Book Review: "Fruit of the Vine" by Cynthia Kolko

Title: Fruit of the Vine

Author: Cynthia Kolko

Publisher: Charles River Press

ISBN, PUB Date: 1-936185-27-X, April 30, 2011
Reviewed by: Evangeline Han for Author Exposure

Jemison “Jem” Loud is a vineyard worker in Sawhorn, New York. After the death of his father, Jem inherits the Loud farm which is on a historical piece of land. He also discovers something about his family history that he never knew before. But that is not the end of it. Joe Silla, a newcomer to the town, is determined to get Jem’s land at all costs and have it developed. Jem likes his childhood friend, Laura, but he knows she has a boyfriend. To further complicate matters, Joe Silla is Laura’s brother-in-law. At the end of it all, Jem must learn to make wise decisions that will determine his future.

I lost interest in Fruit of the Vine after reading less than a quarter of it. The story contained many descriptions and, while that was good, it became extreme to the point of being over-descriptive. Some parts of the story were also over-explanatory and I quickly lost focus on the main story gist. In addition, I thought that the story needed more colorful characters.

But despite all that, I enjoyed the way Cynthia Kolko fit in the surprises. Surprises always happen to me, and I always enjoy reading about surprises in a book because that is something I can relate to. In Fruit of the Vine, just as the story was becoming mundane and bland, a surprise would spring up and that would hold the reader’s attention just until the next surprising event in the story. Lessons are also to be learned from characters such as Joe Silla. Lessons such as you can’t always get what you want and what you do to others will eventually be done to you.

Overall, while Fruit of the Vine isn’t a book I would re-read, it might possibly make a good read for those wanting a more laid-back and relaxing story. There isn’t much in it to excite a reader and that will make a good, different change for anyone wanting to take a break from reading thrillers and other heart-racing books. I’d recommend it to those looking for such a book.