A guide for teachers, students, parents, and curious readers who want to explore the world of Gilly more deeply. Learn about the characters, themes, and ideas behind “Apricots,” the second book in “The Gilly Diaries” series—where writing, wonder, and emotional growth take center stage.
What is “Apricots” and how does it relate to “The Gilly Diaries” series?
“Apricots” is the second book in “The Gilly Diaries” series, written by Tsvi Jolles. It continues the story of Gilly, a young girl who chronicles her experiences and thoughts in her diary. The first book in the series is titled “Tangerines,” which introduces readers to Gilly’s world, her close relationship with her father, and her adventures with her best friend, Oggy. “Apricots” delves deeper into Gilly’s life, introducing new characters and exploring more complex emotional themes.
Who is Gilly, the protagonist of “Apricots,” and what are some of her defining characteristics?
Gilly is a perceptive and sensitive 10-year-old girl who expresses herself profoundly through her diary. She has a deep connection with nature, particularly her tangerine tree, Orti, and the surrounding forest. Gilly is observant, imaginative, and enjoys counting things. She values honesty and is fiercely loyal to her loved ones, especially her best friend, Oggy, and her father. Despite facing challenges and emotional complexities, she possesses a remarkable resilience and an innate ability to find wonder and magic in the world around her. She often processes her experiences and emotions through writing, creating stories, and engaging in “tangerine meditations.”
What is the significance of the “apricot trees” in the story?
The six apricot trees planted in Oggy’s garden are a symbolic gift from Mr. Bloom to Mrs. Bloom and their new foster son, Monty. They represent an attempt to make Monty’s transition into the Bloom family easier, as he used to care for an apricot grove in his previous foster home. The trees also become a point of contention and a marker of change within the narrative, particularly in relation to Oggy’s feelings about Monty’s arrival and the shifts in family dynamics. Gilly also associates apricot jam with feelings and finding romantic love, suggesting a broader symbolism of sweetness and connection.
Who are the key characters in Gilly’s life and what are their relationships to her?
Gilly’s life is populated by a vibrant cast of characters:
- Mom: Gilly’s mother, who, despite her own struggles, is a source of comfort and support. She is protective and intuitive about Gilly’s feelings.
- Dad (Ari): Gilly’s father, who lives separately from them but maintains a special bond with Gilly through their Tuesday visits. He is sensitive, and Gilly sees a deep connection between his experiences and her own.
- Oggy: Gilly’s best friend and “soul sibling.” He is boisterous, imaginative, and often makes up words and rules for games. Their friendship is a central pillar of Gilly’s life.
- Gilma: Gilly’s newborn baby sister, whose arrival brings both joy and new dynamics to the family.
- Mississippi, Odelia, and Eternity: Friends of Gilly’s mother, who are significant adult figures in Gilly’s life, often playing cards together. Mississippi, in particular, acts as a supportive, older-sister figure to Gilly and offers life advice.
- Monty: Oggy’s new older foster brother. He is a musician, initially seen as quiet and perhaps troubled, but Gilly develops a complex understanding of him. His presence significantly impacts the Bloom family and Gilly’s own life.
- Elis: The gardener, whose presence becomes increasingly significant and complex throughout the narrative, especially in connection to Gilly’s mother and the dramatic events that unfold.
- Mrs. Karabach: Gilly’s creative writing teacher, who recognizes Gilly’s talent and provides guidance, even if Gilly sometimes finds her advice challenging.
- Sabigail: A yanaka (a unique forest creature resembling a llama), who is Gilly’s loyal animal companion and confidante.
- Nine: A mysterious man who lives in a cave, a keeper of books and stories, who reveals hidden truths about Gilly’s father.
- Jim: The mailman, a seemingly ordinary character who unexpectedly shares his own story of loss and connection with Gilly.
What are some of the main themes explored in “Apricots”?
“Apricots” explores several profound themes:
- Change and Acceptance: Gilly frequently grapples with changes in her life, from her mother’s new baby and Oggy’s new brother to the shifts in relationships and personal growth. A recurring lesson from Nine is the importance of acceptance.
- Loss and Grief: The narrative deeply addresses themes of loss, particularly the absence of Gilly’s father in her daily life and, later, the tragic circumstances surrounding his death. It also touches on Oggy’s feelings of displacement and his foster family’s past losses.
- Family and Belonging: The book delves into the complexities of family—biological, chosen, and foster—and the search for belonging within these structures. Monty’s struggle to fit in and Oggy’s feelings about sharing his space are prominent.
- Imagination and Storytelling as Coping Mechanisms: Gilly’s diary and her vivid imagination are central to how she processes her emotions and experiences, transforming challenging realities into manageable narratives. The act of writing itself becomes a source of comfort and understanding.
- The Power of Words and Connection: The story emphasizes how words can shape reality, offer comfort, or cause pain. Gilly’s and Oggy’s made-up words, Mrs. Karabach’s advice, and the unexpected connections formed through conversation all highlight the power of language.
- Nature as a Sanctuary and Metaphor: The forest, trees, and natural elements serve as a constant backdrop and a source of wisdom, calm, and metaphorical understanding for Gilly. Her tangerine tree, Orti, is a particularly important confidant.
- Perception vs. Reality: Gilly frequently questions what is real versus what is imagined or perceived. Characters’ differing perspectives, secrets, and misunderstandings contribute to this theme.
How does Gilly’s writing style evolve throughout the story, and what influence do her teachers and experiences have on it?
Gilly’s writing style is a blend of childlike observation, poetic descriptions, and deep introspection. Mrs. Karabach, her creative writing teacher, encourages her to make her stories “flow” like a train to a clear destination and to use “hats and scarves” to make sentences more descriptive and cozy. While Gilly initially resists these formal suggestions, believing her “jumpy” style is authentic, her writing subtly evolves. Her experiences, especially the dramatic events surrounding Oggy and Monty, push her to record events with increasing detail and emotional depth, transforming her diary into a more cohesive narrative. She learns to use her writing to process trauma and to find truth, even when it’s painful, embodying the idea that “the one reader you truly owe everything to… is you.”
What role does mystery and secrets play in “Apricots”?
Mystery and secrets are integral to the plot and character development in “Apricots.” Gilly often encounters situations or learns information that is partially hidden or withheld, whether it’s the undisclosed reasons for her father’s separation, the “secret” about the apricot trees, the true nature of Monty’s past, or the circumstances surrounding Oggy’s disappearance. This constant unveiling of secrets keeps Gilly (and the reader) engaged in piecing together the full picture, reflecting the complexities of human relationships and the gradual process of understanding. Characters like Nine hold significant secrets, which, when revealed, shed new light on Gilly’s family history and personal identity.
What is the overall message or overarching idea conveyed by “Apricots”?
The overarching idea of “Apricots” is the transformative power of acceptance, connection, and storytelling in navigating life’s inevitable changes and challenges. Despite experiencing profound loss, uncertainty, and the complexities of growing up, Gilly learns that even in the darkest moments, there is potential for growth, understanding, and finding one’s authentic self. The book suggests that by embracing honesty in self-expression, fostering genuine connections, and learning to accept difficult truths, individuals can find resilience and moments of profound beauty, much like a thriving garden that weathers all seasons.