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The Tree
Summary
Planting the tree of liberty is never easy.
Abe is haunted by the sudden loss of both of his parents. Left to manage a New-Hampshire land grant and its troublesome Royal Navy mast trees with only his eccentric aunt to guide him, he finds comfort in a new friendship with Betty, a decidedly odd neighbor. Defying the Royal Governor’s crackdowns and his aunt’s commands, Abe makes choices that put him on a collision course with both. With rebellion in the air, Abe must escape detection by the Governor’s agents and solve the puzzle of Betty’s past in order to secure his future.
The Tree is Hedbor’s standalone novel set in New-Hampshire from his Tales from a Revolution series, in which he examines the American War of Independence as it unfolded in each of the colonies. If you like enthralling stories of familiar events from unfamiliar viewpoints, you’ll love The Tree.
Grab your copy of The Tree today, and experience the American Revolution as a personal journey of discovery.
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Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Helen
- 09-08-19
good book
Planting the tree of liberty is never easy.
haunted by the sudden loss of both of his parents. Left to manage a New-Hampshire land grant and its troublesome Royal Navy mast trees with only his eccentric aunt to guide him
good book well written
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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- Kate @MLHearingThings
- 30-05-19
Another fascinating glimpse America's past
The Tree, Tales from a Revolution: New-Hampshire by Lars D. Hedbor is a coming-of-age story, not only of an orphaned boy but of his country. With rebellion and revolution spreading, Abe must find a way to balance his living and his loyalties in this stand-alone tale. With only his eccentric aunt and odd neighbour to help guide him, Abe's future is as uncertain as America's...
I'd read very little about the American mast trees that were commandeered for Royal Navy ships prior to the revolution. Although a fictionalised tale, I knew from my previous experience of the Tales From a Revolution series that Lars Hedbor's books have been well researched and are deeply rooted into the context of the time. The historical notes at the end help to clarify the creative license taken regarding the sequence of events, but in general the books seem to give an authentic sense of the era. Hedbor uses the stories of the ordinary people caught up in the Revolution to introduce the broader political climate, and as such the books are a good way to become a little more familiar with the history.
I've enjoyed this series because it makes the subject so accessible, and breaks down the extended timeline of the Revolution into manageable, personal reflections of specific turning-points within the War of Independence.
At the beginning of the story the young, orphaned Abe was, in many ways, as ignorant of the wider political machinations as I was myself. His naivety paves the way for his elders to explain the unrest and injustice, which in turn educates the listener without feeling like there is any unnecessary exposition.
Narrator Shamaan Casey did an excellent job with this book, just as he did with The Freedman. The richness and depth of his voice was a pleasure to listen to, and lent these historical tales a timeless gravitas that echoed throughout the centuries spanning then and now. It feet as if I really was listening to a voice from America's Revolutionary past.
I'd recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the American Revolution, and those who enjoy books that tell the stories which are often forgotten by mainstream historical records. Hedbor's books shine a light into the dusty corners of history, and introduce us to the people on the fringes of the Revolution's key events.
*I received this audiobook free of charge in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Simon Gibson
- 03-05-19
History Brought To Life
On the surface this is an interesting tale of family tragedy, coming of age and love but the backdrop of British colonial America adds an additional dimension. The characters are well imagined and plot wonderfully narrated creating a very atmospheric experience for the listener. This audiobook was a very pleasant surprise.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- jey cee
- 19-05-19
Tales from a Revolution
This story is about a year in the life of a young man in New Hampshire. He becomes the heir to a land grant which includes some of these trees when he lost his parents He learns a lot in this year, including how to read and scribe. An excellent immersion into life Good and clear narration.
6 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Margaret
- 14-06-19
And expansive tale set during the Revolution
This is the fifth book I’ve read/listened to by this author and I would listen to anything he writes. I love his style! Each book in his series is a standalone. The main characters could be any person/people collected directly from history. They are your average citizen trying to survive and adapt amongst the political turmoil. As far as historical fiction goes, I think this is the most
realistic and my favorite perspective. Despite being set amongst the American revolution, the story involves issues during this time that are not generally focused upon.
This is the fifth book I’ve listened to by this narrator ( Shamaan Casey ) and At this point I would request any book he reads. I love the tone to his voice and his reading style. He somehow brings the sadness and hardship out in each story.
There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence or swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- CuteAsADaisy
- 07-06-19
Wonderful Historical Fiction
I have read a few of the books out of this series and have enjoyed them all... this one continues in the Revolutionary War era with another fun and exciting story with a romance entwined in the tale. This story takes place in New Hampshire and tells of the hardships that the wood mills and suppliers had to deal with from the crown. As this deals around the war there is one particularly graphic scene with a mob of people fighting against a few that represented the crown. I mention this to give parents a heads up... it's a very clean, well written story that does a fantastic job of describing the characters, and all around that I could vividly picture it all. I have middle school kids and I would feel completely comfortable letting them listen to this book but will be ready to talk to them about that one scene. War and the events that lead up to it can be ugly but I think it is so important to understand and through books like this get to experience it to get a better grasp of what the Revolution was all about and how many different people it affected.
As for the narration, it was wonderful. Shamaan Casey has a voice that is reminiscent of James Earl Jones with a similar deep richness that is simply a lot of fun to listen to.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Quella
- 28-05-19
Another solid historic tale
“The Tree” is another historic stand-alone piece of fiction from the well-written and well-narrated “Tales from a Revolution” series. At the time of this review, there are currently five audiobooks available in the series on Audible. This story takes the reader a bit farther north from others that occured mostly in the southern states. Here the listener is dropped off somewhere in the state of New Hampshire around the time of the revolution. This is the second book in the series which I have reviewed, and I can say that both books were quite enjoyable even though historical fiction is not one of my favored genres. Of the audiobooks available, each is passionately and well researched by Lars D. H. Hedbor and for me, that is what brought it to life. I quite like his story telling and many of the moral situations the characters faced as the book progressed. Similarly, this audiobook is narrated by Shamaan Casey. His performance during this story is done professionally and with emotion. From my school days (quite some time ago), I would say history never was one of my strong subjects. Often it was presented as a bunch of important but unconnected facts. It was often difficult for me to piece it together the information and make it feel real. What I like most about this series is that it brings to life not only the actual locations and situations, but in some circumstances, the people who lived them. I would say that if you are a person who enjoys historical fiction, you will enjoy this series of books. However, if you are like me, and history was not your thing, I think you will not only enjoy these books, but you will come away with a better appreciation for history itself. I found myself actually learning and liking it. That is not to say these books are educational only, but I could see them being used by schools to educate listeners with better retention than simply rote facts.
As with the previous book I listened too, you come away from this one seeing just how harsh and difficult it can be growing up at this time. War, disease, and survival was center to all who were alive at the time of the Revolution. Add to that living in one of the more northern colonies in New England and life just got much more difficult with harsh winters and lack of food; always. On top of this, our main character, Abe has lost both his parents and is now being raised by his peculiar aunt with an interest in his newly inherited land harvested for its timber. As the colonies expanded, this trade would bring a large sum of money to him. However, the battle for what is yours and what is claimed as the King’s lumber to make ship masts causes a fair amount of tension. Add in a rather unique neighbor and her pet and the story take you on a journey that you would not have expected.
The author did an excellent job of painting a picture of what it would be like to live during this time. You feel an active observer watching the characters along with the scenery they are placed; which is quite vibrant. Mr. Hedbor is a good storyteller keeping the pace of the story moving while also adding depth and emotion by way of revealing who the characters are and what motivates them. I also felt he did a good job of including elements we struggle with today. There are matters of deep prejudice and we are shown just how difficult it can be to overcome such. There were aspects of suspense and mystery from start to finish. I can say that after listening, I was not hungry for eggs for quite some time. You eat what is available and sometimes that is the same thing over and over without complaint. Remember that kids.
Narration by Mr. Casey was rich, bold, and clear. The audiobook’s narration was solid. I do not recall hearing any artifacts while listening such as swallows, page turns, or background noises. I like the narrator’s intonation and the many characters felt different and unique. Volume was also consistent. The recording was professional, and the audiobook’s narration gives life to the people and places covered in the book.
Parents and younger readers, I do not recall any vulgar language used throughout the book. The writing style I believe would be appropriate for readers of around 6th grade and above, yet it is not so simple that an adult could not enjoy it. There are some difficult subjects covered and at times the writing may be complex for very younger readers to comprehend. But I liked that the author did not simply write to a specific age group. Nothing overly graphic and only some light romance along with bits of witchcraft and some minimum alcohol use were thrown in this tale.
In summary, this book felt different from the first I listened to in the series, and I think that is a good thing. The style and writing were the same, but the locations, people and even the internal struggles were different. Even though the stories take place during the same period of time, I found them unique enough. They are a bit shorter, at around five hours, but it is well worth the time spend and you might even learn something as a take away. I quite enjoyed the last chapter where the author provides details or changes, he needed to make for continuity in his story. That really made things come to life for me along with the great narration. If it sounds interesting, pick up the book and give it a listen.
Disclaimer: This book was provided at no charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-bias review.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Myztikal
- 10-05-19
A Series that Keeps Getting Better!
Tales of the Revolution is an extraordinary series. Life in the US leading to and sometimes including the Revolutionary War.
I had a fascinating teacher in high school who brought Ancient History alive with tidbits of stories and obscure facts that were intriguing and made the lessons fun and lead to riveting discussions - in a non-nerd like way.
Lars weaves the same magic with these historical fiction tales.
The Tree is emotional, real, and deep.
The hours flew by. Abe is a character who quickly tugs heart strings and grows stronger as he makes decisions and eventually perseveres.
I strongly encourage readers and listeners to try this. You don’t have to love - or even like - history or America to enjoy them.
I’m equally pleased Shamaan Casey narrates the books. He has a strong and mesmerizing voice that complements the series.
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Maly C
- 09-05-19
Amazing Book
The more I listen to this authors book with this narrator the more I enjoy their books. The author does an amazing job with historical facts combining it with stories that we all love to hear. The narrator is amazing..... his voice is so smooth and very easy to listen to. I swear I could listen to him all day and night. He brings the characters to life and brings you into their lives to live their adventures with them. The combination of these 2, author and narrator, brings us an amazing book. Great book to add to anyone's library especially if you are interested in history.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jan
- 05-05-19
Great!
18th-century, colonial-america, historical-research, historical-places-events, historical-setting, historical-novel
Life was quite different in the mid eighteenth century and it was also in the beginning of a major upheaval. The Tree refers to the English royal edict regarding the status of tall straight trees dedicated to become masts for Royal Navy vessels. This was a practice in England and her colonies, but especially onerous to the American colonists. This book covers a year in the life of a young man in New Hampshire who loses both his parents in rapid succession and becomes the heir to a land grant which includes some of these trees. He learns a lot in this year, including how to read and scribe. An excellent immersion into life before the other events leading to the Boston Tea Party and later the Declaration of Independence.
Shamaan Casey is the fantastic narrator for the audiobook.
I entered and won this one in a giveaway without expectations.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- chieftwidgit
- 28-04-19
Exciting historical fiction
This book involves a young boy whose parents die before he becomes of age. He is left in the care of his aunt who is very strict. In an effort to make the most possible money from the sale of timber they take the risk of cutting trees that had been set aside for the King. When corrupt officials decide to make an example of the people involved a series of events begin that will test the boy and those around him. These events were based on historical events prior to the American Revolution and depict the extremes people went to just to survive.
There is also the fact that the young boy meets a girl who has suffered even more than he has. He must learn to grow up into the man he is soon to become in order to survive and provide for a family.
This book was smoothly written and flowed well. It was a pleasure to listen to with the capable narration.
This book was provided free of charge with the expectation of an honest review.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Taj-Marie Lingofelter
- 13-06-19
My favorite so far
This one is my favorite so far. The way the main characters grow and come together really hit home. Of course I love a good book with a human like animal so the raven was my favorite character. Shamaans voice is very deep and calming. He does a great job.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Deedra
- 12-06-19
The Tree
Excellent story of family in a small town in New Hampshire in the early days of America.After losing his parents,Abe goes to live with his Aunt.He isn't sure he can trust her with his fathers land trust,or his future,but he isn't an adult yet and has to keep cool for a few more years. Shamaan Casey has a wonderful voice for narrating this book. I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
1 person found this helpful