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The Orchardist

Amanda Coplin

Why we're reading this: This is a gorgeous book…powerful, moving and beautifully written with a spare, eloquent writing style.
[close] This is a gorgeous book…powerful, moving and beautifully written with a spare, eloquent writing style.

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What Members Thought

Sep 24, 2012 Linda Robinson rated it liked it

There is detachment here so studied that I have to think it is purposeful. The characters in this book are quiet, reserved, stoic. Except that they're not. There is a sense of passion stifled. With such restraint, there has to be a release somewhere, some time. An explosion. More than one. Matter of fact tone has a place when the place is less verdant, less naturally flowing and lush. An orchard portrayed as work and attention, but the deep ethereal twining of earth and earth tender is squeezed ...more

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Nov 01, 2014 Cathy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, grief

Colin’s debut novel, The Orchardist, envelopes the reader on

the rim of a valley illuminated as if it was the end or the beginning of the world. A valley of yellow grass. Still but for a ribbon of water moving at the bottom of it.

Here Talmadge with his mother and sister settled near the Pesahastin Creek in Washington, and here they would plant apple, apricot and walnut trees. Here horse wranglers, mostly Nez Perce, would stop to feed and rest their horses for a day. Among them was a boy, Clee, wh ...more

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Jun 07, 2013 Roseann rated it liked it

Shelves: roseann-s-tower-challenge-team-b

Not as great as all the hype, but a pretty and interesting story about the human condition none the less.

Note: I am getting caught up on all of my reviews and challenges, so all books will be dated the same, but I did not finish them on the same day.

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May 24, 2013 Elizabeth rated it it was amazing

I loved this book! It also takes place in the state that I live in which made it even more fascinating.

Coplin's writing shows so much talent and heart.

I look forward to her other books. ...more

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