Review: Under the Apple Tree: A Novel by Dan Wakefield

Title: Under the Apple Tree: A Novel
Author: Dan Wakefield
Publisher: Open Road Media
Publication Date: February 9, 2016
Edition: eBook (342 pages)

Under the Apple Tree: A Novel by Dan Wakefield

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Under the Apple Tree is a story about World War II, but not the military battle kind or the kind that takes place in foreign lands, but this is the Garber family's fictional story about what happens on the home front while their brother/son, Roy, is away at war. And this is Roy's story too, as it relates to his experiences from just before he goes to war and after his return, as seen through his family's eyes. Mostly, however, this is a story about Roy's younger brother, Artie, just a young boy when Pearl Harbor is attacked, who grows up during the war and does what he can to keep the 'home fires burning'.

When I first began to read this book, I presumed it was a book for younger readers interested in learning about WWII from a pre-teen perspective. However, in my opinion, this is a book for adult readers. It does not gloss over adolescent desires and sexual exploration. The book is rich in WWII spirit and the sacrifices made, both in lives and in austerity on the home front. The language and look of the WWII period in small town America comes to life, as does the spirit, hope and faithfulness of family and community.

Books related to WWII, fiction or nonfiction, are almost always fascinating reads for me because this is one of my favorite periods in United States and world history. The reason I rated this book at four stars is because I thought there was too much focus and description with respect to Artie's sexual exploration and maturation for my taste, which I feel detracted from the story. All-in-all, however, I enjoyed the book a great deal.