The Tree of Heaven

"The Tree of Heaven" by May Sinclair is a novel set in the early 1900s that starts by showing the life of Frances Harrison, a mother reflecting on the bonds within her family while dealing with her kids, relatives, and her husband, Anthony. At the start, the book shows the complex connection between being a mother, family life, and personal satisfaction, all while dealing with what society expects. In the beginning, we see Frances relaxing in her garden under a tree called the "Tree of Heaven," surrounded by the sounds of her children getting ready for a party, with each child showing their personality through how they act. Even though Frances enjoys these quiet moments, she also feels somewhat weighed down by her family duties, especially when it comes to visits from her mother and sisters. This part of the story captures the conflict between her need for time alone and her duty to keep her family happy, which brings up important ideas about being a mother, family relationships, and the difficulties of finding personal peace when family is involved and sets the stage for the challenges and dynamics Frances will face throughout the story.