The Shade of My Own Tree
Sheila J. Williams
(Reviewer - Rebecca Brown)
2003 Ballantine Books
ISBN: 0345465172

After years of abuse, Opal Sullivan leaves her marriage to save her life.

“I came here several years go after I left my husband. I had a little dream about owning a place of my own where I could be peaceful and think and sit on a porch. And be left alone. I wanted to paint. And create a place where other women like me -- throwaway woman, I call us ... could come and rest or just catch a breath.” (Page 2) I would cite even more, because Sheila J. Williams' story is epiphany-rich.

& so we sit with Opal Sullivan, under the shade of her tree & listen to the story of why she set out on her quest, of the solitary confinement of her marriage straight out of college & her husband's constant belittlement of her spirit. Even after her daughter is born the battering continues until Opal becomes “there but not there, lurking around the edges of my daughter's life.” (Page 10)

Then the years of childhood are over & Imani leaves for college, never to return. Daddy & mommy are left behind. With nothing to restrain daddy's urges, mommy ends up getting the beating of her life. When she looks in the mirror, something at last ignites & she walks out the door, finds a Women's Crisis Center, & never looks back ... or so she thinks.

The Shade of My Own Tree is one of the best stories about domestic violence, its appalling cost & how a woman can get out from under it. Some will say that “running way” never solves anything. Having been in a dangerous relationship as well as a volunteer in a domestic violence prevention program, I disagree -- it's the only way when the man cannot or will not control himself & the woman has no control. It is one of the dreadful statistics that once a husband raises his hand to his wife a taboo has been broken, & it's only a matter of time before the violence ends in murder.

It takes quite a while before Opal regains her artistic soul. She also develops the irreverence of a stand-up Feminist, & a mind which begins to work again. Before she knows it she's become an inquisitive, earthy being. Oh, & by the way, Opal is African-American, & the house she finds has historic connections that reach back into her heritage.

The Shade of My Own Tree is a rich womanly read. Who has not dreamt of having her own home to do with as she pleases? To welcome others to enjoy such serenity, & watch them uncurl, as once you had to learn how to do, & bask in the pleasure & fun of owning your own life.

I sincerely hope The Shade of My Own Tree becomes a must-read for Reading Groups everywhere because it is dangerous, exciting, funny & filled with redemption.

Bravissima!

Do catch my Interview with Sheila J. Williams.

More from Sheila J. Williams: Dancing on the Edge of the Roof

Her website is: www.sheilajwilliams.com
(11/30/03)

Rebecca