Senior Center Book Discussion: The Man Who Planted Trees

Please join us as Ray Rauth leads a discussion of Jean Giono's The Man Who Planted Trees. Originally published in 1953, and subsequently selling over a quarter of a million copies, Jean Giono’s allegorical fable tells the story of a shepherd who singlehandedly revives a desolate valley in Provence by planting 100 acorns a day, as well as other tree varieties, over three years. The short novel became an inspiration for ecological renewal through sustained human action. A 1987 animated film adaptation (English language version narrated by Christopher Plummer; freely accessible on YouTube) won an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film in 1988. Writer and environmental activist Wendell Berry said that “Jean Giono’s story of a man’s generosity to nature – and through nature, to other humans – surely belongs among the most moving and endearing statements of our species. It has given me much joy to reread this story.”

This group meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month from September through May, excluding December. Call the Senior Center for details and to register at 203-834-6240. Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road, Wilton.