The Fever Tree

Title: The Fever Tree

Author: Jennifer McVeigh

Publisher: Viking (March 2012)

Genre(s): Historical Fiction

Length: 346 pages

Synopsis:  Frances Irvine grew up in the sheltered, wealthy world her father worked so hard to create for her.  Though as the daughter of a merchant she was never truly accepted into the world of high society, it was the only life she knew until her father’s sudden death left her facing a difficult choice: a life dependent on the goodwill of her family, or a voyage to South Africa to begin a life of her own.  Finally given the freedom to make her own choices, Frances plunges blythely forward.  By the time she realizes the repercussions of her actions, it may be too late to reverse them.

My Rating: 4 Stars

My Opinion:

This book is really a rather interesting take on the story of a young Victorian woman.  Many historical fictions surrounding women at this time in history tend to focus on “strong women”: independent individuals bucking the restrictive order of their time.  Frances, however, is well aware of the work her father did to ensure that she would never need to be strong and independent, and also, unfortunately, that he never counted on leaving his painted blossom alone.  Initially, Frances is an appealing character- devoted daughter sacrificing as she must upon her father’s death- but she quickly loses that appeal.  Her choices grow steadily more objectionable as they become increasingly selfish.  It’s understandable; she feels she has no one left worth sacrificing for, but as a reader, it’s a bit unpleasant to have to deal with this self-centered, childish young woman.  She has redeeming moments, but so much of the time, the reader just wants to reach through the page and smack her.  It takes some time for her to hit rock bottom, but the momentum of the novel seems to have petered out by the time the reader gets to see what we’ve all been hoping we will: Frances’s redemption.  This is not to suggest, however, that Frances is unbelievable as a character.  In fact, it is her complete reality that makes extended time in her company somewhat uncomfortable.  Despite our somewhat unlikeable guide, this truly is a wonderful book, and definitely worth the read, even if only for its gritty exploration of Victorian South Africa.