Combining history and fantasy, a sweeping multi-generational epic in the vein of Kindred and The Time Traveler’s Wife about a woman who travels through time to end a family curse that has plagued her ancestors for generations.
On a rainy day in May 1964, history professor Cecily Bridge-Davis begins to search for the sixty-five acres of land she inherited from her father’s family. The quest leads her to uncover a dark secret: In every generation, one offspring from each Bridge family unit vanishes—and is mysteriously whisked back in time. Rules have been established that must be followed to prevent dire consequences:
- Never interfere with past events.
- Always carry your free Negro papers.
- Search for the survival family packs in the orchard and surrounding forest. The ribbon on the pack designates the decade the pack was made to orient you in time.
- Do not speak to strangers unless absolutely necessary.
With only a family Bible and a map marked with the locations of mysterious containers to aid her, Cecily heads to the library, hoping to discover the truth of how this curse began, and how it might be ended. As she moves through time, she encounters a circle of ancestors, including Sabrina Humbles, a free Black woman who must find the courage to seize an opportunity—or lose her heart; Luke Bridge, who traverses battlefields, slavery, and time itself to reunite with his family; Rebecca Bridge, a mother tested by an ominous threat; and Amelia Bridge, a young woman burdened with survivor’s guilt who will face the challenge of a lifetime—and change Cecily’s life forever. It is a race through time and against the clock to find the answers that will free her family forever.
Shawntelle Madison’s historical fiction debut is an enthralling, page-turning family saga about the inevitability of fate, the invincibility of love, and the indelible bonds of family.
Praise
A brilliantly written, spellbinding, and timeless tale spanning decades and centuries.
Rochelle Alers
National bestselling author of Hideaway
“What a clever, brilliant tale. Every time I thought I had the mystery of the Bridges puzzled out, Shawntelle Madison surprised me with another twist of this family’s tangled roots. I’ve seldom read such a unique novel—or one so eloquent and thoughtful, with so much to say about the complexities of generational trauma and the importance of understanding one’s own ancestors. The Fallen Fruit will stay with me for a very long time.”
Olivia Hawker
Bestselling author of One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow
“A captivating historical fantasy, Madison’s novel The Fallen Fruit, is an epic multi-generational tale you don’t want to miss! When Cecily Bridge-Davis discovers a family curse sends one Bridge from every generation back in time, it’s a race to find the cause before Fate claims her too. In this meticulously researched and beautifully written novel, Madison sweeps us on an adventure through time and history with characters you’ll love and secrets you can’t wait to uncover.”
Eliza Knight
USA Today and international bestselling author of Can’t We Be Friends
PRESS
- Netgalley – 25 Must-Read Books by Black Authors for Your 2024 TBR
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- Library Journal – Science Fiction & Fantasy | Prepub Alert, September 2024 Titles
COMING SOON
INTERACTIVE BRIDGE FAMILY TREE
Explore the members of the Bridge Family in The Fallen Fruit and see the notes compiled by Cecily Bridge-Davis.
DOWNLOADABLE BRIDGE FAMILY TREE
Download a printable copy of the Bridge Family Tree.