The Forgetting Tree

Even narration by accomplished narrator Joyce Bean is not enough to lift this ponderous family saga to the level of a satisfactory audio experience. While Soli's second novel features a multigenerational cast struggling to triumph over adversities and tragedies, the plot suffers from improbable twists and unbelievable characters. What ultimately causes the presentation to come to a standstill, however, is the surprising lack of dialogue and the sheer weight of seemingly endless descriptions. Bean's clear and brisk delivery, slightly marred by inconsistent pronunciations and strained attempts at accents and character differentiation, fails to bring intensity to a plodding text. In this instance the pairing of a talented author and skilled narrator disappoints. M.O.B. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine

July 16, 2012
Soli, who made a splash with her debut, The Lotus Eaters, will captivate readers again with this twisting, intriguing tale of a grieving California woman. Claire and her husband, Forster, live an idyllic life on a citrus farm in California with their three children until their 10-year-old son is murdered in a robbery. Fifteen years later, Claire and Forster have divorced, their eldest daughters are grown, and Claire is diagnosed with breast cancer. Alone on the ranch, she needs a helping hand, and along comes Minna, a mysterious young beauty. The two women forge a co-dependent bond, and Claire sinks deeper under Minna’s spell, even though she senses danger lurking beneath. Though the story is slow and befuddling at times, Soli successfully paints an intimate portrait of two vulnerable women trying to make sense of their separately tragic lives—and becoming eerily entwined for their efforts. With her knack for beautiful prose and striking detail, this is a solid follow-up to her debut. Agent: Nat Sobel, Sobel Weber Associates.