aratogan Trees takes place in the early 1940's and tells the story of twelve-year-old Ark Griffith and his family, friends, neighbors and the infamous Buckalew clan. Ark's family lives in the Saratogan cotton mill village in Alusia, Alabama. Ark, his mother and his brother, Crackers, live next door to his young simpleminded cousin, Nell, and her family. Nell's mental state and behavior concern the villagers. The Buckalews are also of concern because of intimidation and suspected acts of violence in the village. Fueling that concern is the belief that the Buckalews may be responsible for the drowning death of a village child-or could it have been Nell? There is a climactic situation, deaths occur but guilt and innocence of the characters remain baffling. The entire truth is known only by the Saratogan trees overlooking the village.

"In a style reminiscent of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, Kenneth Hutcheson depicts a close-knit, loving family and their efforts to face, with dignity and understanding, troubling pre-war times, threatening characters, violent deeds, prejudice, and loss." Read full review

"He has added a touch of mystery that causes one to want to read it in one sitting, which I did." Read full review

"...Kenneth Hutcheson charms the reader by creating truly genuine characters located in a humble setting. His clear, straightforward writing gently pulls the reader into a place where one can almost feel the weight of the summer humidity pressing upon the skin." PDF file of actual clipping

"Part of this local author’s talent is in his beautiful descriptions of nature, people and situations; all narrated by young Ark. While reading this fine book on vacation in the Caribbean last month, I was transported to a time and place vastly different." PDF file of actual clipping