Title: The Tree of Life
Author: Dawn Davis
Publisher: Friesen Press
ISBN: 978-1-4602-6633
Pages: 292
Genre: Fiction
Reviewed by: Gillian Pemberton, Pacific Book Review
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Pacific Book Review
When precocious, bossy Charlotte and her best friend Henry, a boy with too many allergies and fears to count, hide under a table in the Tower Room and eavesdrop, the last thing they expect is to be suddenly transported back to the year 1939. What follows is quite the life-changing adventure for them both.The author paints a vivid picture of life in 1939 Canada, with much of the world on the cusp of World War II. For two children from 1999, the differences are unsettling at first, but as children do, they adapt. They must adapt quickly however; in order to get back to their own time they must complete an unknown task, the nature of which they can’t be sure.
Initially, it seems as though the story will simply be focused on the children solving their mysterious task. But it quickly becomes obvious that this story is deeper than that. It’s about the well-defined, three-dimensional characters and their relationship with the other, equally well-rounded secondary characters, as well as their evolving perspectives on the world around them. At times, the purpose for Henry and Charlotte traveling to the past seems muddy and confusing, and I found myself frustrated on a few occasions, especially with some of “magical” aspects of the story. What I discovered is when willing to let my laser focus on solving the mystery go, I could enjoy the story as a whole, the interactions between the characters, the realistic dialogue, the author’s unique storytelling, the adventures, and the exploration of a pivotal time in history through the eyes of these clever children. The reader will grow to love the characters, bravery and emotional insight. As the story progressed, I realized that this was the point: solving the mystery and finding their way back to 1999 was never about a material object, but forming relationships and connections with the people around them was the true goal. The people they bonded with in the past and the experiences they shared would always be far more important than any one thing.
I was at peace with the idea that the conclusion may not be what I expected, and was very satisfied. But not Charlotte; she refused to leave her task unfinished and Charlotte’s positive outlook and dogged determination brought us to a completely unexpected, poignant, and absolutely wonderful ending. I was thrilled to tears with the outcome. “The Tree of Life” is the first book in The Tower Room Series, and I would absolutely love to read more of Charlotte and Henry’s time-traveling adventures.
“The Tree of Life” is an entertaining, and surprisingly introspective and complex journey into the past, and is sure to be a delight for young readers and adults.
