"The Excellent Lombards" is a coming-of-age novel that revolves around a young girl named Frankie who is part of a family that has long cultivated a successful apple orchard in Wisconsin. The narrative captures Frankie's experiences as she navigates the complexities of family dynamics, the responsibilities that come with working in the orchard, and her deep connection to the land and her heritage. Frankie's perspective reveals her love for the apple trees and the life lessons learned from her family and their traditions.
Ultimately, "The Excellent Lombards" explores themes of identity, belonging, and the bittersweet nature of transition. As Frankie faces the reality of her family's future and the pressures of adulthood, the novel paints a poignant picture of the struggles faced by the Lombard family and the resilience required to keep their legacy alive. It is a heartfelt story about love, loss, and the indelible connections to one's roots.