Podero is a young boy living in a world without sugar. Access to sugar was lost during a war and has not been established during his lifetime, so imagine his reaction when a wandering magician provides him with a tree that grows sweets--and not only that, the mage tasks Podero with taking care of the tree.
The magic tree is more than mere wish-fulfilment, it is a powerful addition to Podero's community. All of a sudden, things begin to change in the way people behave. They become kinder and friendlier thanks to the guidance of Una Bo, the tree of love. The townspeople begin achieving things, and hence news travels which brings the darker forces of war from the outside world onto their doorstep, but thanks to Una Bo, their resourcefulness knows no bounds and the townspeople can make the decisions they need to, to be able to survive.
This magical tale is filled with fantastic teaching points directed at children to help them achieve a good life filled with success. Like a fairy tale, this book offers hope and wraps a meaningful message in a succinct story, but at the same time Verghese doesn't shy away from difficult topics that plague our world because of the ravages of humanity. She is honest about good and evil existing in all of us and it being a choice as to how we lead our lives. It is a beautiful, uplifting and exciting beginning to a series. I sincerely hope Verghese continues because there is so much more for her to say.
I would like to add that although the style of this book may seem a little abrupt, it actually works really well to convey the author's message. I'm really glad I wasn't put off by the style because it adds so much in later chapters and gives the story that edge that makes it memorable. I might have read it ages ago, but still the story is fresh in my mind. Highly recommend for readers of all ages.
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