievement that will echo long after the last page is turned."
Shea's debut novel, The Unfinished Child,, dramatically explores the moral challenges that result from the increased scientific interventions into human reproduction. It was a finalist for the Alberta Book Award (2014), and the Alberta Readers' Choice Award (2014).
She lives, parents, and writes in Edmonton, Canada. Find her online at https://theresashea.com or on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theresa_wri...
Shea's debut novel, The Unfinished Child,, dramatically explores the moral challenges that result from the increased scientific interventions into human reproduction. It was a finalist for the Alberta Book Award (2014), and the Alberta Readers' Choice Award (2014).
She lives, parents, and writes in Edmonton, Canada. Find her online at https://theresashea.com or on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theresa_wri...
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 27, 2021
4.5 stars
“… a black man getting arrested for nothing at all could happen in Florida, too. If a negro rebelled in any way against customs, he was subjected to cruel punishment and often death”(1930’s in this work of historical fiction)
“I can’t breathe.” George Floyd, from the video filmed by teenage Darnella Frazier (May 25, 2020 in reality .)
Powerful, relevant and thought provoking, a worthy winner of the Guernica Prize for 2020.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Guernica Editions through NetGalley.
“… a black man getting arrested for nothing at all could happen in Florida, too. If a negro rebelled in any way against customs, he was subjected to cruel punishment and often death”(1930’s in this work of historical fiction)
“I can’t breathe.” George Floyd, from the video filmed by teenage Darnella Frazier (May 25, 2020 in reality .)
Powerful, relevant and thought provoking, a worthy winner of the Guernica Prize for 2020.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Guernica Editions through NetGalley.
November 5, 2021
The Shade Tree by Theresa Shea, the winner of the 2020 Guernica Prize for Literary Fiction, is a commanding tome with a prominent theme of systemic racism. This story is a stark reminder of how contemporaneous, the subjugation of people of colour and mixed race is in America. By the way – this badge of shame is not unique to the US, countries such as Australia have committed all types of atrocities on the original custodians of this continent. Others include the Belgians in the Congo, the British in India/Africa, the Spanish in South America – so on and so on and so on.
This particular story commences in 1930s Florida, following the lives of Ellie and Mavis Turner. The girls are members of a farming family who benefit from systematic racism, much of which is extremely violent. Their parents are racists in the truest sense of the word and happily attended lynchings, these events were often accompanied by family picnics, with nice cakes and tasty biscuits, refreshing beverages and smiley group photographs of families alongside the poor mutilated corpses of their black victims, usually swinging from a tree.
If you check up the number of lynchings in the US from the late 1880s to the 1960s, you’ll see Mississippi is the leader of the pack, followed by Georgia – and Florida is in the chasing cohort (present tense intended).
Ellie was a nasty, manipulative and spiteful young woman who would think nothing of pointing her finger at a young black man for taking advantage of her, when the true story was clearly the opposite. Mavis’ naivete was astonishing, she was bullied by her older sister, but make no mistake she was very much a co-beneficiary of the rampant racism of the time. This is considered more thoroughly in the latter half of the book. Sliver (midwife) and Mamie (housemaid for the Turners) are other significant female leads in this book. These were black women working 24/7 keeping the whites living the lives they believed they were entitled to. There are numerous Mulatto (offensive term – I apologise) babies and children around, these poor kids, the obvious products of black/white sexual encounters.
A previous read of mine, White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo, made mention of current day black women being indifferent (at the very least) to the tears of white (usually Liberal) women, often expressed following the latest act of violence committed against a black person. These white tears, were often the very tears which culminated in the violent deaths of countless black men (and women) back in the day. A hapless white lady, tearfully pointing the finger at some poor black guy. Talk about a power imbalance.
This story mainly follows the lives of Ellie, Mavis and Sliver. However, there is also a large cast of other white, black and mixed race people present – each adding to the harsh reality of this story. Their narrative’s are worthy of some thought and reflection for the reader.
In some ways, tales such as Handmaids Tale are considered as some sort of dystopian fantasy. But, this seems exactly how black people lived in the latter part of the 19th to the mid-20th Century. Faith also, seems to play a keen role in both narratives unfunnily enough.
Again, much like DiAngelo’s work – being a fair-minded, liberal thinking white person isn’t enough. White people have always and continue to benefit from institutionalised, systemic racism. This story hammers this important point home.
A powerful, heavy, dark story of a period of very recent history.
4 Stars
Many, many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers of this book for providing me with a copy of this powerful story in exchange for my review.
This particular story commences in 1930s Florida, following the lives of Ellie and Mavis Turner. The girls are members of a farming family who benefit from systematic racism, much of which is extremely violent. Their parents are racists in the truest sense of the word and happily attended lynchings, these events were often accompanied by family picnics, with nice cakes and tasty biscuits, refreshing beverages and smiley group photographs of families alongside the poor mutilated corpses of their black victims, usually swinging from a tree.
If you check up the number of lynchings in the US from the late 1880s to the 1960s, you’ll see Mississippi is the leader of the pack, followed by Georgia – and Florida is in the chasing cohort (present tense intended).
Ellie was a nasty, manipulative and spiteful young woman who would think nothing of pointing her finger at a young black man for taking advantage of her, when the true story was clearly the opposite. Mavis’ naivete was astonishing, she was bullied by her older sister, but make no mistake she was very much a co-beneficiary of the rampant racism of the time. This is considered more thoroughly in the latter half of the book. Sliver (midwife) and Mamie (housemaid for the Turners) are other significant female leads in this book. These were black women working 24/7 keeping the whites living the lives they believed they were entitled to. There are numerous Mulatto (offensive term – I apologise) babies and children around, these poor kids, the obvious products of black/white sexual encounters.
A previous read of mine, White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo, made mention of current day black women being indifferent (at the very least) to the tears of white (usually Liberal) women, often expressed following the latest act of violence committed against a black person. These white tears, were often the very tears which culminated in the violent deaths of countless black men (and women) back in the day. A hapless white lady, tearfully pointing the finger at some poor black guy. Talk about a power imbalance.
This story mainly follows the lives of Ellie, Mavis and Sliver. However, there is also a large cast of other white, black and mixed race people present – each adding to the harsh reality of this story. Their narrative’s are worthy of some thought and reflection for the reader.
In some ways, tales such as Handmaids Tale are considered as some sort of dystopian fantasy. But, this seems exactly how black people lived in the latter part of the 19th to the mid-20th Century. Faith also, seems to play a keen role in both narratives unfunnily enough.
Again, much like DiAngelo’s work – being a fair-minded, liberal thinking white person isn’t enough. White people have always and continue to benefit from institutionalised, systemic racism. This story hammers this important point home.
A powerful, heavy, dark story of a period of very recent history.
4 Stars
Many, many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers of this book for providing me with a copy of this powerful story in exchange for my review.
December 6, 2021
’But we clung to the belief … that our white skin made us “better” than all other people. And this belief comforted us, for we felt worthless and weak when confronted with authorities who had cheapened nearly all we held dear, except our skin color. There, in hte land of Epidermis, every one of us was a little king.’
--Lillian Smith, Killers of the Dream
This story begins in Florida in the 1930’s when a thirteen year-old girl’s lie results in the death of black man, when he is lynched, but there is more to this story than that. Mavis, sister to the thirteen-year-old responsible, finds herself questioning why this man was lynched, as well as questioning why white men, white people in general, seem to feel they are somehow superior.
The stories of several of the people become intertwined as the story evolves, and more topics are explored including spousal abuse. White men rule their wives, as women have essentially no rights, and black women have even fewer.
In part, this is a coming-of-age novel, but it is also a coming-of-’awareness’ novel in the sense that these women, especially the young women, seem to be slowly becoming aware that the notion that men are superior while wives are not only dependent but inferior is a fallacy perpetrated to make them believe that lie. There is more to this story than that, as there are social awakenings on various levels, along with many tragedies, and more.
At the heart of the story is the message of justice for all.
Published: 01 Dec 2021
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Guernica Editions
#TheShadeTree #NetGalley
August 1, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley as well as the publisher for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Theresa Shea's The Shade Tree reminds me thematically of Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird. It, too, is set in the south of the States in a similar, though far more expansive, time period; it follows the lives of two young white girls – sisters – coming of age and exploring their positions in the world as white, as women, and as white women. Where the novel differs from Lee's, though, is that it gives Sliver Lanier, a Black midwife, a voice of her own.
I will not claim to know whether her voice was accurately portrayed or not: I'm not Black myself. What I can and will say is that Sliver's point of view was as detailed, as fully fleshed out as any of the other white narratives. Although she did not often express her opinions aloud, her thoughts were presented in a manner that gave the reader a clear insight into her mind and her beliefs. Her connection to both sides of the race divide, as well as the spur-of-the-moment decisions she made in order to protect her loved ones, made her a pivotal character in the story.
The novel in its own right walks a fine line between beautiful writing and gritty, no-holds-barred storytelling. Nothing is off limits: gruesome scenes are described in vivid detail, bringing to life the atrocities committed during the 1910s to 1960s. Through the eyes of ten-year-old Mavis, the reader watches a lynching and the subsequent picnic being enjoyed around the dead body; through the opinions of her older sister Ellie, the social hierarchy surrounding men and women, white men and white women and Black men and Black women, is explored in depth. As the girls grow up and their viewpoints change and solidify, so too do the actions they take in order to live lives they can truly be satisfied with.
One trope the novel manages to neatly avoid is that of the white savior. In contrast, it goes out of its way to show the exact opposite: in one scene near the last third of the novel, Mavis takes up an opportunity to travel with two Black people she is acquainted with, thinking that her own whiteness will help shield her companions from harm. Having always been dependent on others, she ends up being a burden to her companions instead, and they are forced to help her find food and a place to stay, knowing all the while that they would have had an easier time had she not been along.
This story had me hooked from the very first line, and I read on eagerly waiting to find out how it progressed. It was only in the final quarter that I was left feeling a little dissatisfied. The themes and motives that up until then had been portrayed through thoughts and actions were now being presented in slogan-like dialogues, too obviously a summation of the "correct" opinions to be truly effective. One character even gave an eye-opening speech about white people thinking they cared about Black people whilst still benefitting from the latter's labor; I found this rather out of character for her, considering she was racist to the core.
That isn't to say I didn't like the ending itself. Avoiding spoilers, I can only say it was a heartwarming conclusion to an otherwise difficult and challenging story, leaving me pleased at time well spent reading. I would recommend this book to readers with an interest in historical fiction, regardless of age group (as long as topics like rape and graphic violence aren't an issue while reading). The official release of The Shade Tree is two months away; look out for it then!
Blog | The StoryGraph
Theresa Shea's The Shade Tree reminds me thematically of Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird. It, too, is set in the south of the States in a similar, though far more expansive, time period; it follows the lives of two young white girls – sisters – coming of age and exploring their positions in the world as white, as women, and as white women. Where the novel differs from Lee's, though, is that it gives Sliver Lanier, a Black midwife, a voice of her own.
I will not claim to know whether her voice was accurately portrayed or not: I'm not Black myself. What I can and will say is that Sliver's point of view was as detailed, as fully fleshed out as any of the other white narratives. Although she did not often express her opinions aloud, her thoughts were presented in a manner that gave the reader a clear insight into her mind and her beliefs. Her connection to both sides of the race divide, as well as the spur-of-the-moment decisions she made in order to protect her loved ones, made her a pivotal character in the story.
The novel in its own right walks a fine line between beautiful writing and gritty, no-holds-barred storytelling. Nothing is off limits: gruesome scenes are described in vivid detail, bringing to life the atrocities committed during the 1910s to 1960s. Through the eyes of ten-year-old Mavis, the reader watches a lynching and the subsequent picnic being enjoyed around the dead body; through the opinions of her older sister Ellie, the social hierarchy surrounding men and women, white men and white women and Black men and Black women, is explored in depth. As the girls grow up and their viewpoints change and solidify, so too do the actions they take in order to live lives they can truly be satisfied with.
One trope the novel manages to neatly avoid is that of the white savior. In contrast, it goes out of its way to show the exact opposite: in one scene near the last third of the novel, Mavis takes up an opportunity to travel with two Black people she is acquainted with, thinking that her own whiteness will help shield her companions from harm. Having always been dependent on others, she ends up being a burden to her companions instead, and they are forced to help her find food and a place to stay, knowing all the while that they would have had an easier time had she not been along.
This story had me hooked from the very first line, and I read on eagerly waiting to find out how it progressed. It was only in the final quarter that I was left feeling a little dissatisfied. The themes and motives that up until then had been portrayed through thoughts and actions were now being presented in slogan-like dialogues, too obviously a summation of the "correct" opinions to be truly effective. One character even gave an eye-opening speech about white people thinking they cared about Black people whilst still benefitting from the latter's labor; I found this rather out of character for her, considering she was racist to the core.
That isn't to say I didn't like the ending itself. Avoiding spoilers, I can only say it was a heartwarming conclusion to an otherwise difficult and challenging story, leaving me pleased at time well spent reading. I would recommend this book to readers with an interest in historical fiction, regardless of age group (as long as topics like rape and graphic violence aren't an issue while reading). The official release of The Shade Tree is two months away; look out for it then!
Blog | The StoryGraph
Want to read
December 29, 2021Theresa Shea's novel The Shade Tree won the Guernica Prize for 2020. The Guernica Prize recognizes "the best literary fiction novel that pushes boundaries and is cutting edge". This novel, with its focus on slavery and racism in America's Southern states most definitely did push boundaries. It was not at all easy to read and quite honestly there were times I struggled to continue during the first half. I persisted and am pleased with my decision. Whilst I couldn't describe it as an enjoyable novel, in much the same way as I struggle to describe holocaust novels as enjoyable, it is a reminder of a history we should be ashamed of and is a confronting work of historical fiction.
I've read other books where slavery is front and centre and they always stir the most uncomfortable feelings in me, which I guess is the intention. The Shade Tree was no different in that respect but boundaries were certainly pushed when the author incorporated the nauseating scene of a lynching. White families picnicked and created a joyous atmosphere beneath the Shade Tree whilst adults and children alike posed for photos with the dead mans mangled body. The fact his crime had been a complete fabrication (an intentional lie spun by a young girl) made his death a murder, but nobody was interested in hearing this truth. This was but one example of the horrific unfairness and racism that was rampant in this novel set across the 1940's, 50's and 60's era's.
The central characters in this novel were primarily female. Two white sisters Ellie and Mavis, as well as a black midwife Sliver. Their stories were intertwined and whilst the novel focused heavily on racism and the poor treatment of the coloured people, it also shone a light on the lack of rights for women. Though it was clear the white males were dominant (and almost without exception they were dislikeable) the story was told through the female perspective. On the subject of dislikeable characters Ellie, the eldest of the two sisters was detestable. I don't recall any female character I've liked less than Ellie and for this reason alone she'll no doubt remain memorable.
I enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first (perhaps because we spent less time with Ellie?). When Mavis and Sliver moved away from Neelan Junction it was interesting watching the way their relationship changed. Mavis began to question the way she'd been raised, the attitudes and beliefs she'd inherited. She even became active in the 1960's protests yet for Sliver this was too little too late. Even the most well intentioned thoughts and actions were not well received thanks to past resentments which could not be forgiven.
The novel was well written and provided readers with much to consider on the topics of racism and womens rights. Wher we've come from and how much we still have to go. My thanks to the author, to Guernica Editions the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity of reading this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I've read other books where slavery is front and centre and they always stir the most uncomfortable feelings in me, which I guess is the intention. The Shade Tree was no different in that respect but boundaries were certainly pushed when the author incorporated the nauseating scene of a lynching. White families picnicked and created a joyous atmosphere beneath the Shade Tree whilst adults and children alike posed for photos with the dead mans mangled body. The fact his crime had been a complete fabrication (an intentional lie spun by a young girl) made his death a murder, but nobody was interested in hearing this truth. This was but one example of the horrific unfairness and racism that was rampant in this novel set across the 1940's, 50's and 60's era's.
The central characters in this novel were primarily female. Two white sisters Ellie and Mavis, as well as a black midwife Sliver. Their stories were intertwined and whilst the novel focused heavily on racism and the poor treatment of the coloured people, it also shone a light on the lack of rights for women. Though it was clear the white males were dominant (and almost without exception they were dislikeable) the story was told through the female perspective. On the subject of dislikeable characters Ellie, the eldest of the two sisters was detestable. I don't recall any female character I've liked less than Ellie and for this reason alone she'll no doubt remain memorable.
I enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first (perhaps because we spent less time with Ellie?). When Mavis and Sliver moved away from Neelan Junction it was interesting watching the way their relationship changed. Mavis began to question the way she'd been raised, the attitudes and beliefs she'd inherited. She even became active in the 1960's protests yet for Sliver this was too little too late. Even the most well intentioned thoughts and actions were not well received thanks to past resentments which could not be forgiven.
The novel was well written and provided readers with much to consider on the topics of racism and womens rights. Wher we've come from and how much we still have to go. My thanks to the author, to Guernica Editions the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity of reading this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2021
The Shade Tree definitely earns a full cache of stars, from me! Although this is a work of fiction, the appalling truth of prejudice and racism is clearly demarcated and portrayed as to whom the perpetrators generally are in this unbalanced and biased case of color vs color. This history is real, and this dreadful, horrific behavior continues to raise its ugly head still, in our day and age.
Theresa Shea has aptly engineered her characters to ask probing questions of those who innocently and/or unintentionally have the blinders on and perpetuate the ongoing awfulness of systemic oppression, due to the "Law of Color Supremacy" which foments and spews forth from cover to cover. Small glimmers of hope for better things to come in the lives of the book's characters spark but will they ever be able to overcome the memories imprinted, and the long shadow from the scenes of the Shade Tree?
In my opinion, this is a pointed analogy for "real life" for the thoughtful, pro-active reader. I hope Theresa Shea will write many more such enlightening books and readers will take these catalysts to become color blind, and to help the cause of those who are often the victims of racist oppression, doing so in this lifetime.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
October 2021
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by the publisher.
Theresa Shea has aptly engineered her characters to ask probing questions of those who innocently and/or unintentionally have the blinders on and perpetuate the ongoing awfulness of systemic oppression, due to the "Law of Color Supremacy" which foments and spews forth from cover to cover. Small glimmers of hope for better things to come in the lives of the book's characters spark but will they ever be able to overcome the memories imprinted, and the long shadow from the scenes of the Shade Tree?
In my opinion, this is a pointed analogy for "real life" for the thoughtful, pro-active reader. I hope Theresa Shea will write many more such enlightening books and readers will take these catalysts to become color blind, and to help the cause of those who are often the victims of racist oppression, doing so in this lifetime.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
October 2021
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by the publisher.
November 21, 2021
Theresa Shae has created the most villainous female character I have ever come across in literature. Ellie is beyond redemption - yet at the same time, we get a peek into how her evil came to be. And it isn't pretty.
The Jim Crow South is not covered in literature as much as the antebellum ad Civil War periods. The Shade Tree adds a vital contribution to this era's body of literature. Likewise, a majority of the story's setting is Florida, a state underrepresented in historical fiction. The book is well-researched, and details are often graphically but appropriately disturbing.
Once I started this book, it was hard to put down; I read the second half in one sitting. I consider this a solid character-driven novel with multiple viewpoints.
If you enjoy US historical fiction and are interested in expanding your knowledge of the Jim Crow era (and I hope you are), then you should add this book to your list. It's a fantastic selection for book clubs, and I'm going to suggest it to one of mine.
Theresa Shae has given us a remarkable book. I thank her for writing it. It surprised me, given she lives in Edmonton, Canada (but was born in Florida). When I picked up the book, I was skeptical that a white Canadian author could do justice to her theme - but she nailed it.
NetGalley gave me a free eBook copy of The Shade Tree in return for an honest review.
The Jim Crow South is not covered in literature as much as the antebellum ad Civil War periods. The Shade Tree adds a vital contribution to this era's body of literature. Likewise, a majority of the story's setting is Florida, a state underrepresented in historical fiction. The book is well-researched, and details are often graphically but appropriately disturbing.
Once I started this book, it was hard to put down; I read the second half in one sitting. I consider this a solid character-driven novel with multiple viewpoints.
If you enjoy US historical fiction and are interested in expanding your knowledge of the Jim Crow era (and I hope you are), then you should add this book to your list. It's a fantastic selection for book clubs, and I'm going to suggest it to one of mine.
Theresa Shae has given us a remarkable book. I thank her for writing it. It surprised me, given she lives in Edmonton, Canada (but was born in Florida). When I picked up the book, I was skeptical that a white Canadian author could do justice to her theme - but she nailed it.
NetGalley gave me a free eBook copy of The Shade Tree in return for an honest review.
March 11, 2022
This was a great book! Hard subject, tough content, but a wonderful written novel. There were many jaw opening moments that were hard to read, but brilliantly written. A LOT of things at the time just wasn’t right in the south and I’m glad we’re not living like that now here in America. I know everything isn’t perfect, but it never will be here in this world, but we have to keep doing what is right and keep doing our best to treat everyone how Jesus Christ would want us to treat each other. I don’t see how anyone could believe it was right, then or now. Again, wonderfully written novel. I kept thinking as I was reading it would make a great movie! Thank you to #NetGalley and the publishers, Guernica Publishers, for the opportunity to read and review #TheShadeTree with my honest thoughts and opinions.
March 16, 2022
I loved it and was moved by the character, Sliver. The story was very intense. The other characters in the book weren’t so developed and I wish they were because it would have made the story so much more. I was also not a fan of how the story jumped in the middle of the book and end, with five years and seven years in between pieces of the story. Otherwise, wonderful read. Not a five star but close.
November 3, 2021
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. One of the best books I've read in a long time. It has really stayed with me and has left me wanting more. I highly recommend it.
January 7, 2024
A harrowing book about racism, selfishness, and perseverance. Ultimately, it’s a book about women making choices with the hands they were dealt. Sometimes those choices are horrific, other times noble, but mostly they are the easiest choice they can see in the moment.
March 9, 2022
I absolutely loved The shade tree and never wanted it to end. It was full of twists and turns, that just kept me reading well into the night. I loved each and every character , and the Author did an amazing job at developing them and then bringing them back into the book as you went along. . I think this book would be perfect for a book club read and have been highly recommending it to all my friends. I will be looking this Author up and reading any of her previous book. The only negative thing I can say is that it had to end....
I wish to thank Net Galley and Guernica Editions for the ARC of this book.
I wish to thank Net Galley and Guernica Editions for the ARC of this book.
November 15, 2021
I could not put down this author's first book, "The Unfinished Child" and the same was true of "The Shade Tree." It's a story about 2 white sisters and a slave midwife whose lives intermingle over 3 decades in the southern US. The characters are strong and well developed. The story grabs you from the first page and I read it in 1.5 days. It is filled with new twists and I was completely surprised by the ending. The author is a beautiful writer and I found myself reading many passages twice just to enjoy her use of our language. This book is ideal for a book club. I am still analyzing the characters and outcome weeks after finishing it.
November 18, 2022
One of those rare books that is both a compelling page-turner and a well-written and literary novel. Set in Florida and Washington DC from the 30s to the 60s, this is a complex tale of racism told through two white sisters, Ellie and Mavis, and Sliver, a Black midwife. The picture of the Jim Crow US south of the mid-20th century was eye-opening - brutal at times but clear-eyed and essential.
So many interesting questions raised, including how is it that kids from the same family can take different paths, one continuing on the prejudice, privilege and ignorance of their upbringing, one trying to rise above. A great book club book!
So many interesting questions raised, including how is it that kids from the same family can take different paths, one continuing on the prejudice, privilege and ignorance of their upbringing, one trying to rise above. A great book club book!
January 25, 2024
This gripping novel by my dear friend is a sensitive yet scathing indictment of Whiteness, especially in the Jim Crow Era. It speaks powerfully to the ongoing problem of Whiteness in the United States, even today. It captures something I've never experienced in a book. The men are brutal; the women are complicit; and while one of the protagonists is extremely likable, she doesn't prove that "we're not all that way." Instead, the book exposes something more realistic and useful - White ignorance. Did I mention it's also a story that immerses the reader? I highly recommend it.
June 11, 2025
Wow. The power of perspective. The power of perseverance. The power of hope. Grief, hatred, learning and unlearning. Consequences and harsh reality.
This journey from multiple perspectives of the Deep South throughout the 1900s was thorough. Rough. Honest. An education. Writing that transports you, puts you in shoes that you’ve never had to wear, but are important for us to try on in order to understand.
I would recommend this book to anyone. Extremely proud that this author is from Edmonton!
This journey from multiple perspectives of the Deep South throughout the 1900s was thorough. Rough. Honest. An education. Writing that transports you, puts you in shoes that you’ve never had to wear, but are important for us to try on in order to understand.
I would recommend this book to anyone. Extremely proud that this author is from Edmonton!
August 31, 2022
I really enjoyed this (recognizing that it feels odd to talk about enjoying a book that is full of horrible things). It brought home the intersection of racism and misogyny in a really compelling way; the white girl/woman character does awful things and isn't sympathetic at all .... except that her circumstances and the things that happen to her are actually very sympathetic and awful too. I liked the reflections of the main character at the end. It's not subtle but I don't always need subtle.
January 26, 2023
This book captivated me from the first pages. Mainly set in the 30’s and 40’s in Florida, this was an extremely tough read of prejudice and racism during the Jim Crow laws. There are characters in this book, that are some of the most villainous and vile, that even knowing the ‘reason’ they are that way, they still never had any redeeming quality and I am glad the author never sweetened the fictional story to redeem her to the readers as many would.
November 26, 2023
Like Theresa Shea’s first novel The Unfinished Child, The Shade Tree is worth more than five stars. The Shade Tree was an incredible historical story about race, injustice and love in the 1930s all the way up to the 1960s. I enjoyed the history lessons! I am sad I finished the novel but will probably read it again at some point. I will also look forward to reading more from Theresa Shea.
September 12, 2024
This spellbinder of a novel demonstrates the storytelling talents of Ms Shea. The story takes you deep into the heart of blacks and their struggles in the middle of the twentieth century. At the same time, you are given insight into how whites unknowingly would contribute to these struggles. I highly recommend this book! 👍🏻
January 6, 2025
3.75
I struggled a little rating this book. I enjoy a good historic epic coming of age novel such as this, however, at times it was a little slow and I switched to skimming. The subject matter can be difficult to read but so is the history that it’s written on.
I rounded up to 4 as the author is a fellow Canadian.
I struggled a little rating this book. I enjoy a good historic epic coming of age novel such as this, however, at times it was a little slow and I switched to skimming. The subject matter can be difficult to read but so is the history that it’s written on.
I rounded up to 4 as the author is a fellow Canadian.
April 4, 2025
Great historical fiction about racism in the US - especially the violence in the south. Very emotional.
I enjoyed the story and I imagine much of the violence and abuse actually happened. So much work has been done to improve race relations but it carries on and likely always will. The book reminds me of the suffering we have caused one another.
I enjoyed the story and I imagine much of the violence and abuse actually happened. So much work has been done to improve race relations but it carries on and likely always will. The book reminds me of the suffering we have caused one another.
September 30, 2025
An excellent story overall -- although I did feel like the book lost some of its momentum in the last quarter or so. Still, the plot was interesting the characters were well developed, and the writing is quite masterful. Definitely recommended.
December 8, 2021
I really liked this book. good story, well researched.
July 6, 2023
So much crammed into these pages. My heart breaks for what was, and for what still is happening.
August 9, 2024
I loved this book…couldn’t put it down!
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