The Oldest Living Olive Tree

A NaNoWriMo synopsis

When Juliet inherits an ugly old wooden box, she assumes it’s intended as an insult, a slap in the face. After all, Juliet might have been related to the late Cora Everton, but she’s also the daughter of Gerard Everton, generously described as “a despicable monster” by the judge who sentenced him to death. Disgusting and vile were among the words the newspapers used. Sad and sick said Juliet’s mother once — the only time Juliet ever heard her talk about him.

But Cora Everton, dead for nearly twenty years, decided long ago that she was going to have a 100th birthday party, whether or not she was alive to celebrate it.

And since it was her party, she would plan it however she pleased. She would give, rather than receive, gifts. She would serve bacon-wrapped scallops, no matter what the doctors said. She would have her own display of fireworks. And she would invite Gerard’s daughter.

Juliet receives her invitation and wonders if it could be a belated olive branch — until she opens her gift. Amidst the charming antiques and curiosities that others receive is Juliet’s box: rotting, lined with ancient paper, and empty except for a few mothballs.

Juliet isn’t the only one who perceives the insult. The Everton clan practically glows with delight—sanctimonious smirks, knowing glances, self-righteous satisfaction as the criminal’s daughter is shamed.

Juliet packs up and heads home, ready to discard the box and the family intent upon humiliating her. But Aunt Cora’s gift is more complex than it seems. A surprising series of phone calls gives Juliet reason to pause: call after call from strangers offering to buy the box or even just take a look at it.

Juliet is mystified at first, then curious, then resolved.

As she works to discover the story behind the box, an unlikely cohort of allies emerges to help her: Aunt Cora’s indomitable, omniscient lawyer. Four of Cora’s ancient, eccentric, inseparable friends. A dead Civil War veteran — or at least his remaining possessions. Two Smithsonian historians. And Tinker and Charles, Evertons who happily defy the family ban on all things Gerard, including his daughter.

The Oldest Living Olive Tree is the story of a strange inheritance, a family at odds, and a young woman’s attempt to make sense of both.