The Blue Orchard by Jackson Taylor

Kelly chose the book and hosted the meeting.

In this book, Jackson Taylor wrote a biographical account of his grandmother’s life. Research for the book took 14 years. Even though the author got his facts from his family and research, he did fictionalize the story with what he presumed were actual conversations and some events. The Blue Orchard was especially interesting to us because of its setting and landmarks. We wonder if it would be as interesting to readers outside of Central Pennsylvania. It probably represented mid-size cities across the country with regard to politics, the era, racism and human rights.

Most of our discussion centered on the main character, Verna Krone. She was driven and a hard worker. We did not understand her never-ending bad choices in men. She seemed to be desperate for love and gullible to anyone’s advances. We felt she was a bad mother; she never bonded with her son Sam and was uncomfortable around him. Especially in that era, it was an embarrassment to be pregnant out of wedlock. She did work hard to get Sam’s girlfriend into the country and so she may have been trying to make some amends. She had a tough life and made the most out of it. She was self-reliant and survived in spite of it all.

One of the criticisms we had was the lack of consistency in what we thought was the theme of the book, which was the trial for illegal abortions performed by Doctor Crampton. Considering that the book started with the trial, there was very little written on the “business” of abortion and the patients.

This book was driven by the politicians, most crooked, and of course the almighty dollar. The “good old boys” network was as strong in Central Pennsylvania in the 1940’s as it is today. (Sorry if I am editorializing). Once again our eyes were opened to another time in our history.

Book's website: http://www.theblueorchard.com/
Publisher's website: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Blue-Orchard/Jackson-Taylor/9781439186688