Far From the Tree | Family ties and Sibling love

“And sometimes, family hurts each other. But after that’s done you bandage each other up, and you move on. Together. You’ve got us now, like it or not, and we’ve got you.”
Robin Benway

Finally done with the first book for the year. Now, thats a good feeling! 😄

Introduction

Coming back to the book, Far from the Tree by Robin Benway is a YA novel that deals with family ties, siblings bond, love, adoption.

The story is about Joaquin, Grace and Maya, siblings who were put up for adoption. While Grace and Maya got adopted at birth, Joaquin has been in the foster care system for nearly 17 years moving from one home to another.

They finally meet after 15 years and what follows is the journey of the siblings coming together and reconnecting while discovering their individual existence and identity. The book radiates the message that no matter what you do and where you go, there is no escaping family. They are always there to support you and catch you before you fall.

Characters

Joaquin

He was never adopted and has spent his entire life going in and out of foster families. There were times, when he let his guard down and allowed love in, but it ultimately let to disappointment and heartbreak. So, now he keeps his distance from people and is determined to never let that happen again. He is convinced that he ruins things and hurts people, that he doesn’t deserve anything good. So, even if a situation looks promising, he is afraid to let people get too close to him.

Grace

Grace is an only child but she had always known that she is adopted. While still in high school, she gets pregnant and gives birth to a beautiful baby daughter. She lovingly names her “Peach”. When she finally has to put the baby up for adoption, she decides to go in search of her own biological mother. Grace was hurting now, she wanted to go to a woman who may have been hurt at some point in her life and who could understand what’s it to be like in her position. When she announces this to her parents, she is surprised to find out from them is that she has two siblings – Joaquin, the older brother and Maya, the younger sister. Their biological mother was Melissa Taylor. Grace drops a mail to Maya first and their families arrange a meeting for the girls. And together, the sisters get in touch with Joaquin.

Maya

In a family of redheads, Maya feels like an outsider as she is a brunette. She has an upbeat attitude and speaks a little too much. She has a younger sister, Lauren. Since her sister was born shortly after she was adopted, Maya has her share of insecurities about that and questions her existence in the family. Her adopted parents’ are always fighting, so things aren’t in the best shape. Furthermore, her mother has a drinking problem, so she hopes to find some security in her newfound siblings.

The siblings have their share of emotional scars and their secrets, which despite being a challenge for their relationship is also something they have in common. Apart from their similar physical characteristics, of course. But gradually, they learn to let their guards down around each other and confide in each other. They learn to face their together and help each other in the journey.

“Content in the knowledge that no matter what happened with your parents, or your girlfriend, that your siblings will still be there, like a bookend that keeps you upright when you feel like toppling over.”
Robin Benway

The book addressed adoption in a very detailed way. What it feels like to be adopted or to be adoptive parents and the fears and anxieties that come with it. The book is a perfect example of what families mean to you. Each family has its own dynamics and people with different personalities, but it still is all so wonderful.

That’s what parents do. They catch you before you fall. That’s what family is.
Robin Benway

Closing thoughts!

The book is very well-written exploring rather complex topics. I went into the book expecting a lot but I wasn’t very moved by the characters or their struggles. There were many emotional moments in the book but probably my high expectations resulted in my mild disappointment. But, nevertheless, it is still an enjoyable read!