The Excellent Lombards

Mary Frances "Frankie" Lombard lives and breathes apple farming on her family's Wisconsin orchard. She works alongside her father and uncle, learning every aspect of the family business while dreaming of the day she'll inherit the land. The Lombards have deep roots in their rural community, but changes are coming that threaten their way of life. Frankie observes the complex dynamics between her relatives as they navigate financial pressures, evolving family roles, and the uncertain future of their ancestral home. Through Frankie's keen observations, the story captures a pivotal year of growth and understanding. Her fierce connection to the orchard shapes her identity as she confronts realities about family, belonging, and the inevitability of change. The novel explores themes of inheritance, family legacy, and the bittersweet nature of growing up in a place that both nurtures and constrains. It presents an intimate portrait of rural life and the deep emotional ties between people and land.

Readers consider this a slow-paced character study that captures farm life and coming-of-age experiences. The narrative style mirrors the protagonist Mary Frances's meandering thoughts, which some found engaging while others called frustrating. Likes: - Rich descriptions of Wisconsin apple farming - Authentic portrayal of family dynamics - Strong voice of young narrator - Details about rural life and agricultural work Dislikes: - Lack of clear plot direction - Confusing timeline jumps - Too many secondary characters - Abrupt ending that leaves threads unresolved Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (80+ ratings) Several readers noted the book reads more like linked vignettes than a traditional novel. As one Goodreads reviewer wrote: "Beautiful writing but meandering story that never quite comes together." Amazon reviewers frequently mentioned enjoying the farming details but struggling to follow the narrative structure.

A Map of the World by Jane Hamilton A rural Wisconsin dairy farm becomes the backdrop for a family grappling with tragedy, community judgment, and the weight of responsibility.

Wish You Were Here by Stewart O'Nan Three generations of a family spend their last weekend at their soon-to-be-sold summer cottage, confronting their past and uncertain future.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski A mute boy works on his family's Wisconsin dog-breeding farm until a series of events forces him to flee into the wilderness with three of his dogs.

The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal Two sisters' paths diverge when their father leaves the family farm to one daughter, leading both to forge separate lives in the Midwest brewing industry.

The Round House by Louise Erdrich A thirteen-year-old boy seeks justice for his mother on a North Dakota reservation while coming to terms with the realities of life on his family's land.

🍎 The novel draws heavily from author Jane Hamilton's own experiences living and working on an apple orchard in Wisconsin, where she has resided since 1975. 🌳 While the book focuses on a family apple orchard, it explores universal themes of inheritance, family dynamics, and the challenges of maintaining agricultural traditions in modern America. 📚 Jane Hamilton's previous works include "A Map of the World" and "The Book of Ruth," both of which were selected for Oprah's Book Club and became international bestsellers. 👧 The protagonist, Mary Frances "Frankie" Lombard, shares many characteristics with classic literary heroines like Scout Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird," offering a fresh perspective on coming-of-age stories. 🏆 The author has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the PEN/Hemingway Award for First Fiction and the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, making "The Excellent Lombards" a highly anticipated addition to her body of work.