Fascinating story about the Federal Writer's Program created by President Roosevelt to obtain personal narratives of former slaves. Rena's eyes are opened when she is hired by the program and interviews Frankie, a 101 year old former slave. This amazing story is carefully crafted to hold the reader's attention throughout. Heartwarming and authentic. Highly recommended!

DNF at 30%. There is a lack of likeable characters. The tension with the mother is so unpleasant and the build up to Frankie's story was underwhelming. Reading the first portion with Frankie made me feel uncomfortable-like I was being manipulated to feel awful simply for the sake of feeling awful. Where is the depth and characterization? Too much time spent on minor characters and not enough on the important ones.

I enjoyed this book, and how parts were told in first-person flashbacks from Frankie's life as a slave. Transitions were smooth. I didn't know much about slave narratives prior to this book, and I'm interested in learning more. Parts of this were heartbreaking, but it was thoroughly engaging.

16-year-old Lorena Leland came from a wealthy family that lost it all during the great depression. Her mother was concerned about saving face with their society friends, offering a glimpse into what life might have been for someone that suddenly had to learn how to do without. Lorena was able to get a job through the Federal Writer's Project interviewing former slaves.

When we read about Frankie's life as a slave the story is told in first-person flashbacks. The switch from the current day to 70 years prior was handled smoothly. The characters were developed well and the story left me wanting to learn more about the slave narratives. But more than that, Lorena showed how important it is to listen even when the subject becomes uncomfortable and Frankie learned to trust Lorena enough to share her story in tragic detail.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

UNDER THE TULIP TREE by MICHELLE SHOCKLEE is a book that will really stay with you. It is an inspiring story of incredible courage in horrific circumstances, of faith, forgiveness, redemption, love and friendship. Not only do we see the awakening of Frankie Washington's strong faith in God, but we see the influence she has on others.
Lorena Leland's life changed drastically on her sixteenth birthday, the 29th October 1929. with the stock market crash. Seven years later, no longer employed at the Nashville Banner, she applies to the Federal Writer's Project to interview former slaves. When she meets the 101 year old Frankie and hears her story, it is not only a shock to hear things that were not in her school history books, but it is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. As Rena encourages Frankie to tell her story in her own words, she and her co-worker Alden Norwood, are drawn into the old lady's life, spending quality time with her in her little house in Hell's Half Acre.
We also see the effect that her job and life changing friendship with Frankie has on Rena's family. It is truly a story in which we see God changing what the devil meant for harm into something beautiful. (Romans 8:28) I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
I was given an ARC copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I know novels are in the works for a couple years once they hit the publishers. It can be years of work before that by the author, but this book is for such a time as this. A split time book that is a clash of two families and times. Rena always dreamed of being a writer, the depression has changed all her plans until the government offers her a chance to interview formers slaves.

As Frankie’s story unfolds, arena finds her drawn to her more and more. But her two very different worlds are going to collide in more ways than one.

Well written, with characters and storylines that will capture the reader’s imagination. I found my self reading well into the night with this book. Well done Michelle Shockley. I am looking forward to your next book.

Under the Tulip Tree shares the tales of Lorena and Frankie. Lorena's once prosperous family takes a financial fall during the Great Depression, leading Lorena to accept a Federal Writers' Project job to interview former slaves. Lorena knew little about slavery, and was uncomfortable with the interviews because her family owned slaves and she has lived a sheltered life.

Frankie, 101 years old, shares her life story as a former slave. Frankie has endured many hardships and heartbreaks, and her experience awakens Lorena's awareness of slavery and the racial divide.

As Frankie's stories progress throughout the book, Lorena's understanding of slavery grows and a journey of faith transpires with both women's experiences.