The L-Shaped Tree

by Thomas Hardy

illustrated by Grace Doman

Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism

I mention the illustrator of this book first of all because it is done in watercolor and secondly, both the author and illustrator reside in Florida, who both enjoyed the light of this State. The illustrator offered us these beautiful illustrations as a high school student. The illustrator has the whimsy of nature and the intensity of a gifted artist/musician. I could write a page or two on each of the illustrations as they capture the essence of the words by Mr. Hardy. There is so much I love about each and every illustration. Grace does such a eye-opening job of explaining how and why the tree is L-shaped.

The story is magnificent as it opens our eyes to the ‘bumps in the road’ that we all take in growing and becoming the person who God called us to be. This book can be read on so many levels in regard to the hardships endured.  I wish the beginning of the book had more illustrations but marvel at the ones there. Any person (child or adult) would love and honor the story. Please get a copy for all those you know.