Evergreen Summary & Key Insights

Belva Plain's "Evergreen" chronicles the intertwined lives of the four generations of the Aaron family, showcasing their resilience and struggles amidst the backdrop of changing times and societal shifts. The story primarily focuses on the women of the family, highlighting their strength and determination in the face of adversity.

The narrative begins with Hannah Aaron, a strong-willed Jewish immigrant who arrives in America with her family at the turn of the 20th century. She establishes a successful dry goods store in a small New England town, demonstrating incredible resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit. Her strength and determination become a defining characteristic passed down through her lineage. Hannah's struggles to establish herself in a new country, coupled with the challenges of raising her children in the midst of prejudice and economic hardship, form the foundation of the novel.

Her daughter, Miriam, inherits her mother's business acumen but struggles with a less fulfilling personal life. Miriam's story underscores the evolving roles of women in the early to mid-20th century, navigating between traditional expectations and personal aspirations. Her marriage is strained, highlighting the complexities of relationships and the compromises women often made. She is a significant link, passing the entrepreneurial legacy to the next generation.

Miriam’s daughter, Abby, represents the burgeoning freedoms and opportunities available to women in the post-war era. However, her story showcases the internal conflicts of women striving for independence while grappling with societal expectations and the complexities of love and family. Abby's personal and professional journeys symbolize the significant shifts in societal norms and women's roles. Her quest for self-discovery and independence provides a compelling narrative arc.

Finally, the story culminates with the experiences of Abby’s daughter, Sarah, who faces the challenges of a rapidly changing world and the complexities of modern life. Sarah's generation confronts issues such as feminism, social activism, and career choices within a vastly different societal landscape than her ancestors faced. She represents the culmination of the family's journey and the evolving nature of the American dream.

Overarching themes in "Evergreen" include the enduring strength of family, the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, and the evolving role of women in American society throughout the 20th century. The novel also explores themes of immigration, entrepreneurship, and the pursuit of the American dream, all interwoven through the narrative of four generations striving to build a life and leave their mark on the world. The evergreen imagery itself symbolizes the enduring nature of the family, their resilience, and their constant adaptation to the changing landscape around them.