Where Wild Peaches Grow
Ratings1
Average rating3
15
Ratings1
Average rating3
In a deeply emotional novel of family, cultural heritage, and forgiveness, estranged sisters wrestle with the choices they've made and confront circumstances beyond their control. Nona "Peaches" Davenport, abandoned by the man she loved and betrayed by family, left her Natchez, Mississippi, home fifteen years ago and never looked back. She's forged a promising future in Chicago as a professor of African American Studies. Nona even finds her once-closed heart persuaded by a new love. But that's all shaken when her father's death forces her to return to everything she's tried to forget. Julia Curtis hasn't forgiven her sister for deserting the family. Just like their mother, Nona walked away from Julia when she needed her most. And Julia doesn't feel guilty for turning to Nona's old flame, Marcus, for comfort. He helped Julia build a new life. She has a child, a career, and a determination to move on from old family wounds. Upon Nona's return to Natchez, a cautious reunion unfolds, and everything Nona and Julia thought they knew--about themselves, each other, and those they loved--will be tested. Unpacking the truth about why Nona left may finally heal their frayed bond--or tear it apart again, forever.
Reviews with the most likes.
⭐⭐⭐ – Pretty cover!
This one was just okay for me. There was something about the writing that rubbed me the wrong way. I am also really not a fan of the whole “misunderstanding” trope, especially when a simple conversation would clear the air and there was SO much of that in this book that it got ridiculous. On the positive side, the author did a good job with the setting and descriptions of the different places.
ARC Vias NetGalley
While the setting for this one is great and the family dynamics mildly relatable, overall I felt disappointed. It's hard for me to believe that Nona disregarded her family, friends, and where she came from for over two decades based off an assumption. From how the author described her character in the beginning, the total 360 didn't make sense to me.
Also, the lies, secrets and miscommunications we're over the top...at least to me. Possibly because not much is explained and left to the reader's interpretation. I'm not sure this was the right way to go because families, and their dynamics, are so vastly different that not everyone will read this and have the scenarios resonate with them.
Despite the above sentiments, the writing is beautiful and I love the descriptions. As with most drama fiction, this isn't a fast read so I appreciate and enjoy when I can really “see” the setting and feel the emotions. With this, the author does a great job.
Where the Wild Peaches Grow is a family drama that has a great atmosphere and beginning. Overall though it left me a tad bewildered as to the intentions and reasonings of the family members. If this one is on your radar, grab a copy and give it a read. It may be that this fits better in your book house than it did mine.
I received this as part of a book tour (thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for the review copy). All opinions are my own.
