Title: Apple Tree Yard
Author: Louise Doughty
First published June 6, 2013
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.73
Overview
Yuyi Morales’ “Dreamers” is a touching picture book that tells the story of her own immigration journey and the power of the written word. Leaving her home in Xalapa, Mexico with her young son in 1994, Yuyi Morales brought with her the tools she needed to build a new life in the United States – her resilience, her determination, and her stories.
Through her experiences, she shares how hope and reading can transform lives and inspire new dreams. The vibrant illustrations and heartfelt prose will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
About the Author
Meet Louise Doughty – a multi-talented writer who excels in various genres including novels, plays, and critiques. Her impressive portfolio boasts five captivating novels: Crazy Paving, Dance With Me, Honey-Dew, Fires in the Dark, and Stone Cradle.
She has also authored a non-fiction book, A Novel in a Year, and five plays for radio. Based in the UK, Louise has established herself as a respected critic and broadcaster.
Her expertise was recognized when she served as a judge for the 2008 Man Booker Prize for fiction.
Editoral Review
Louise Doughtys psychological thriller Apple Tree Yard is an intense and thought-provoking novel that explores the blurred lines between morality and desire. Published on June 6, 2013, the book is a dramatic and captivating tale set in contemporary times that delves deep into the human psyche.
Doughty is a renowned British author and playwright whose works have been translated into more than 20 languages. With Apple Tree Yard, she takes readers on a fascinating journey through the minds of her main characters, Yvonne Carmichael and Mark Costley.
The book is a murder mystery, but it is much more than that. It is a novel about the complexity of human relationships, love, betrayal, and the dangers of not being completely honest with ourselves and those around us.
It is a novel about power and its corrupting influence, about the consequences of our choices, and about the ultimate price of getting what we covet. Apple Tree Yard opens with Yvonne, a successful geneticist in her early fifties, being accused of a terrible crime.
The story then unfolds through her personal narration as she recounts the events that led to her predicament in a gripping and suspenseful manner. The novels plot twists and turns as Yvonnes professional and personal life intersect in unexpected ways.
She embarks on a passionate affair with a mysterious stranger, Mark, which leads her down a path of deceit and betrayal. Doughtys writing style is taut and precise with an almost lyrical quality.
Her descriptions of the characters emotions are visceral and vivid, and her use of flashbacks to piece together Yvonnes past is masterfully done. The books themes are complex and multifaceted.
Doughty explores the impact of societal expectations on women and the unfair limitations placed on their sexuality. She examines the fragile nature of trust and the corrupting influence of power.
She also tackles the taboo subject of rape and the blurred lines between consent and coercion. The characters in Apple Tree Yard are flawed, imperfect, and deeply human.
Yvonne is a sympathetic protagonist, and her vulnerabilities and insecurities make her relatable. Mark, her lover, is enigmatic and charming, but as the story progresses, his darker side is slowly revealed.
The books supporting characters are equally compelling, especially Yvonnes husband, Guy, whose unwavering support for her is both admirable and tragic. Overall, Apple Tree Yard is a stunning novel that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Doughtys writing is superb, and her exploration of complex societal issues is both timely and poignant. The book has been adapted into a TV series, but the novel is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and suspenseful dramas.
It would also be an excellent choice for reading groups, as it offers a wealth of opportunities for discussion and debate. I highly recommend Apple Tree Yard to anyone looking for a gripping and emotionally charged reading experience.
It is a powerful and evocative novel that will leave a lasting impression on its readers. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
