Rayford's Garden

by Rita Haag

It is 1864. On a small farm in northwest Georgia, twelve-year-old Tatum Wiley runs wild under her father's doting eye, devising clever plans that generally go awry and land her in trouble. Despite her impish ways, she's dedicated to her uncle, a mentally handicapped artistic savant who spends his days carving realistic likenesses in the family's garden. As Sherman's troops rampage across Georgia her father feels compelled to join the Confederate Army and asks Tatum to care for Rayford, but her promise is given lightly. Consumed by grief and despair she's determined to continue her childish antics, insisting other family members should be taking on this responsibility. As the war comes closer circumstances change, and soon it is up to her, alone, to care for Rayford. When their farm comes under a Yankee attack, Tatum rises to the occasion. But it is one of Rayford's carvings that changes the course of their lives, forces her to take a stand, and makes her question if what she's been fighting hardest is the thing she wants most.  

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2023

Reviews

[Marne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book! I was captivated from the first chapter to the last. The characters are developed well and I was easily attached to the main character, Tatum. The book brought out many emotions across the spectrum. At a couple points I laughed out loud and I can’t remember a time I’ve done that reading a book. The author provided a vivid picture of how families lived during the Civil War. There are many words of wisdom to glean throughout the story. Very refreshing book!

[Beatrice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give it a 3.5.
Haag is a talented writer, that's for sure. I liked the descriptions and the childlike voice. Tatum has wisdom beyond her age. Sometimes I think Haag should have brought out that wisdom through dialogues between Tatum and other characters. Does a 13 year old really think the things Tatum thinks? The ending could have been simpler. But, all in all, a good read. At times it was hard to put down.

[Janine Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written coming of age story. Loved to hear Tatum’s thoughts and see her grow into a young woman.

[Deb Zich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful historical fiction by a local author! Rita came to our book club and shared her processes of writing.
I loved Tatum and could relate to not wanting to grow up, and having it thrust upon you. All the characters were so well thought out that you could almost see them.
I can't wait to read her next book!