The Lesson Tree

The Lesson Tree is a fairy tale, a coming-of-age story, and a sword-and-sorcery fantasy for readers who don't like any of these genres - and for readers who do. It's also a postmodern, philosophy-rich exploration of a variety of subjects, including fantasy vs. reality, time, love, happiness, freedom, identity, gender, and female empowerment. That's a lot, yet there's more. The novel is also a celebration of language and books, learning and storytelling. The story the novel tells is about the growth of a clever, attractive peasant girl who may not be as human as she looks, who is taught by a strange old man to communicate in a strange new way, and who finds her life's meaning and purpose locked in a room of a king's castle. On her years-long journey to that room she meets, among others, a menacing and overzealous young knight, a little court jester, triplet tour guides, and the most important teacher she will ever have. Designed for a range of ages and interests, this novel fairy tale interweaves myth, legend, literature, history, and philosophy in a strong and complex narrative full of vivid and comic scenes, lively conversations, and memorable characters.