Harry’s Trees by Jon Cohen

Book Review – Harry’s Trees by Jon Cohen
Genre: Literary fiction
Rating:  ★★★★★
Publisher:  MIRA (2018)

If books were animated, this one would shimmer in fairy lights each time I walked past it, nudging my curiosity until I opened the cover.

Even before I finished reading the jacket, I knew I’d read all of it through as soon as I cocooned into my reading spot.

Jon Cohen’s Harry’s Trees includes intriguing elements of mystery, emotional healing, and suspense.

Bursting with scenes that I could identify and connect with personally, Harry’s problem and what he wants becomes less clear when he is befriended by a young impressionable girl whose world is based partially in a magical, active imagination, and her mother who is grounded in expectations of single parenting.

Harry Crane must survive the loss of his beloved wife, but he is abhorrent to do so.

Experiencing survivor’s guilt that is touched with a tinge of truth, he ruminates on his last words spoken to his wife.

Grief almost destroys him.

This downward path of mental deterioration death spirals until it crosses with another’s path similar in devastation.

A young child also suffers from intense grief from the sudden loss of her father.

Her mother, too, suffers not only grief from losing her husband, but also the pressure from trying to be strong for her daughter’s sake.

Her reserves nearly gone, behind in her mortgage, and suffering remorse from stupid actions born out of anger, fear, and grief, her world becomes very small.

While the story set up sounds like this is a dark, depressing story, it’s not at all.

This story is an encouragement for those who tend to make choices based on ‘what’s safe,’ because it shows us the positive outcomes that can occur when faced with the unknown.

Jon Cohen’s Harry’s Trees resonates with readers long after the last chapter is finished.

With my whole heart I wish this book did not end, or that I could follow these characters in the future chapters of their lives.

Please do not miss an opportunity to read this beautiful book that entertains, educates, and elevates the human spirit.

You can order the book by clicking here.