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Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite
Grinza's Orchard by Leonard I Eckhaus is an enthralling story about a gypsy family. It follows Grinza Lovell, a gypsy girl born in 1890 in the small village of Cojasca, Romania. When Grinza was five, her parents planted a cherry tree in their front yard and gave it to her as a birthday present. In gypsy tradition, girls marry in their teenage years. The parents must pick a suitor for their daughter and arrange a marriage. At fourteen, Grinza had already turned down a suitor. She wants a strong, handsome husband, but first, she must find a way to get rid of her ugly freckles. At sixteen, her parents tell her that she has one year to find someone and marry or they will arrange a marriage for her. Grinza will soon be forced to sacrifice her most beloved possession, but it will pay off later.
With lovely gentleness, Grinza's Orchard draws children of all ages into the life of a very bright, special gypsy girl. This extraordinary tale offers insights into the magical and occult aspects of Romani culture and traditions. It's a story to be relished. Leonard I Eckhaus has masterfully combined a bit of history with romance and valuable life lessons about love, family, and sacrifices. I fell in love with the quality and rich colors of the illustrations. This story of miracles, loss, revenge, survival, and achieving lifelong dreams is suitable for a middle school audience. It includes fortune tellers, a magical cherry tree, a cherry orchard business, a wise old witch, a spiritual leader, and more.
