Born in the 1960s on a UK apple farm, Clare Rivers is a girl out of time, living in a family and a world that makes little sense to her.
Determined to carve out her place somehow, and with her deep love of her father to see her through, Clare begins a unique journey to discover the reasons for her own existence. If she can.
However, accompanied by the oddities of family, school and the strange lyrical life of the apples, can Clare really find a place within herself to call home?
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This novel will appeal to lovers of rural life, recent history and a child's quirky but clear-sighted view of the adult world.
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Reviews:
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"Such a beautiful, gentle book, telling the story of Clare's life from birth to adolescence. A delightful and intriguing tale of a child who feels herself 'different', who neither fits in nor understands the people around her … I loved it and read it in one sitting." (Read the rest of this 5-star review at Amazon UK)
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"The only way to absorb Anne Brooke's gift of a child's perception of the world is to read the book. It is a joy!" (Read the rest of this 5-star review at Amazon US)
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"She (Clare) sees herself as different and she has never felt that she quite fits into the dynamics around her. She embarks on a journey of self discovery that will endear even the most hardened cynic. This book is an absolute joy to read." (Read the rest of this 4-star review at Amazon US)
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"Brooke uses Clare's unique point of view to tell a very well written and extremely engaging story. I like the way that Brooke uses the perspective of a child to tell the story. Brooke really captures the unique perspective that a child has. As she describes every event she makes it clear that, often, the things that adults do don't make sense to the children they are raising … Because of the way that this book is written it can be enjoyed by both adults and children." (Read the rest of this 5-star review at Amazon US)
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"If you are looking for a great coming of age story to enjoy with your daughter then you should pick up The Apple Picker's Daughter by Anne Brooke … It is a great story in part because it captures what many of us have struggled with at one time or another - the ability to understand the world around us and have it understand us in return." (Read the rest of this 5-star review at Amazon US)
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The Apple Picker's Daughter is a fun, well-written novel that both adults and children will enjoy. It's joyful, funny, touching, and unforgettable. If you're lucky enough to have a daughter, read this one with her. You'll both be happy you did." (Read the rest of this 5-star review at Amazon US)
Listen to the start of the novel here:
