LeVar Burton Reads "When the Apples are Ripe" by Diane Oliver
Apr 16, 2024
Author Diane Oliver discusses her captivating story 'When the Apples Are Ripe' where a young boy navigates the mysteries of his elderly neighbor Mrs. Gilly, family dynamics, civil rights activism, and the significance of a watch as a heartfelt gift.
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Child's View Reveals Complex Social Change
- Diane Oliver's story places a child's mundane observations against the charged backdrop of the 1960s Civil Rights era.
- That childlike perspective complicates adults' moral stances and exposes nuanced neighborhood dynamics.
Curious Neighbor Seen From A Swing
- Johnny often watches Mrs. Gilly from his backyard swing and notes her odd appearance and behavior.
- He senses she doesn't quite belong on the street and wonders about her bald head and past.
Brother's Departure Sparks Family Rift
- Doug plans to go south to help register Black voters, sparking family conflict at the dinner table.
- His father calls it foolish and dangerous while his mother defends Doug's convictions.