This is a family saga of epic proportions. It’s very long, takes place in several countries over several decades, and has a dizzying number of characters. Many of these have a POV, so the narrative is at times repetitive. It relies heavily on coincidences, rather too many to be plausible, to be honest.
The story begins in Wales, with one single family, who rapidly multiply. The characterisation is very good in some cases, but in some it is superficial.
I found it hard to believe that so many members of this huge extended family ended up in high- powered careers, or as a world-famous singer, or a Member of Parliament.

My personal view is that the author was over- egging the story line, which made it drag at times. It was difficult to keep track of which POV was being told, and from which branch of which family.

I got the feeling that this would have made a good trilogy, when different family groups in different times and countries, would have allowed the story to be played out at a more manageable pace. It would certainly have made the story easier to follow.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book

Thank you to NetGalley and The Book Guild for a free ARC of this book.

Under the Hickory Tree by Jo Chinn is a multi-generational family saga that spans five decades and various countries. The story begins in 1934 with Lowri as a 14-year-old girl, living in Wales and being quarantined due to the white plague. It quickly moves on to 1963 and Bryn, Lowri’s son, who abandons his pregnant fiancée, Shirley, due to a family tragedy. He leaves his life in Wales behind, unaware that Shirley is pregnant. The story then follows Bryn to Buenos Aires, where he becomes entangled with revolutionaries and must flee with the assumed identity of Gryff Morgan. He then travels to Charleston as Gryff Morgan to avoid extradition to Argentina. In Charleston, he meets his future wife, Gwenna. They have to leave Charleston as the past of the real Gryff Morgan catches up to Bryn in the form of two thugs bent on revenge. They move to Nashville but eventually settle in Kentucky, which is close to Gwenna’s family. Bryn dies many decades later, leaving behind his daughter Greer, twin sons Travis and Chase and unbeknownst to him, another set of twin sons, Huw and Rhys, in Wales. The story then follows the lives of Greer, Travis, Chase, Rhys and Huw till finally all their lives collide and the truth is uncovered.

As I read this book, it dawned on me that it is possible to have too much of something and yet feel like it isn’t enough. There were so many characters in this book, yet it felt empty. I was unable to connect with or care about any of the characters because of the constant switches in the POV. These changes in perspective occurred at breakneck speed, ruining the flow of the book. In my opinion, the story would’ve benefited from sticking to maybe the perspectives of some of the main characters, of which there were plenty.

Despite the disconnect with the characters, I found certain aspects engaging and intriguing. Some of the horrific and tragic moments that various members of this family faced left a strong impression. Lowri’s time in the attic quarantine at the beginning of the book, Bryn’s unforgivable act that made him run away from Wales, his time on the sea on his way to Argentina, the sense of being surrounded by caring family and friends in Kentucky, and finally the environmental protest at the end, were events that were very well-written and kept me reading.

The premise of the book was compelling. But the execution was disappointing. A lot of time was spent creating situations where some members of the Kentucky and Wales family were in proximity to each other, but nothing came of it. The coincidences in the book truly stretched my credulity. Dialogue between the characters was almost non-existent. There was too much exposition, too much telling and not enough showing in the book. One huge example is how the twins, Travis and Chase, whose conflict was such an integral part of moving the story forward, had barely any interaction in the book. Maybe it was done deliberately to show misunderstandings due to a lack of communication, but it wasn’t effective.

The climax of the book, which began with the promising environmental protest and the unravelling of the truth, ended with a disappointing scene from the POV of a minor character and an unbelievable coincidence. The resolution to the various deceptions and conflicts wasn’t shown. Instead, the story fast-forwarded to a few years later, where everyone was this one big happy family.

Overall, I appreciated and marvelled at the vast effort and extensive research it must have taken to write a family saga following multiple characters through various countries over several years. But as I turned the last page of the book, it was with regret that, despite an interesting premise, the style of writing, the dialogue or lack thereof, and the choice to put in everything, rather than emphasise the voices of certain characters and certain events, made the story feel inauthentic and scattered.

This is a long, multi-generational story of a split family. throughout the twentieth century and beyond. It takes place originally in Wales, then in North America and elsewhere. There are many characters which I found difficult to keep track of - it is difficult to read the family trees on Kindle. The story lines involve murder, accidental death, many births and broken hearts. There are also great success stories and riches gained. On the whole, this is a feel-good story and a romance. Often the characters easily find shelter and help when they are at rock bottom. Most of the male characters are considerate and caring. Most of the women are feisty, talented and beautiful, often with cascading hair. The man have black curly locks and blue eyes. Clothing is often described: shirt, jeans and boots are a favourite. The plot goes forward and backwards in time and in place, gradually bringing the two branches of the family together. As a family saga, it is an immersive read for those who enjoy this genre.. I found it to be a little over-romanticized and almost cliched. There is too much in here, too many historical references are written into the story. The writing style is a plain, storytelling type, with the author remembering to add details such as smells and tastes to her descriptions. it is not a literary masterpiece but an enjoyable read.

A real page turner from the first page following the story of Gryff Morgan, a church-going Kentucky family man, hides a dark secret.
Gryff is living under a assumed name whose life of his sons and wife are built on his drug smuggling days.
In South Wales, Huw and Rhys grow up believing their father died at sea before they were born. three decades later secrets are revealed Loved reading about the different characters lives and how the revolved through the years.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

i knew as soon as i read the blurb i wanted to read this book. but i admit i felt like it might be too clever with all the woven characters and how t might fit. but as soon as i was in i needn't have worried and it was hard to put down. i read far to long. so much i did the thing where you close your eyes and your head drops for sleep! but im more than glad to have become tired from reading into the night to finish. it was such a deep and thought provoking read. all the parts fit together perfectly and the woven links just worked so incredibly well.
it follow one man and how he flees his life to start afresh after a tragedy meant he couldn't stay. but he didn't leave behind just what he thought he did. he left a family. one he didn't know about. so now he had one family in the US and one in Wales. but these two halves of himself wont stay hidden forever. will they?
i enjoyed reading about ll the characters and how they all worked in this sprawling family tree.and we learn more as time and events move forward and you get such a brilliant length of time to follow so you really do watch these characters grow and get to know them.
you find yourself fully invested pretty early on and i was all the way there so i could find out and make sure all the characters had their endings. and i was anxious for them that it would tun out to be ok.
the way the characters slide past and collide with each other was done to perfection. it never felt forced and i was awaiting what was next with each new meeting.
i was rooting for all of the characters and it felt like such a satisfying read the whole way through.

Under the Hickory Tree is a powerful, sweeping family saga that skillfully connects lives across continents and decades. Jo Chinn paints vivid, memorable characters caught in a web of secrets, lies, and unexpected reunions that drive the story forward.

The novel explores deep themes like identity, forgiveness, and the bonds that hold families together—even when fractured by time and distance. The gradual unfolding of hidden truths builds steady tension, while moments of humor and tenderness provide welcome relief.

Jo Chinn masterfully weaves a compelling story across continents and generations in Under the Hickory Tree. From Gryff Morgan’s hidden life in Kentucky to the heartfelt revelations of his Welsh family, the novel keeps you hooked with its richly drawn characters and intricate plot twists. The way Chinn explores themes of forgiveness, identity, and the enduring power of family is both moving and thought-provoking. The slow unveiling of secrets adds layers of suspense, making it impossible to put down. I particularly appreciated how the story balances emotional depth with moments of warmth and humor. While the complex web of relationships might feel overwhelming at times, the payoff is well worth it. A beautifully written novel that leaves you reflecting on the ties that bind us, no matter how far apart we are. Highly recommended for fans of family dramas that delve into the past to shape the future.