Under the Lemon Tree is a book of poetry inspired by the complexities of family. It tells the story of the Lemon Tree family, revealing the triumphs, betrayals, and transformations that shaped their lives. The poems explore how personalities shift - from good to bad, from heroes to villains - in ways that resonate with readers worldwide. Families torn apart by lies, cheating, stealing, and self-hate are, unfortunately, a universal tale.
This story centers on seven beautiful sisters and their brother. Once a symbol of unity and strength, the family name, Lemon Tree, falls into disgrace as the sisters' choices drag them into a spiral of ruin. Their nephew, the story's protagonist, once believed them to be divine. As a child, he walked in their shadow, idolizing them as goddesses who could do no wrong. Their strength and elegance filled him with pride.
But the Lemon Tree name, once held in high regard, becomes the town's cruelest joke. The sisters, consumed by greed, fight over an inheritance that was never theirs to claim. Lies and misunderstandings fracture their bonds, turning their love into rivalry.
Their brother and nephew face rejection and cruelty, gay-shamed for their honesty, culture, and education. Refusing to be their puppets, they endure emotional, verbal, and mental abuse at the hands of those who should have cherished them.
Under the Lemon Tree traces the journey of a family that falls from grace. Once led by honorable and upright grandparents, the family's legacy of love and respect is replaced by bitter disputes that shatter their lives. This is a story of hope lost and the struggle to rebuild, showing the fragility of family ties and the resilience needed to overcome betrayal.
Andres Fragoso, Jr. is an accomplished author, Spectrum historian, mentor, poet, and publicist. He thrives on creating new stories, always brimming with fresh ideas to explore. In his gay fiction, he captures the broader human experience, skillfully bringing his characters to life as they navigate obstacles beyond their control. He avoids overemphasizing issues, allowing the characters' journeys to speak for themselves.
Andres publishes a wide variety of works, ranging from fiction and non-fiction books to short stories and poetry. His pieces appear in online magazines, anthologies, articles, and blogs, showcasing the depth and breadth of his writing talent.
With over 30 years of experience in customer service and management, Andres works in both large and small corporations. Alongside his professional career, he dedicates much of his time to volunteering. Actively involved in the literary community, he participates in various writers' groups, such as the Henderson Writers Group and the Las Vegas Erotic Writers Group, both online and in person. His extensive background and passion for writing earned him respect and recognition in the literary world.
