The Tin Can Tree

By: Anne Tyler

Narrated by: Tara Ward

In the small town of Larksville, the Pike family is hopelessly out of step with the daily rhythms of life. Mrs. Pike seldom speaks, while Mr. Pike maintains a forced stoicism. Only their 10-year-old, Simon, seems able to acknowledge that their world has changed. He just doesn't understand why.

The Pikes may choose to stand still, to hide from an unnamable past, but the strange shroud over their home cannot be contained. Soon its inching its way toward their neighbors, where brothers Ansel and James will have to confront their own dark secrets if they want to bring their neighborhood back out into the light.

©1965 Anne Tyler Modarressi (P)2020 Recorded Books

The characterization

Not my favorite Anne Tyler book by any means, but a pleasant read of a slice of life, told as only she can.