Sunday Afternoon Spotlight Series: Judy Fairchild
Doors: 3:30 PM || Talk: 4:00 PM || $10 – Online // $15 – At the Door
Setting: Seated
Join Cedaredge author and Gunnison native Judy Fairchild as she discusses her novel, “The Old Eve Tree”. The Old Eve Tree is Judy’s first published work.
During the summer of 1952, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, seven-year-old Tilly Harris begins to see her world differently. This story, told through her eyes, reveals prejudice against differences, truths that must be hidden, cruelty disguised as righteousness, and the strength that comes from standing up for what is right.
Reviewed by Kathi N. for Readers’ Favorite:
Set in the tranquil backdrop of rural Arkansas during the 1950s, JS Fairchild’s The Old Eve Tree follows seven-year-old Tilly, whose life embodies simplicity and serenity. Guided by her grandmother’s tender yet vigilant care, she dutifully tends to her chores before finding solace amidst the sprawling apple orchards of her homestead. Alongside her gentle but sheltered mother and a compassionate farmhand, Tilly embraces a life defined by familiarity and firm guidance.
However, the tranquility of Tilly’s existence is disrupted when two Northern women arrive, seeking employment on the farm. Despite their differences, Tilly admires their resilience, distinct appearances, and worldly perspectives, and her grandmother’s welcoming embrace of them as family. Yet, amidst the sanctity of routine, their presence heralds a harrowing turn of events as prejudice and violence shatter the family’s peace. With the guidance of her grandmother, Tilly learns invaluable lessons in honesty, compassion, fortitude, and acceptance in an era fraught with adversity.
In The Old Eve Tree, JS Fairchild masterfully unravels profound life lessons through the innocent lens of a young girl. Through vivid storytelling, Fairchild brings to life strong and memorable characters in a realistic setting. Told through Tilly’s perspective, the novel delves into adult themes such as grief, racism, homophobia, rape, violence, and corruption with the curiosity and sensitivity of youth. I was compelled, albeit fearful, to keep reading as the story grew from
an innocent beginning through ever-growing suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed the depth of character and feeling in the novel. The grandmother emerges as a beacon of wisdom, while the concept of family resonates as a timeless lesson that lingers far beyond the story’s conclusion. The Old Eve Tree is a testament to the enduring power of love and understanding in the face of adversity.
