4 out of 4 stars
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Somewhere a Tree Grows is a poignant romantic novel written by Kipling Keats de Magi/Welby Thomas Cox, Jr.
Frederick Norman is the youngest partner in one of the greatest law firms in New York. At only thirty seven and engaged to the daughter of the man who gives his firm half its income, he is among the most highly successful young men and is admired extravagantly. He is painfully smart which makes him naturally confident to the point of arrogance. Then, he meets Dorothea Hallowell, a nobody; an obscure entity; a mere ten-dollar-a week typewriter whose obscurity equates her to a typewriting machine. For Norman, however, she is a mystery with ever-changing persona that bewitches him to the brink of obsession.
Told in the third person perspective and with a steady pacing, this book is the quintessence of an exquisite love story. Besides love, the author features a multitude of subjects including obsession, eccentricity, prejudice, discrimination, naiveté, willpower and acumen among others. Moreover, it is a treasure trove of life lessons and food for thought like:
“The value of anything is not its value to itself or in itself but its value to someone else” and
“We never know what there is in us until circumstances bring it out.”
The book actually reminds me of Fifty Shades of Grey but without the obscenity and perversion. The plot is unpredictable making the book very difficult to put down. It is written in the style reminiscent of classic book authors, with ample back stories and well developed and memorable characters, and though the ending is seemingly plain and simple, I find it perfect.
Naturally, my favorite character is Frederick Norman. He is exceptionally good in what he does. He knows what he wants (as well as what he doesn’t want) and is willing to do everything to get it. He owns up to his mistakes, doesn’t blame anybody, and faces the consequences of his actions. Also, he has a good relationship with his sister.
While the part of the book I like most is Frederick Norman’s self-redemption, the most important part, for me, is the depiction of the reality of prejudice, discrimination, manipulation and opportunism.
Needless to say I enjoy this book immensely. I love the portrayal of the snobbishness of the wealthy people; the pain of wounded vanity; the triumphant rise from the ashes of failure and the realization of dreams and true love.
However, the writing style of this book is too formal to be an easy read. It requires vast vocabulary, focus and undivided attention, and a certain amount of appreciation for satire. Moreover, this book is not for fans of erotic fiction which limits the readership. Finally, there are some noticeable errors within the entire book (like with visible effort collect herself and they don’t deceive themselves with the can’t they pour out).
I, therefore, rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It is a real deal romantic love story that appeals not only to the heart but also to the intellect. I recommend it to readers who enjoy classic love stories.
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Somewhere a Tree Grows
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Erotica does not row my boat anyway so I'm sure I'll have a good time with this one. Great review, mate!
