The Maytrees

THE MAYTREES

by Annie Dillard

 

Nominations: Dublin Longlist 2009, PEN/Faulkner Finalist 2008

 

Date Read: November 17, 2023

 

Dillard deftly explores the complexities of life, love and death. Although Toby Maytree falls in love with Lou Bigelow at first sight, their relationship is fated for the decades that follow. Slowly wooing her over the course of the summer, they eventually marry and have a son, Pete. In their wedded bliss, foresight is blind to the years ahead.

 

Toby finds himself falling with love Dearie, an old friend. He never thought another woman would turn his head but, alas, here he is moving to Maine to be with her, leaving Lou and Pete behind. They essentially become estranged.

 

What makes this novel unique is that as Dearie comes to the end of her life, and Toby is too old to care for her on his own, the only person who will take them in is Lou. With the most generous and forgiving heart, she helps Dearie come to the end comforted and cared for, ignoring that she is the reason Lou ended up alone and in heartbreak. Old age and death become the common denominator amongst this trio. 

 

I found this aspect of the novel so beautiful and compelling. I love the opportunity for redemption and healing. Dillard writes a story that is both so well-traveled and so unexpected. 

 

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