Greenwillow

GREENWILLOW
by B.J. Chute

Nomination: National Book Finalist 1957

Date Read: December 3, 2019

Greenwillow is an absolutely charming novel about a simpler time in the small, fictitious town of Greenwillow. This novel found me at a time when this type of narrative was sorely needed.

Chute skillfully paints a portrait of a town where pies bake in the oven, two preachers fight over the salvation of souls, a cow kneeling at Christmas is considered a mystical sign and young romance is held at bay by one's destiny. Upon finishing this novel, I learned that Anthony Hopkins starred in the Broadway adaptation and I would give just about anything to have seen it. 

Gideon, where much of this novel is centered, is a gem of a character. He holds in his heart a profound love of his family land but knows as his father's first-born son, he destined to a life of wandering just like his absent father. Every son in his family's history has been called and he continuously ponders this fate, all while lamenting having to love the land that he holds so dear. SPOILER: I was overjoyed when he realized that his fate lay at home and he and Dorie could wed. I needed that happy ending and Chute delivered.

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