A powerful and moving story about grief, hate and the capacity for forgiveness
The Crying Tree
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Review
'This powerful book explores forgiving the unforgivable.' --Star magazine
'This is a gripping, well-paced tale, compassionate without being mawkish.' --Guardian
'It's a deceptively simple plot, but look closely and you'll realise the skill that's gone into the construction. Ends tie up - but not too tidily. Events have their own momentum and the plot never seems contorted to accommodate a situation. It's a book which will bear rereading.' --The Bookbag
'The emotional fallout from the murder of a young boy 18 years ago is the subject of this perceptive debut, which should please Jodie Picoult fans.' --Waterstones Books Quarterly
'An absorbing rumination on the power of forgiveness.' --Choice
'If The Crying Tree doesn't make you cry, you have better control over your blubbing than I do. This is an astonishing debut novel.' --Richard Madeley, Woman's Own
If you enjoy reading Jodi Picoult, you'll love Naseem Rakha. These are big themes for a new writer but Rakha knows what she's doing... The Crying Tree is, quite simply, a terrific story.'
--Judy Finnigan, Woman's Own
'This is a gripping, well-paced tale, compassionate without being mawkish.' --Guardian
'It's a deceptively simple plot, but look closely and you'll realise the skill that's gone into the construction. Ends tie up - but not too tidily. Events have their own momentum and the plot never seems contorted to accommodate a situation. It's a book which will bear rereading.' --The Bookbag
'The emotional fallout from the murder of a young boy 18 years ago is the subject of this perceptive debut, which should please Jodie Picoult fans.' --Waterstones Books Quarterly
'An absorbing rumination on the power of forgiveness.' --Choice
'If The Crying Tree doesn't make you cry, you have better control over your blubbing than I do. This is an astonishing debut novel.' --Richard Madeley, Woman's Own
If you enjoy reading Jodi Picoult, you'll love Naseem Rakha. These are big themes for a new writer but Rakha knows what she's doing... The Crying Tree is, quite simply, a terrific story.'
--Judy Finnigan, Woman's Own
Book Description
‘If The Crying Tree doesn’t make you cry, you have better control over your blubbing than I do. This is an astonishing debut novel.’ Richard Madeley, Woman’s Own Irene Stanley thought her world had come to an end when her teenage son, Shep, is murdered. Daniel Robbin, who had spent his teenage years in and out of trouble, gave himself up to the police and was given the state’s harshest sentence: death by lethal injection. Now, nineteen years later, as the state penitentiary prepares to execute Robbin, Irene Stanley must reveal what she has been hiding from her family. That in order to survive the anger and grief she had at loosing her so, she not only had forgiven the man who killed him, but had come to be his friend. Her revelation stuns her family and cracks open the secrets that had been surrounding her son’s death. Secrets that reveal how little she understood Shep, her husband, or herself. Dramatic, emotional, and ultimately uplifting, The Crying Tree is an unforgettable story of love and redemption, the unbreakable bonds of family, and the transformative power of forgiveness. ‘If you enjoy reading Jodi Picolut, you’ll love Naseem Rakha. These are big themes for a new writer but Rakha knows what she’s doing . . . The Crying Tree is, quite simply, a terrific story.’ Judy Finnigan, Woman’s Own
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
96 of 99 people found the following review helpful
By R. Lawson
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
This is a stunning book of great depth and tenderness. A family move across the USA hoping to build a new existence, but the son is shot dead in his own home. Soon after the killer is arrested, but spends many years on death row. Mother, father and sister are distressed, angry, and look forward to the day he dies, when justice can be seen to be done and revenge taken.
The years that elapse between sentencing and the planned execution take a heavy toll on the family, and each deals with it in different ways. As the years go by the feelings within each family member shift bit by bit, as do the relationships between them.
In a nutshell, that's about it then, with the odd surprising revelation along the way. If you're looking for a book packed with action, this is not the book for you. If you are looking for a book with a variety of interesting characters who have depth and complexity, and who develop in an entirely convincing way then this is the right book for you.
Though there is much anger, frustration and loss recounted in the pages, there's also a haunting beauty. It asks penetrating questions about the nature of rules, of acceptance and authority, and what gives our life purpose.
Whilst struggling with difficult and weighty matters, the delightful prose remains delicate. Nowhere has the author allowed things to get bogged down, and a few carefully crafted images are often left to do the work other authors would require pages of description to accomplish. A novel that is thoughtful, literary and readable all at the same time.
The years that elapse between sentencing and the planned execution take a heavy toll on the family, and each deals with it in different ways. As the years go by the feelings within each family member shift bit by bit, as do the relationships between them.
In a nutshell, that's about it then, with the odd surprising revelation along the way. If you're looking for a book packed with action, this is not the book for you. If you are looking for a book with a variety of interesting characters who have depth and complexity, and who develop in an entirely convincing way then this is the right book for you.
Though there is much anger, frustration and loss recounted in the pages, there's also a haunting beauty. It asks penetrating questions about the nature of rules, of acceptance and authority, and what gives our life purpose.
Whilst struggling with difficult and weighty matters, the delightful prose remains delicate. Nowhere has the author allowed things to get bogged down, and a few carefully crafted images are often left to do the work other authors would require pages of description to accomplish. A novel that is thoughtful, literary and readable all at the same time.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By Liz Wilkins
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought this book based on the reviews on here and I can't say I am sorry that I did but neither can I say it completely gripped me. For me it was one of those reads that you vaguely enjoy on some level but it doesnt make you want to add the author to your list of must buy's.
The subject matter is emotive - the loss of a child is a terrible thing and the writer has done well in pulling you in to the family grief. However, I think my personal problem was that I didnt find the characters that likeable to begin with - the only one I really felt any empathy for was Bliss, the daughter left behind as the sole child of the family. HER grief and eventual need to move past it resonated with me. That character is the reason I give the book 3 stars and not 2.
Certainly I can understand why it has so many rave reviews - some people are going to "feel" this story more than others, it just didnt quite get there for me.
The subject matter is emotive - the loss of a child is a terrible thing and the writer has done well in pulling you in to the family grief. However, I think my personal problem was that I didnt find the characters that likeable to begin with - the only one I really felt any empathy for was Bliss, the daughter left behind as the sole child of the family. HER grief and eventual need to move past it resonated with me. That character is the reason I give the book 3 stars and not 2.
Certainly I can understand why it has so many rave reviews - some people are going to "feel" this story more than others, it just didnt quite get there for me.
24 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By Daisychain
Format:Paperback
This is the first time I have reviewed a book but I felt compelled to encourage others to read this. I thought it was beautifully written, moving and suspenseful. I enjoyed it so much I could hardly put it down but at the same time didn't want it to end. I loved it.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Nicola F (Nic)
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Paperback
I actually purchased this book on a whim and I'm really happy that I did. It was almost Picoult-esque in its gritty subject matter, yet similarly had echoes of a book I read a couple of years ago by Amanda Eyre-Ward, also focusing on the same setting and was also a little bit reminiscent of some happenings in The Green Mile too. This is actually an incredibly well written novel on a tough subject matter, with strongly drawn characters and emotions that really kept me turning the pages.
A brief summary: teenager Shep was only fifteen years old when he was shot and killed during an apparent robbery at his family's home. Nineteen year old Daniel Robbins was charged with the brutal murder and languished on Oregon's death row - whilst Shep's family were left behind to pick up the pieces. His mother Irene especially has a hard time coming to terms with her son's death and facing up to being left behind and so begins her inner search; are her religious beliefs strong enough to overcome her hatred for her son's killer? Nineteen years later she might have her answers as the date of Robbin's execution is on the horizon...
As I've said, this is a well-written novel on a difficult subject. The only thing I have to say that irked me about this novel was the constant references to Christianity and the power of prayer, but being an atheist that is a matter of personal preference, and it wasn't heavy enough to put me off the book. Forgiveness and compassion is a strong underlying thread in the book and is handled very successfully.
I will also say though that there was some indication at the beginning of the book that things *quite* weren't what they appeared from some happenings that were vaguely alluded to, so to some degree this book was a little bit predictable.... Read more ›
A brief summary: teenager Shep was only fifteen years old when he was shot and killed during an apparent robbery at his family's home. Nineteen year old Daniel Robbins was charged with the brutal murder and languished on Oregon's death row - whilst Shep's family were left behind to pick up the pieces. His mother Irene especially has a hard time coming to terms with her son's death and facing up to being left behind and so begins her inner search; are her religious beliefs strong enough to overcome her hatred for her son's killer? Nineteen years later she might have her answers as the date of Robbin's execution is on the horizon...
As I've said, this is a well-written novel on a difficult subject. The only thing I have to say that irked me about this novel was the constant references to Christianity and the power of prayer, but being an atheist that is a matter of personal preference, and it wasn't heavy enough to put me off the book. Forgiveness and compassion is a strong underlying thread in the book and is handled very successfully.
I will also say though that there was some indication at the beginning of the book that things *quite* weren't what they appeared from some happenings that were vaguely alluded to, so to some degree this book was a little bit predictable.... Read more ›
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By 0117ogden
Format:Paperback
This book is fantastic! It takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and you find yourself really empathising with the characters, even the ones in the wrong!!
I couldn't put it down and found myself sneaking off to read a few pages whenever I got the chance!
Definately recommended read!
I couldn't put it down and found myself sneaking off to read a few pages whenever I got the chance!
Definately recommended read!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By schoolescort
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
What a wonderfully dramatic,emotional and beautifully written story. this is a superb debut novel and i am looking forward to the next one.the subject matter could have been over sentimental but the balance was spot on due to the wonderful characterisations.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By davidT
Format:Paperback
There's a saying, "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans."
There's not a lot of laughing in this book, but given that Nate Stanley's aim in heading from Illinois to Oregon is to sort out what he sees as a problem likely to divide his family, it's difficult to see how it could have gone more catastrophically wrong. A murder, a legal case which drags on for nearly two decades, and the remnants of a family unable to communicate with each other.
In a way, all the characters in the story are derailed from what they might have expected of life, and the interest of the narrative is in how (or whether) they manage to make something of what's left.
Nate appears least likely, since he's obsessed with the events which led to his son's death, unable to move on. His daughter Bliss sets herself single-mindedly to becoming a state prosecutor, determined that no one should ever get away with what her brother's killer seems to have done. Her mother, Irene, is brought lowest, before she picks herself up and sets out on what forms the main part of the story, although even that leads to a further derailment when the truth about her son's murder finally comes to light.
Outside the family, we have the convicted killer, Daniel Robbin, who has of course been thrown farthest off course by the events of one afternoon. He's no innocent, as he admits himself, and he doesn't make any excuses. Eventually, though, he takes charge of his fate in the only way that is really open to him.
Then, too, the superintendent of the prison, Tab Mason, responsible for arranging an execution when there hasn't been one in the state for years, so all the horrifying details of the 'procedure'have to be worked out from the ground up.... Read more ›
There's not a lot of laughing in this book, but given that Nate Stanley's aim in heading from Illinois to Oregon is to sort out what he sees as a problem likely to divide his family, it's difficult to see how it could have gone more catastrophically wrong. A murder, a legal case which drags on for nearly two decades, and the remnants of a family unable to communicate with each other.
In a way, all the characters in the story are derailed from what they might have expected of life, and the interest of the narrative is in how (or whether) they manage to make something of what's left.
Nate appears least likely, since he's obsessed with the events which led to his son's death, unable to move on. His daughter Bliss sets herself single-mindedly to becoming a state prosecutor, determined that no one should ever get away with what her brother's killer seems to have done. Her mother, Irene, is brought lowest, before she picks herself up and sets out on what forms the main part of the story, although even that leads to a further derailment when the truth about her son's murder finally comes to light.
Outside the family, we have the convicted killer, Daniel Robbin, who has of course been thrown farthest off course by the events of one afternoon. He's no innocent, as he admits himself, and he doesn't make any excuses. Eventually, though, he takes charge of his fate in the only way that is really open to him.
Then, too, the superintendent of the prison, Tab Mason, responsible for arranging an execution when there hasn't been one in the state for years, so all the horrifying details of the 'procedure'have to be worked out from the ground up.... Read more ›
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Sorrow
Such a sad story how can anybody imagine the loss you must feel, how to be that forgiving makes you think . Book not finished the read yet so no further comments.
Published 13 days ago by jan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely copy
Although have not read this book yet, am really pleased with the lovely condition of the book. The resume of the book sounds intriguing, so will not be long before I get to read... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Morfydd Power
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing book
This book is amazing, such a good read and at such a good price. Looking forward to more books from this author!
Published 2 months ago by Fay
5.0 out of 5 stars
Emotional and thought provoking
This is a book to make you think. It is beautifully written and I have returned to parts of it several times. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mrs C Hutchinson
4.0 out of 5 stars
A very modern tale of justice
This is a very compelling book, which is easy and enjoyable to read. At times discomfiting it forces questions about morality and justice. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Deb at the Grange
4.0 out of 5 stars
very good read
enjoyed this book and wasn't prepared for the twist in the story. made you think and see things from a different perspective.
Published 2 months ago by Haze55
4.0 out of 5 stars
Silent Night
The Crying Tree was a book I took quite a while to get into but once started and understanding where the story was going it I had to find out how it ended. Read more
Published 4 months ago by D. Curwen
4.0 out of 5 stars
Gripping
I found this book thought provoking and gripping until the end.
Great characters and I could totally empathise with all of them.
Great characters and I could totally empathise with all of them.
Published 5 months ago by K. Kinsley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Breathtaking
A stunningly breathtakingly novel which makes us realise how fragile our lives are yet how complex they can be, brilliant
Published 5 months ago by nicola antonaccio
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great read
I couldn't put this down. It got me through many a train journey and in fact i didn't want to get off at my station as wanted to carry on reading.
Published 5 months ago by Jacqui Matlock
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