The Orchard on Fire

Shena Mackay

'Shena Mackay has brought off something quite rare . . . the author has set out a rite of passage which will leave few readers unaffected' Anita Brookner Spectator

'What made the orchard miraculous was an abandoned railway carriage set down as if by magic its wheels gone anchored by long grass and nettles. Ruby and I stared at it and each other . . . dark-windowed out of place in a thicket of thorns it was the perfect hide-out house the camp of our dreams'

When April's parents move from London to rural Kent she makes her first best friend. With flame-haired fearless Ruby April shares secrets dares and laughter. But Ruby has secrets of her own -bruises that she hides.

Also seeking April's friendship is old Mr Greenidge immaculate in his linen suit with eyes like blue glass. He follows her around the village with his beguiling dachshund and wants to learn everything about her.

>