Our Father Who Art in a Tree

Through the eyes of ten-year-old Simone O’Neill, Judy Pascoe weaves a magical tale of love and loss, rich with lyrical beauty and spiritual depth. The death of her father shatters Simone, leaving her to grapple with nightmares and resentment. Three months later, her mother, Dawn, is consumed by grief, isolating herself from her children, while Simone’s brothers retreat into their own worlds. As the family’s tension mounts, Simone’s sorrow morphs into anger. After a haunting visit to her father’s grave, something extraordinary occurs in the backyard: she hears a voice from a massive tree, claiming her father now resides there. Initially terrified, Simone eventually confronts her fears and climbs the tree, where she reconnects with her father’s spirit, allowing her to remember him fondly. This revelation leads to a transformative journey for both Simone and Dawn, as they share their grief and rediscover joy. However, when a new man enters Dawn’s life, she faces a difficult choice that torments the family. As the oppressive heat of an Australian summer intensifies, the tree’s presence becomes increasingly invasive, affecting their home and community. Amidst the turmoil, a storm of cyclone strength tests their faith in the future, ultimately bringing the family together in unexpected ways.