A fruitful outing
I
must admit that I have an “on and off” relationship
with Bryce Courtenay’s novels. Most times I either really
love what he has produced, but sometimes I haven’t been
able to finish some of his works (I hate to admit it though).
This latest creation, The Persimmon Tree is a little
different to any that I have previously read. It is very unique
in that it gave me a mixture of feelings. Sometimes I loved it,
sometimes I struggled to get through the 700 pages, but to tell
you the truth, I think it is this mix of emotions and the simple
message told within its pages, which ultimately tipped it over
into the positive side.
The Persimmon Tree has been advertised
as a love story – and that it true, however this is where
the “uniqueness” starts - for the great love story
is between two people who actually only spend two weeks together
in the beginning of the book (and maybe a little bit more time
later on…but I can’t spoil it for you)! However, the
originality doesn’t end there.
The story is divided into three parts. The first
is written by Nick Duncan, who is the main male character, (so
the reader is given the point of view in first person) –
as is the third part of the book. However, the middle section
of the book tells the tale of Nick’s love, Anna, in third
person. This took me by surprise seeing as I was assuming that
this section would follow the pattern of the first and also be
in first person. It actually slowed down the pace and stopped
me connecting as much as I would have liked to with Anna. But
what takes this section to a whole other level was the addition
of text written by Nick throughout the section, as if he is writing
and capturing Anna’s experiences in the past. This is a
very interesting story-telling technique of Courtenay’s
that will either be appreciated or not by readers.
Without giving too much away, the story-line and
the plots of all characters (especially Nick and Anna’s)
is another refreshing read. It certainly helped gain my interest
in their plights, because what happened was not what I was expecting
– and this I commend Courtenay on. Add this to his impressive,
original and realistic characterisations, dialogue and the WWII
backdrop, and The Persimmon Tree becomes an enticing
read.
I also appreciated the Pacific front of WWII history
lesson – and as with all of Courtenay’s novels, his
research, re-telling and capturing of history (especially a time
and place that I must admit I didn’t know much about) is
brilliant.
What sets this novel apart and what readers need
to know is that this is not just a love story between two main
characters. It is more about the loves, plural, that enchant ones
life and gives it meaning - and the ability to forgive, heal,
believe and never give-up. It is this simple concept that “without
love, life for most of us would lack true meaning” kept
me turning the pages. And I thank Mr Courtenay for reminding me
of life’s most important emotion – love. To all readers
enjoy, I am sure you will LOVE the novel on some level or another.
Michelle Perry
