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The Bottle Tree
In the heart of central Louisiana's Kisatchi National Forest, an unforgettable tale unfolds, revealing how the resilience of three children can defy the constraints of their turpentine and lumber camp existence. Amid the early 1900s, when the echoing sound of sawmills filled the air, families clustered in company camps, and life's trials were as relentless as the sweltering sun, a stirring narrative emerges.
"The Bottle Tree" sweeps you into the lives of three families, their children—Leesie, Johnny, and Caleb—a trio bound by more than just their shared challenges. As the unforgiving camp tests their spirits, these young souls forge an unbreakable bond that refuses to bow before the turmoil that surrounds them. Against the backdrop of segregated norms and harsh conditions, the children stand united against one of the camp's most insidious the venom of racism.
In a camp where adult insecurities fuel the divide, Leesie and Caleb reach across the chasm, extending friendship to Johnny. Their poignant journey teaches them that the barriers of prejudice are constructed from ignorance and fear—qualities these brave children vow never to embrace. A symphony of laughter and tears, "The Bottle Tree" is an evocative testament to the strength of the human heart, the capacity for change, and the unshakable power of genuine connections. Prepare to be immersed in a story that resonates with the triumph of unity, leaving you profoundly moved and utterly entertained.
"The Bottle Tree" sweeps you into the lives of three families, their children—Leesie, Johnny, and Caleb—a trio bound by more than just their shared challenges. As the unforgiving camp tests their spirits, these young souls forge an unbreakable bond that refuses to bow before the turmoil that surrounds them. Against the backdrop of segregated norms and harsh conditions, the children stand united against one of the camp's most insidious the venom of racism.
In a camp where adult insecurities fuel the divide, Leesie and Caleb reach across the chasm, extending friendship to Johnny. Their poignant journey teaches them that the barriers of prejudice are constructed from ignorance and fear—qualities these brave children vow never to embrace. A symphony of laughter and tears, "The Bottle Tree" is an evocative testament to the strength of the human heart, the capacity for change, and the unshakable power of genuine connections. Prepare to be immersed in a story that resonates with the triumph of unity, leaving you profoundly moved and utterly entertained.
251 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
1 person is currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Robert D. Bennett
4 books5 followersRobert Bennett was born in Louisiana and spent his childhood there and in Texas.
His diverse work history has taken him across the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean as well as England, and his books are shaped by the people he has known and the places he has visited.
"If I write about a place, it's because I've visited there and either the place or the people left an impression", Bennett said when asked about the inspirations for his books.
He currently resides in Texas with his wife Karren, his Jack Russell Terrier "'Sup", and occasionally his kids as they return from college on breaks. He also spends a lot of time answering questions for his daughter, who lives in Austin.
Look for additional works coming soon!
His diverse work history has taken him across the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean as well as England, and his books are shaped by the people he has known and the places he has visited.
"If I write about a place, it's because I've visited there and either the place or the people left an impression", Bennett said when asked about the inspirations for his books.
He currently resides in Texas with his wife Karren, his Jack Russell Terrier "'Sup", and occasionally his kids as they return from college on breaks. He also spends a lot of time answering questions for his daughter, who lives in Austin.
Look for additional works coming soon!
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 22, 2013
This books is a little harder to categorize than the others I read. I see that the author placed it in Historical Fiction, which is accurate, but it could also be in Literary Fiction. The Bottle Tree is a short book but packed full. It deals with racial tensions in a turpentine camp located in Central Louisiana during the early 1900s.
The characters are well defined and believable and you quickly grow to know and love them. There are some funny spots in the book, the author seems to love humor, but make no mistake The Bottle Tree is a serious read and deals with real issues both from that day and today.
The characters are well defined and believable and you quickly grow to know and love them. There are some funny spots in the book, the author seems to love humor, but make no mistake The Bottle Tree is a serious read and deals with real issues both from that day and today.
October 21, 2022
Turpentine camp
Very sweet story in many aspects, yet one filled with hate and conflict. A quick read - one I enjoyed.
Very sweet story in many aspects, yet one filled with hate and conflict. A quick read - one I enjoyed.
February 12, 2017
The book is about a number of things. But for me, it was mostly about Louisiana, a unique place to live.
Louisiana shapes the lives of its residents. Their thoughts, behavior, plans, fears, and joys are all the product of where they live.
Although the story takes place in the early 1900's, the atmosphere and environment are not much changed today.
The author has chosen his characters well. Leesie, Johnny, and Caleb are children of the parents who worked in the lumber camps and sawmills of deep Louisiana. They confront and overcome the racism of the world they were born into. The book wrings every emotion from you that you are capable of having.
And if you've ever seen those bottle trees in front yards with the many colored bottles, and wondered what they were, this book will tell you. And it will tell you in a way you'll never forget.
Louisiana shapes the lives of its residents. Their thoughts, behavior, plans, fears, and joys are all the product of where they live.
Although the story takes place in the early 1900's, the atmosphere and environment are not much changed today.
The author has chosen his characters well. Leesie, Johnny, and Caleb are children of the parents who worked in the lumber camps and sawmills of deep Louisiana. They confront and overcome the racism of the world they were born into. The book wrings every emotion from you that you are capable of having.
And if you've ever seen those bottle trees in front yards with the many colored bottles, and wondered what they were, this book will tell you. And it will tell you in a way you'll never forget.
March 27, 2013
I loved The Bottle Tree!
There were parts where I laughed and parts where I cried. It was one of the most heartwarming stories I ever read, reminiscent of “Where the Red Fern Grows”.
This one has a permanent place on my bookshelf and I may come back to it over and over. I will definitely be giving it as a gift to a couple of people who really like to read.
There were parts where I laughed and parts where I cried. It was one of the most heartwarming stories I ever read, reminiscent of “Where the Red Fern Grows”.
This one has a permanent place on my bookshelf and I may come back to it over and over. I will definitely be giving it as a gift to a couple of people who really like to read.
November 18, 2016
It's an EXCEPTIONAL book but, to be honest, I wrote it and so I might just be a tad prejudiced.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews