Jean Giono's beautiful allegorical tale is legendary. Written in the
1950's, its message was ahead of its time, inspiring readers to
rediscoverthe harmonies of the countryside and prevent its willful
destruction.
The narrator, journeying by foot across the barren plains of the lower
Alps, has his thirst assuaged by the well water drawn by the shepherd
Elzeaerd Bouffier. Here begins the subtle parable which Giono weaves of
the life-giving shepherd who chooses to live alone and carry out the
work of God. Over forty years the desolate hills and lifeless villages
which sooppressed the traveler are transformed by the dedication of one
man. All with the help of a few acorns.
Giono's hope was to set in motion a worldwide reforestation program that
would rejuvenate the earth. "The Man Who Planted Trees" is a hymn to
creation and a purveyor of confidence in man's ability to change
his-indeed the world's-lot.
Review Citations:
Ingram Advance 05/01/2005 pg. 77 (ISBN 1931498725, Hardcover)