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Stay More #5
The Choiring of the Trees
A young mountaineer is sentenced to the electric chair in 1914 Arkansas because of the testimony of a thirteen-year-old-girl who was raped in the backwoods of the Ozarks. Nail Chism appears doomed to death-until his innocence is championed by the staff artist of the state's leading newspaper. "A superbly rewarding novel" (Christian Science Monitor). Harvest American Writing series
388 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1991
51 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
About the author
Donald Harington
37 books114 followersDonald Douglas Harington was an American author. All but the first of his novels either take place in or have an important connection to "Stay More," a fictional Ozark Mountains town based somewhat on Drakes Creek, Arkansas, where Harington spent summers as a child.
Harington was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. He lost nearly all of his hearing at age 12 due to meningitis. This did not prevent him from picking up and remembering the vocabulary and modes of expression among the Ozark denizens, nor in conducting his teaching career as an adult.
Though he intended to be a novelist from a very early age, his course of study and his teaching career were in art and art history. He taught art history in New York, New England, and South Dakota before returning to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, his alma mater, where he taught for 22 years before his retirement on 1 May 2008.
Harington is acclaimed as one of America's greatest writers of fiction, if not one of its best known. Entertainment Weekly called him "America's greatest unknown writer." The novelist and critic Fred Chappell said of him "Donald Harington isn't an unknown writer. He's an undiscovered continent." Novelist James Sallis, writing in the Boston Globe: "Harington's books are of a piece -- the quirkiest, most original body of work in contemporary U.S. letters."
Harington died of pneumonia, after a long illness, in Springdale on 7 November 2009.
Harington's novels are available from The Toby Press in a uniform edition, with cover illustrations by Wendell Minor. Since his death, The Toby Press has made available the entire set of Harington novels as The Complete Novels of Donald Harington.
Harington was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. He lost nearly all of his hearing at age 12 due to meningitis. This did not prevent him from picking up and remembering the vocabulary and modes of expression among the Ozark denizens, nor in conducting his teaching career as an adult.
Though he intended to be a novelist from a very early age, his course of study and his teaching career were in art and art history. He taught art history in New York, New England, and South Dakota before returning to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, his alma mater, where he taught for 22 years before his retirement on 1 May 2008.
Harington is acclaimed as one of America's greatest writers of fiction, if not one of its best known. Entertainment Weekly called him "America's greatest unknown writer." The novelist and critic Fred Chappell said of him "Donald Harington isn't an unknown writer. He's an undiscovered continent." Novelist James Sallis, writing in the Boston Globe: "Harington's books are of a piece -- the quirkiest, most original body of work in contemporary U.S. letters."
Harington died of pneumonia, after a long illness, in Springdale on 7 November 2009.
Harington's novels are available from The Toby Press in a uniform edition, with cover illustrations by Wendell Minor. Since his death, The Toby Press has made available the entire set of Harington novels as The Complete Novels of Donald Harington.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
April 27, 2009
This is in my Top 5 Favorite Books of all time, and in terms of style, musicality and story technique, one of the best books in the English language. This book should be required reading for anyone interested in the human condition. It entertains while it breaks your heart; it induces fever-pitch anticipation while making you laugh out loud. I have read this book four times, and every time my appreciation of its sensibilities grows deeper. I have often thought to myself, "How can I care THIS much about a fictional character?" Then I realized that these characters exist only in the mind of the reader, which has the effect of bringing their lives into sharper relief in my own life. Stay More is not an idyllic place, but it is a good place. It is an honest place. This novel will make you believe in literature again, in "good reads" and storytelling. Donald Harington has written a hymn that celebrates all of us, who we are at our core. His lyrical, playful, deeply-felt understanding of the human heart will most likely change the way you think about everything... and, for the better.
August 7, 2018
“But with trees?” Nail said. “ “Are there trees in heaven?”
“A tree,” Lee declared, “has just as much right to go to heaven as a man does.”
“No harps, no lutes, no mandolins, none of that,” Lee said. “Just the trees singing as the voice of God.”
The Choiring of the Trees: What a magnificent title! That’s what drew me to Donald Harington’s novel about an Ozark backwoods shepherd who is falsely accused, convicted, and sentenced to death for the rape of a thirteen-year-old girl in 1914. I had never heard of Donald Harington or his fictitious Arkansas hamlet of Stay More, but he has woven a fascinating tale that reads like a romantic folk legend. It is based on a true event, but I hesitate to label it historical fiction because many of the names appear to have been changed. The governor, George W. Hays, was real, and perhaps some of the officers named in the book were as well, but I could find no mention of Nail Chism, the convicted man, or of the woman who championed his cause, Viridis Monday. Miss Monday was an illustrator who first saw Chism when she was employed by the Arkansas Gazette to sketch a likeness of a condemned man at his electrocution at “The Wall,” the Arkansas State Penitentiary.
What gives this story its richness is the Ozark dialect, the authenticity of the characters, and the portrayal of events – good and bad – that make the reader feel part of the story and feel invested in the outcome.
I struggled, however, with the author’s style. At times, I found that I needed to re-read sections of a page or two several times before I could determine who the narrator was. It seemed that the perspective sometimes was all over the place, and I got confused. The long chapter on Viridis in Europe, while it gave background on her studies in art as well as her life experience, really could have been condensed, in my opinion.
Most of all, I loved the image of the trees singing and the fact that Nail found a kindred spirit in Viridis. Even though they came from different backgrounds, had different levels of education, and had different life experiences, they shared that spiritual experience of the “choiring” of the trees”, and that, I believe, led Viridis to her fierce battle for Nail’s life.
I loved the heart and soul of this book. I struggled with the style.
3.5 stars.
“A tree,” Lee declared, “has just as much right to go to heaven as a man does.”
“No harps, no lutes, no mandolins, none of that,” Lee said. “Just the trees singing as the voice of God.”
The Choiring of the Trees: What a magnificent title! That’s what drew me to Donald Harington’s novel about an Ozark backwoods shepherd who is falsely accused, convicted, and sentenced to death for the rape of a thirteen-year-old girl in 1914. I had never heard of Donald Harington or his fictitious Arkansas hamlet of Stay More, but he has woven a fascinating tale that reads like a romantic folk legend. It is based on a true event, but I hesitate to label it historical fiction because many of the names appear to have been changed. The governor, George W. Hays, was real, and perhaps some of the officers named in the book were as well, but I could find no mention of Nail Chism, the convicted man, or of the woman who championed his cause, Viridis Monday. Miss Monday was an illustrator who first saw Chism when she was employed by the Arkansas Gazette to sketch a likeness of a condemned man at his electrocution at “The Wall,” the Arkansas State Penitentiary.
What gives this story its richness is the Ozark dialect, the authenticity of the characters, and the portrayal of events – good and bad – that make the reader feel part of the story and feel invested in the outcome.
I struggled, however, with the author’s style. At times, I found that I needed to re-read sections of a page or two several times before I could determine who the narrator was. It seemed that the perspective sometimes was all over the place, and I got confused. The long chapter on Viridis in Europe, while it gave background on her studies in art as well as her life experience, really could have been condensed, in my opinion.
Most of all, I loved the image of the trees singing and the fact that Nail found a kindred spirit in Viridis. Even though they came from different backgrounds, had different levels of education, and had different life experiences, they shared that spiritual experience of the “choiring” of the trees”, and that, I believe, led Viridis to her fierce battle for Nail’s life.
I loved the heart and soul of this book. I struggled with the style.
3.5 stars.
December 19, 2025
The Choiring of the Trees by Donald Harington is a sweeping, lyrical historical novel set in the Ozark Mountains that blends pastoral beauty, injustice, redemption, and the healing power of storytelling into a deeply human narrative about a wrongly condemned man and the woman who refuses to let his life be forgotten. Based on a true story, the novel opens in Arkansas in 1914 when Nail Chism, a simple mountaineer and shepherd, is falsely convicted of rape and sentenced to the electric chair, a fate he faces not once but repeatedly as the justice system lets him slip closer to death again and again.
The story follows Nail’s ordeal, the brutality of incarceration, and the vivid lives of those around him, especially Viridis Monday, an artist for a Little Rock newspaper who becomes convinced of his innocence and mounts a tireless campaign to secure his freedom and restore his life. Harington’s richly textured prose combines heartfelt character exploration with a strong sense of place, landscape, and moral complexity.
What struck me most about The Choiring of the Trees is how it humanizes the broad social issues of justice and punishment through characters who feel real, flawed, and fiercely alive. Nail’s connection to the land, the haunting image of him hearing the “chorus” of the trees even in the death chamber, and Viridis’s dogged belief in him create a narrative that feels both rooted in the heart of rural America and charged with universal questions about compassion, dignity, and the cost of prejudice. Harington contrasts the brutality of the early 1900s penitentiary with the simple, poetic rhythms of pastoral life in Stay More, making the physical setting a kind of spiritual presence that echoes the characters’ inner lives. Beyond the courtroom drama, the story celebrates friendship, resilience, and art as a force of transformation, showing how ordinary lives can resonate with profound meaning.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I’m giving this book four stars because it blends historical weight with genuine warmth, unforgettable characters, and evocative prose that made me care deeply about Nail, Viridis, and the world they inhabit. The novel’s emotional depth and blend of injustice, hope, and lyrical beauty stayed with me long after reading and reminded me why Harington is celebrated for his rich, compassionate storytelling.
The story follows Nail’s ordeal, the brutality of incarceration, and the vivid lives of those around him, especially Viridis Monday, an artist for a Little Rock newspaper who becomes convinced of his innocence and mounts a tireless campaign to secure his freedom and restore his life. Harington’s richly textured prose combines heartfelt character exploration with a strong sense of place, landscape, and moral complexity.
What struck me most about The Choiring of the Trees is how it humanizes the broad social issues of justice and punishment through characters who feel real, flawed, and fiercely alive. Nail’s connection to the land, the haunting image of him hearing the “chorus” of the trees even in the death chamber, and Viridis’s dogged belief in him create a narrative that feels both rooted in the heart of rural America and charged with universal questions about compassion, dignity, and the cost of prejudice. Harington contrasts the brutality of the early 1900s penitentiary with the simple, poetic rhythms of pastoral life in Stay More, making the physical setting a kind of spiritual presence that echoes the characters’ inner lives. Beyond the courtroom drama, the story celebrates friendship, resilience, and art as a force of transformation, showing how ordinary lives can resonate with profound meaning.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I’m giving this book four stars because it blends historical weight with genuine warmth, unforgettable characters, and evocative prose that made me care deeply about Nail, Viridis, and the world they inhabit. The novel’s emotional depth and blend of injustice, hope, and lyrical beauty stayed with me long after reading and reminded me why Harington is celebrated for his rich, compassionate storytelling.
August 12, 2012
This is a stunningly good story - based on a true one - of Nail Chism, an innocent man condemned to death almost 100 years ago. It takes place in Arkansas and the tale of his incarceration, his run-ins with and last minute reprieves from 'Old Sparky' and the absolutley unbelieveable cruelty of the prison guards is completely gripping. The whole town of Stay More from which Nail originates, knows he is innocent and furthermore knows who is guilty. It's a story of Judges, Sherrifs and a Governor all in one another's pockets and all out for their own politial futures. It takes place before women had the vote, yet it is the persistence of the women, one in particular, artist and newspaper reporter Viridis Monday, which refuses to be beaten. On so many occasions I felt their frustration and anger when they tried to make a case for Nail's innocence.
Some of the story is told in the sort of Ozark Mountain dialect which would have been used back then by those with little formal education. To the British ear it takes but a little getting used to and brings the characters very much to life. I loved the characters involved; some were simple country people, some college educated and some thought they were cleverer than they really were. All came together to weave a memorable tapestry of a story. It was harsh, cruel but it was also very beautiful. It's a story I wouldn't have missed for the world. Excellent!
Some of the story is told in the sort of Ozark Mountain dialect which would have been used back then by those with little formal education. To the British ear it takes but a little getting used to and brings the characters very much to life. I loved the characters involved; some were simple country people, some college educated and some thought they were cleverer than they really were. All came together to weave a memorable tapestry of a story. It was harsh, cruel but it was also very beautiful. It's a story I wouldn't have missed for the world. Excellent!
March 15, 2013
All my life, I've been a reader. When walking home from school as kid, I would walk and read, barely ever looking up. My mother was always sure I'd get hit by a car or trip on something and hurt myself. I never did.
Today, I was reading this book while walking. I walked smack into a tree with no warning or awareness whatsoever.
Yes, that is my review of this book. Read the back cover to know what you're getting into and then read it. I am off to pick which of this novelist's books I will read next.
Today, I was reading this book while walking. I walked smack into a tree with no warning or awareness whatsoever.
Yes, that is my review of this book. Read the back cover to know what you're getting into and then read it. I am off to pick which of this novelist's books I will read next.
November 18, 2018
Donald Harington is sometimes referred to as America’s best unknown author. I had never heard of him, came upon his books as part of my 50-states challenge (Arkansas) and had no idea what to expect. I had mediocre expectations but all I can say is WOW. This was a special novel. It was complex in plot, used evocative language and metaphors and was so much deeper than I ever imagined. Some reviewers complain about the dialogue, but the author grew up in the AR Ozarks and is very familiar with the speech and phrases, so I am going with it. It was veryinteresting to read and I believe I got a good insite into rural Ozarks mountain ways in the early 20th century. If you want to read some really profound American lirerature try this novel.
I am becoming more and more annoyed by the classic American Lit books taught to high school and college students. They are too concentrated on New England writers and miss the variety and depth of the books available. The REAL way to explore American Lit is to do a 50-state challenge.
I am becoming more and more annoyed by the classic American Lit books taught to high school and college students. They are too concentrated on New England writers and miss the variety and depth of the books available. The REAL way to explore American Lit is to do a 50-state challenge.
May 4, 2012
Donald Harington might be the best American author you've never heard of. If that's true, it's not because Harington isn't trying. He's no Harper Lee in the production category. The man has written 15 books or so.
Give yourself a treat and give the Arkansas writer a try. I'd suggest The Choiring of Trees, namely because I finished the thing recently. (I read Butterfly Weed 20 years ago.)
His characters are ordinary, even downtrodden, folk. Nail Chism is one. In Choiring, young Nail, a mountaineer in 1914, is sentenced to the electric chair because of the testimony of the 13-year-old girl. Things are looking grim for Nail until a newspaper woman gets involved his case.
Harington's characters are a delight to read about, even the scoundrels, of which there seemed to be plenty in the Arkansas of 100 years ago. You can't help but root for Nail, a plain and simple guy, but also true and determined.
Give yourself a treat and give the Arkansas writer a try. I'd suggest The Choiring of Trees, namely because I finished the thing recently. (I read Butterfly Weed 20 years ago.)
His characters are ordinary, even downtrodden, folk. Nail Chism is one. In Choiring, young Nail, a mountaineer in 1914, is sentenced to the electric chair because of the testimony of the 13-year-old girl. Things are looking grim for Nail until a newspaper woman gets involved his case.
Harington's characters are a delight to read about, even the scoundrels, of which there seemed to be plenty in the Arkansas of 100 years ago. You can't help but root for Nail, a plain and simple guy, but also true and determined.
January 26, 2014
Stay More and read a little longer
I never grew tired of reading this book often times staying up later in the night to finish a chapter only to find myself into the next. A heart wrenching read with so much substance. the characters are beautifully depicted and descriptions are magnificent. some situations may come off too fantasy like or unrealistic and I did find myself stumbling at the end trying to figure out what was really going on but that could be just the excitement. I have a few of favorite scenes where I could not read fast enough to satisfy my thirst for what would happen next. some parts terror struck me and some made me blush. but all in all I did not cry or laugh out loud of which I usually require for a five star rating. I gave it a five star because it simply was another world that I was lost in and couldn't find my way home until it was finished.
I never grew tired of reading this book often times staying up later in the night to finish a chapter only to find myself into the next. A heart wrenching read with so much substance. the characters are beautifully depicted and descriptions are magnificent. some situations may come off too fantasy like or unrealistic and I did find myself stumbling at the end trying to figure out what was really going on but that could be just the excitement. I have a few of favorite scenes where I could not read fast enough to satisfy my thirst for what would happen next. some parts terror struck me and some made me blush. but all in all I did not cry or laugh out loud of which I usually require for a five star rating. I gave it a five star because it simply was another world that I was lost in and couldn't find my way home until it was finished.
September 3, 2016
This book is heaven and takes me over the mountain.
April 9, 2021
ביקורת ספרותית על מקהלת העצים מאת דונלד הרינגטון
ספר טוב דירוג של ארבעה כוכביםהביקורת נכתבה ביום שני, 10 בספטמבר, 2012
ע"י נצחיה
את הספר הזה ליהקתי בתפקיד הצ'יק-ליט השבועי, כשלקחתי אותו מהספריה. המון פרטים היו בעוכריו, כמו השם שלו, התמונה על הכריכה, הסופרלטיבים על הכיריכה, ההוצאה הלא מוכרת וכו'.
עלילת הספר מופיעה על הכריכה האחורית של הספר, ואין טעם לחזור עליה שוב. עלילה קלאסית שהזינה ועוד תזין ספרי מתח בהמוניהם. קווי עלילה מועטים מאוד, שקשה להבין איך הם מצליחים למלא מעל 300 עמודים מודפסים בצפיפות. אבל הם מצליחים לעשות את זה, ובצורה מרתקת.
מה שעושה את הספר לטוב הוא המיקום השונה של העלילה - חבל האוזרק במדינת ארקנסו, נידח ומבודד ומלא במוזרויות. גם דמות המספרת שהופכת לסירוגין ממספר כל יודע, לחלק מהעלילה היא דמות מעניינת. אז נכון שחלק מהדמויות פלקטיות מדי, החלוקה בין "הרעים" ל"טובים" בוטה וברורה, וחלקים בעלילה מסתדרים בצורה כל כך טובה עד כדי חוסר אמינות, אבל כל זה לא פוגע בכתיבה הזורמת, בהזדהות עם נייל צ'יזם המסכן ומגינתו הנועזת. מוסיפים לספר תיאורי הטבע של "מקהלת העצים" ששרה לנייל, ותיאורי הבוהמה הפאריזאית מעברה של וירדין מונדיי.
הספר מומלץ, ולא רק בתפקיד צ'יק ליט.
ספר טוב דירוג של ארבעה כוכביםהביקורת נכתבה ביום שני, 10 בספטמבר, 2012
ע"י נצחיה
את הספר הזה ליהקתי בתפקיד הצ'יק-ליט השבועי, כשלקחתי אותו מהספריה. המון פרטים היו בעוכריו, כמו השם שלו, התמונה על הכריכה, הסופרלטיבים על הכיריכה, ההוצאה הלא מוכרת וכו'.
עלילת הספר מופיעה על הכריכה האחורית של הספר, ואין טעם לחזור עליה שוב. עלילה קלאסית שהזינה ועוד תזין ספרי מתח בהמוניהם. קווי עלילה מועטים מאוד, שקשה להבין איך הם מצליחים למלא מעל 300 עמודים מודפסים בצפיפות. אבל הם מצליחים לעשות את זה, ובצורה מרתקת.
מה שעושה את הספר לטוב הוא המיקום השונה של העלילה - חבל האוזרק במדינת ארקנסו, נידח ומבודד ומלא במוזרויות. גם דמות המספרת שהופכת לסירוגין ממספר כל יודע, לחלק מהעלילה היא דמות מעניינת. אז נכון שחלק מהדמויות פלקטיות מדי, החלוקה בין "הרעים" ל"טובים" בוטה וברורה, וחלקים בעלילה מסתדרים בצורה כל כך טובה עד כדי חוסר אמינות, אבל כל זה לא פוגע בכתיבה הזורמת, בהזדהות עם נייל צ'יזם המסכן ומגינתו הנועזת. מוסיפים לספר תיאורי הטבע של "מקהלת העצים" ששרה לנייל, ותיאורי הבוהמה הפאריזאית מעברה של וירדין מונדיי.
הספר מומלץ, ולא רק בתפקיד צ'יק ליט.
August 21, 2019
Beautiful book set in Arkansas in the 1914. Harington's characters ring true (especially his "good" characters)-although the book is constructed as a story told by Latha, a young girl for most of the book, within her narrative the author jumps back and forth between both female and male perspectives. It would have been interesting if we had been privy to the inner thoughts of some of the bad guys in this novel..... but then it would have likely been an even longer book than 400 plus pages it was. I don't mind long novels but I can see how some readers could get impatient with the pace of the book. For me, it was well worth it for the deeply moving writing and for being there for ALL of Nail's tortuous wrongful conviction, incarceration and ultimate happy ending.
November 5, 2024
Needing something to read, I found this novel in our community library where I reside. The title grabbed my attention and so I read it. It was truly delightful. Set in Stay More, AR in 1914. The story telling of Donald Harrington is masterful. The description of the characters and their lifestyle was brought to true life and the sayings and meanings were colorful and steeped in realism of that time and place. I will definitely read his other novels involving Nail Chism and Stay More, AR.
April 20, 2020
I loved this book about backwoods politics in the early 1900s in a town called Stay More, Arkansas. A man is sentenced to the electric chair for a crime he didn't commit and is doomed until a female reporter takes up his case, and even then, it looks hopeless. Harington has an entire series based on Stay More so I think I will read more of his books.
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October 16, 2024Fascinating but uneven book. The parts that are good are WHOA good. Definitely glad I stuck with it; the early going is tough.
September 8, 2011
Well, this, as they say, is a very good "yarn". The story is a very detailed, sometimes a bit meandering, tale of Nail Chism, who in 1914 was convicted and sentenced to the electric chair ("ole sparky")for the rape of a 13 year old girl. The setting is the backwoods of the Ozarks, and there are many interesting cultural (and gastronimical) details that add to the texture of this story. The reader knows right from the beginning that Nail is innocent, and we strongly suspect who the actual rapist is. But the book has a very detailed and graphic account of Nail's time in the horrible prison, and those parts are quite gripping. The heroine in this book also has an interesting back story. For me, though, the book felt a little long, and I wasn't sure about the voice of the narrator, a rather peripheral character. But it's a good read, and the writing is sometimes quite lyrical.
June 7, 2024
Probably a 4.5 stars rather than a 5, because it took me a long time to get into this book. However once I did, when I had chance to read it uninterrupted on a two hour flight it really did fly past. As a rule I don´t read chick lit, and if I am honest I was not expecting a love story when I started to read this book, but in essence thats what it is. Its about one womans belief in and love for man wrongly imprisoned. And it is beautiful.
The characters are strong and engaging and you want there to be a happy ending, in some books it can feel a little forced, but this happy ending feels thoroughly earned.
The characters are strong and engaging and you want there to be a happy ending, in some books it can feel a little forced, but this happy ending feels thoroughly earned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2012
Not my normal choice of book, but it was a Kindle Deal of the Day. So very pleased I bought it, not only did I love this book, but it gave me the name of a superb writer. I will definitely read more of his books. The descriptions of the characters are vivid, as are the descriptions of the landscape. There are violent and sexual scenes in the book, none of which are "glorified", there is enough of a description that you feel and understand the emotions without being offended. Superb writing and with an amazing insight into a very different culture.
October 20, 2007
It's time to pick this one up again. I can barely remember it, but do recall loving it after I'd finished.
October 23, 2008
Haunting
February 13, 2011
Probably the most haunting story of the Staymore saga. Wonderful as Harington's works always are. Truly an under appreciated author.
October 6, 2012
brilliant....a real surprise...a little like John Irving without the dancing bears....!
August 15, 2022
The late Donald Harington has been described as “America’s best unknown author” and “an undiscovered continent”. I am enjoying the first of 3 collections of the author’s work on my Kindle, the advantage of which is that if the “% read” function is turned off one doesn’t know how much of the book is left. Towards the end of the book I was glad about this as I didn’t want to leave the world Mr Harington has created. The hamlet of Stay More is based on Drakes Creek in Arkansas and I have spent some time web-searching for this place to no avail……..
The story concerns a terrible crime perpetrated against Dorinda “Rindy”, a young Ozark “hillbilly” girl, though as one of the narrators is her best friend and an unreliable witness, the details are always in doubt. The accused man, Nail Chism, is a 20-something shepherd who is sent to death row for the crime. The village moonshining operation and connections with local politics complicate Nail’s predicament.
The prison scenes are reminiscent of stories like “The Green Mile” and “The Shawshank Redemption”, though a lot grittier. This tale is certainly not for children.
Descriptions of the scenery are evocative and the author uses another key character’s artistic skills to help bring this world to life. Newspaper illustrator Viridis Monday’s back-story as she travels the world helps to flesh out the story and it almost becomes an epic.
The “choiring” of the title refers to the trees singing and is only audible to a few of the central characters.
This book moved me hugely, especially the final chapter, and I am keen to read more of this “unknown” author’s novels and novellas.
The story concerns a terrible crime perpetrated against Dorinda “Rindy”, a young Ozark “hillbilly” girl, though as one of the narrators is her best friend and an unreliable witness, the details are always in doubt. The accused man, Nail Chism, is a 20-something shepherd who is sent to death row for the crime. The village moonshining operation and connections with local politics complicate Nail’s predicament.
The prison scenes are reminiscent of stories like “The Green Mile” and “The Shawshank Redemption”, though a lot grittier. This tale is certainly not for children.
Descriptions of the scenery are evocative and the author uses another key character’s artistic skills to help bring this world to life. Newspaper illustrator Viridis Monday’s back-story as she travels the world helps to flesh out the story and it almost becomes an epic.
The “choiring” of the title refers to the trees singing and is only audible to a few of the central characters.
This book moved me hugely, especially the final chapter, and I am keen to read more of this “unknown” author’s novels and novellas.
March 19, 2021
This is my favorite Harington novel thus far. It seems a little less sexually gratuitous than some of his earlier work, although sexuality remains a prominent element here as well. There are some real touching moments, and the protagonists are fully developed. Harington is a gifted storyteller with a wonderful ear, a highly-perceptive eye, and a true appreciation for detail that rarely if ever gets tiresome. When the author takes us to a prison's solitary confinement cell, we can practically smell the putridity. When he carries us to the Ozark forests, we can almost hear the wind whistling through the trees.
At almost 400 pages, The Choiring of the Trees is a fully-developed novel that maintains its focus on a few key characters and one primary narrative line: the evolving relationship between a wrongly-accused convict and the woman committed to freeing him and clearing his name. The novel is made stronger by the fact that it is based on a true story. The Architecture of the Arkansas Ozarks probably gets more critical acclaim, but The Choiring of the Trees is more powerful fiction to my way of thinking.
At almost 400 pages, The Choiring of the Trees is a fully-developed novel that maintains its focus on a few key characters and one primary narrative line: the evolving relationship between a wrongly-accused convict and the woman committed to freeing him and clearing his name. The novel is made stronger by the fact that it is based on a true story. The Architecture of the Arkansas Ozarks probably gets more critical acclaim, but The Choiring of the Trees is more powerful fiction to my way of thinking.
December 24, 2023
DNF; never read anything by this author before (maybe that’s the issue). Made it to 16% on my kindle and thought “life’s too short”.
The writing wasn’t bad per se; I just found the prose overly rambling (so rambling) and couldn’t see it going anywhere- it certainly didn’t seem to be about what the synopsis said it was by the time I decided to stop reading.
What ultimately kills a book for me is when I find myself thinking “omg who cares” or I don’t connect with the characters. Maybe it’s the American period it was set in that I found totally alien; trying to read some of the slang of the (I’m guessing) southern characters started to give me a headache. I generally didn’t care about this book or anything in it which is why I had to stop reading. Hard pass for me.
The writing wasn’t bad per se; I just found the prose overly rambling (so rambling) and couldn’t see it going anywhere- it certainly didn’t seem to be about what the synopsis said it was by the time I decided to stop reading.
What ultimately kills a book for me is when I find myself thinking “omg who cares” or I don’t connect with the characters. Maybe it’s the American period it was set in that I found totally alien; trying to read some of the slang of the (I’m guessing) southern characters started to give me a headache. I generally didn’t care about this book or anything in it which is why I had to stop reading. Hard pass for me.
March 17, 2021
An interesting book overall but I wasn't too thrilled by the denouement/ending. It just seemed indifferent to me. I also think the rapport with nature which is a major theme in the book is kind of swept aside towards the end. I would have liked the author to dwell a bit more on that...
April 22, 2022
My copy, that I purchased at Vintage Books in Russelville, Ar (Thanx Lynn) was autographed by the author. It Is A Prized Possession Of Mine. Haunting And Brutally Poetic, Full Of Rage And Beauty And A Reminder That None Of Us Are Innocent And All Of Us Are Holy.
January 1, 2018
The best yet of the Stay More books.
December 21, 2021
A bit of Shawshank, and a whole lot of Donald Harington. Best book I've read in ages.
August 1, 2025
I need to see an oak tree asap, preferably in a holler of some sort
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