Delcina's Tree

This is a tribute novel to the Jamaican woman who raised me up in the 1970s. The novel tracks the immortal life of the last tree witch dating back to the time of Nanny of the Maroons, an historical woman who fought the British to end slavery. Delcina is able to conjure what is called 'the crossin' tree' for those about to die; a mystical Mother tree the dying experience as they transcend. The book focuses on two landscapes - the green mountains of Vermont and Jamaica. The dialog in novel also uses a heavy regional patois for Jamaican characters. It is the hope of Mr. Laro that this adds authentic flavor and does not distract readers. All in all the novel employs a lot of dialog to push the narrative and rather than use exposition relentlessly the story unfolds organically with the way people speak. If readers enjoy drama and romance mixed with strong afro-centric characters, this novel is a noble read. Peace.