The Orchard On Fire

A Vivid Coming-of-Age Tale Set in 1950s England

The Orchard on Fire by Shena Mackay is a beautifully observed and emotionally resonant novel about childhood, friendship, and the quiet upheavals of growing up. First published in 1996 by Minerva, this Booker Prize-shortlisted work captures the innocence and complexity of life through the eyes of a young girl in a changing world.

A Summer That Changes Everything

When eight-year-old April Harlency moves with her eccentric parents from London to a sleepy Kent village to run a tearoom, she’s thrust into a new world of countryside charm and unexpected darkness. There, she befriends the fiery and fiercely loyal Ruby — but their bond is soon tested by secrets, betrayal, and the disturbing presence of a local man. As April navigates the wonders and dangers of her new life, her childhood begins to slip quietly away.

Elegant, Poetic, and Unforgettable

Shena Mackay’s lyrical prose and sharp insight bring 1950s rural England vividly to life. The Orchard on Fire is a powerful exploration of memory, loss of innocence, and the fragility of friendship. Perfect for readers who enjoy literary fiction with rich emotional layers and beautifully drawn characters.

A haunting, nostalgic novel that lingers long after the final page.