Marjorie Hart and the Tree of Life by Amanda Vink – Review

• Title: Marjorie Hart and the Tree of Life
• Author: Amanda Vink
• Publisher: Kaledena Press on April 20, 2021
• Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy
• Pages: 292
• Formats Available: Paperback, Audiobook, & Digital
• Rating: 5/5

Trigger Warnings: Violence, Attempted Murder, Murder, Kidnapping

Many thanks to Amanda Vink for providing me with a copy of Marjorie Hart and the Tree of Life with a request for an honest review.

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About Marjorie Hart and the Tree of Life

Seeing is believing…

At least that’s what photojournalist Marjorie Hart lives by. But her life flips on its head when she receives a posthumous letter from her father. This letter puts the details of his death in question, and it also gives Marjorie the next clue in his lifelong search for the Tree of Life. However, Marjorie quickly discovers she’s not the only one looking for it. Across the globe and from ancient libraries to buried tombs, Marjorie’s quest forces her to test what she believes—if she can make it out alive.

Provided by Amanda Vink for Review Use

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My Review

Amanda Vink gives readers a look into an unknown life with her novel Marjorie Hart and the Tree of Life. Amanda takes a well-known myth and creates an incredible story that captivated me to the very end. This tale of heartache, tragedy, and love put me in a stupor as I hung on every word.

I like to believe that I have a good grasp of most Christian myths. I grew up in the Midwest where Christianity reigns supreme. But, the Tree of Life has a base in almost every religion that exists, in some form. Vink’s story, though, shows us the vision through the eye of an academic. I had to do my own research to find the other meanings. As an admirer of all world religions, I believe they each have their best and worst features. Thus, I will continue researching these fascinating theories.

Marjorie’s character was one that I couldn’t put my finger on. At times she seemed selfish and spoiled. But, during others, she is the epitome of family love and everything good. I felt her pain at her father’s death, but her absolute denial that his work was meaningless irked me. Her closed mind led her and others into danger. I rejoiced when Marjorie finally accepted that the Tree might be real. I wanted her to believe as I believed. But, in the end, she once again turned to her selfish ways. I was livid with Marjorie’s decision.

The setting was at once gorgeous yet frightening. The action taking place throughout the middle eastern landscape thrilled me. I can’t give specifics as I don’t want to spoil it for you. But, I will say there are monasteries, thrilling helicopter rides, ancient tombs full of secrets, and a murderous tribe in the desert with a new thrill in every location. 

Also, Vink paints a gorgeous picture of all the places Marjorie travels. The descriptions of the cities and deserts make you feel like you are right there. I saw the colors in my mind, and they were happy colors that made up a whole world of fascinating people. I wish I could visit these locales to see the beauty in the people and landscape.

I award Marjorie Hart and the Tree of Life a full 5 out of 5 stars. The imagery, symbolism, and adrenaline-fueled adventures are what urge my recommendation. If you love myths, this is a wonderful book to feed your mind. Any book that touches me so much that I feel the need to keep learning is one that I will shout from the rooftops. Everyone should take a look at this one.

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About the Author: Amanda Vink

Amanda Vink is an author and actress from Western New York. Her first verse novel AND WE CALL IT LOVE was published in 2019 by West 44 Books. She has written multiple fiction and nonfiction children’s book, which can be found in libraries and classrooms around the world.