The Shade Tree

The Shade Tree is a 2020 Guernica Prize for Literary Fiction winner that explores racial injustice and conflict through the lives of two white sisters and a black midwife. It is set against the backdrop of America's most turbulent historical events, from a Florida orange grove to Washington, DC, during the civil rights movement.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2021
Publisher: Guernica Editions,Canada

Winner of the 2020 Guernica Prize for Literary Fiction, "The Shade Tree" delves into the profound consequences of youthful lies when they lead to a tragic lynching in 1930s Florida. This novel also explores the courageous journey of Sliver, a black midwife, who, driven by her love for her grandson, flees to Washington, DC, with him in tow. As the story unfolds across decades, the lives of these three women intertwine, revealing unsettling family secrets.

Set against the backdrop of significant historical events in America, "The Shade Tree" is a powerful exploration of racial injustice and conflict. The lives of two white sisters and a black midwife are intricately connected through a series of haunting tragedies, forcing them to confront challenging choices about their allegiances. From the Florida orange groves to the halls of power in Washington, DC, during the height of the civil rights movement, "The Shade Tree" unfolds as a sweeping yet intimate narrative that sheds light on the pervasive nature of racial discrimination and the unwavering human quest for justice.

Through its characters, "The Shade Tree" offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of family relationships, the weight of history, and the enduring human spirit's pursuit of equality and fairness. This award-winning novel is a testament to the power of literature to shed light on pressing social issues and inspire empathy and understanding among readers.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 155 x 229 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781771836296