Time and the Tree by Róisín Sorahan

Publisher: Adelaide Books, NY (September 6, 2021
Category: Literary Fiction, Fantasy, Modern Fable, and Self-actualization
Tour dates: January-February, 2022
ISBN: 978-1955196635
Available in Print and ebook, 282 pages

Description Time and the Tree by Róisín Sorahan

A modern fable about the nature of time and the quest for happiness.

It’s darkly funny, deceptively simple, and a necessary read for testing times.

In this gripping philosophical tale, a boy awakens beneath a tree in a forest in summer. He is soon joined by Time and his slave, a withered creature hooked on time and aching to disappear. The story evolves over the course of a year as a host of characters are drawn to the Tree for guidance. The unlikely cast grapple with choices and grope towards self-knowledge in a world where compassion is interwoven with menace. As the seasons bring great changes to the forest, we watch the child grow while the trials he faces mount.  Then the time for talk and innocence passes as the forces of darkness rally, threatening the lives of his friends.

Lyrical, honest and heart-breaking, Time and the Tree confronts readers with a unique perspective on the challenges life presents. A wise and hopeful book, it is uplifting and unsettling by turns.

My Thoughts Time and the Tree by Róisín Sorahan

‘Time and the Tree’ is a modern fable however, it reminds me of the fables I read and loved as a child.

The story takes place in the forest and has two main characters, the Boy and the Tree. It takes place over a year’s time and is divided by seasons, starting with Summer.  The boy, wakes from under the tree and they talk about simple things but are then joined by other characters such as Time and his slave, Weaver, and others.  Time is the physical manifestation of the concept of time.  It really is about life and what it means.

Time comes across as a mean old man and really embodies the concept of time.  As I get older, not only does time seem to move faster but I understand the meaning more.   We are all only here for a limited time, some of us longer than others.  It really is a complex concept but Sorahan deals with it expertly.

With each visitor and each season, the Boy learns more and physically grows.  As with all fables, there are many lessons to be learned and contemplated. It is a great fable for both children and adults.  It may even help parents answer the more complex questions that children sometimes ask with a real answer rather than “because”.

“Time and the Tree’ is destined to be a classic and go to fable to read and discuss with your children.  It truly is special and I highly recommend it!