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Thirty years ago, Martin Owenby came to New York City with dreams of becoming a writer. Now his existence revolves around cheap Scotch and weekend flings with equally damaged men. When he learns that his older brother, Leon, has gone missing, he must return to the Owenby farm in Solace Fork, North Carolina, to assist in the search. But that means facing a past filled with regrets, the family that never understood him, the girl whose heart he broke, and the best friend who has faithfully kept the home fires burning. As the mystery surrounding Leon's disappearance deepens, so too does the weight of decades-long unresolved differences and unspoken feelings—forcing Martin to deal with the hardest lessons about home, duty, and love.
| Price | Condition | Delivery | Seller | Action |
| $199.99 | Digital |
| WonderClub |
Wayne Johnson
reviewed Under the Mercy Trees on July 18, 2011 Under the Mercy Trees
Under the Mercy Trees by Heather Newton is not easy to characterize. I think Southern Literary Fiction would be the best description, but if that was on a book shelf I would have never picked it up! Which would be a tragedy. Newton has created a full world filled with fascinating and distinct characters. While it's a fluid read issues of mental health, abuse, homophobia, love and family are dealt with head on. You aren't spared the painful details of the character's inner demons.
At first I thought the book was about Martin, and as you read the description and even other reviews, perhaps it is. But to me the book was about Ivy. Each chapter is written from a different point of view (clearly marked and stylistically in character at all times, really great writing there). However the entire book is written in third person except for Ivy's. Perhaps this is because of her particular brand of crazy. She sees and hears ghosts so vividly, at times she forgets who is alive and who is dead. This is easier to relate to via the first person because you are so deeply within her personal experiences. However as the story goes on and generations linger long after they die, it seems Ivy's story of regret is the underlining truth.
Under the Mercy Trees: A Novel is set primarily in 1986. Back stories and personal histories go back fifty years easily, but the primary plot is set in the late 80s. With the main character being gay in a time of deep closeting and AIDS it is easy for authors to slip into stereotypes and outlines of characters instead of real people. Newton has expertly navigated the truth behind some of those stereotypes, allowing people to be as they truly are, while maintaining their individuality.
There are a few brilliant lines I'd love to quote for you, but was so engaged in reading I didn't bother to jot them down. So you'll have to trust me that the language is both authentically cultural for the south and striking in it's beauty. Under the Mercy Trees: A Novel made me want to be a better writer.
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Add Under the Mercy Trees, Thirty years ago, Martin Owenby came to New York City with dreams of becoming a writer. Now his existence revolves around cheap Scotch and weekend flings with equally damaged men. When he learns that his older brother, Leon, has gone missing, he must retu, Under the Mercy Trees to the inventory that you are selling on WonderClubX
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Add Under the Mercy Trees, Thirty years ago, Martin Owenby came to New York City with dreams of becoming a writer. Now his existence revolves around cheap Scotch and weekend flings with equally damaged men. When he learns that his older brother, Leon, has gone missing, he must retu, Under the Mercy Trees to your collection on WonderClub |
