The Apple Picker's Daughter

by Anne Brooke

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?

This novel will appeal to lovers of rural life, recent history and a child's quirky but clear-sighted view of the adult world.

Genres: Womens Fiction

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2014

About the author

Anne is a super-keen book lover, and a multi-genre author & poet. She also loves gardens, swimming & the theatre.

Her fiction has been shortlisted for the Harry Bowling Prize (for novels set in London) and the Royal Literary Fund Scheme.

Her website can be found at: www.annebrooke.com

She can be found on social media as @annebrookebooks

Reviews

[Gloriamarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anne Brooke is a brilliantly luminous writer in a variety of genres and people should be reading her stuff. Something that is unique to Brooke's writing is her ability to interest me in things I would have thought I would dislike. This has happened on more than one occasion and has me seeking out everything she has published.

I found this story astonishing. To a degree, Clare reminded me of the character created by Beverly Cleary, Ramona, because both children are really in their heads and puzzled by things others take for granted. Ramona, however, is better grounded, it seems to me than Clare.

Clare is a fascinating person. I identified with her because goodness knows, I am way up inside my head and at times have been as tormented trying to figure out what the heck is going on. Clare had something I never had and that is a great relationship with her father. He alone seems to make sense and help her understand the world and its dynamics. I had to laugh at the bathroom rituals those girls had.

I literally yelled when I turned the page and there was no more. I really want to know the rest of this child's life.

[Nancy LiPetri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this novel through the author's BookTok and am so glad I gave it a go. Was drawn to the title because I was an apple farmer's niece with fond memories of playing in the orchards. Like the MC, Clare, I was born in the 60s and found many of Clare's observations relatable even though she was "across the pond" from my US home. Found myself smiling at her life as a family's quirky only girl who wasn't socially swift, and sometimes I even laughed out loud. Thanks to author Brooke for a soothing coming-of-age tale that provided a much-needed break from other genres...and left me smiling through tears. Well done. Enjoyed on kindle.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars 🌟
This was a gentle story, seen and told through the eyes of a child, who always believed , she was different. A wonderful insight of her growing up , through her childhood years ,towards adulthood.
A thought provoking book which I enjoyed reading and I rated it 3.5 stars 🌟

[Karen K. Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into this book. I found the main character of this book to be hard to relate to, even though I experienced some similar events in my own childhood. I totally did not like the way the book ended. It felt as if the way it ended should have been the starting point for the "real" story. I kept putting the book aside, hoping that when I picked it up next the story would get to the point. I was very disappointed with this book. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does a great job of telling a story from the point of view of a very young person who is looking to her father for guidance. It really wasn't my type of book but I received it for review and an honest opinion. I believe that this book would be great for anyone who is looking for a more laid back lazy day read because it is a short novel or novella and it takes place in a rural setting where life is naturally slower. A great pick for the genre and well written, just not for me.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. A great coming of age story as told by a child trying to make sense of the inane adult world. The child, Clare, had some physical abnormalities as well as some learning difficulties when she was very young. In spite of the bullying, she excelled. Thanks to the author for the privilege of reading this book. More like a 4.5 rating.

[Barbara J Wicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could be my story

Yes, this is my life. Amazing how it followed my relationship with my own family. Including the early death of my beloved father. My school years were much better then Clare's . My friends didn't realize that I felt different, being one of the poor kids in with most whose families had money. But I turned out OK. I hope that Clare did too.

[christina castillo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Apple pickers daughter

The ending was horrible. I kept waiting for the diagnosis on why Claire was the way she was. Then to leaver it off the way she did was awful. I do not recommend.

[Tess Ailshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world through the eyes of a child. Though told in the third person, Clare's story is told simply and with such no-nonsense clarity as to cry out the truth. I had a hard time putting it down - and after a series of so-so at best reads, I was thrilled to have one worth reading!

[Pam McCallister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[LILY · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a tedious and boring story of a young girl and her growing up pains. I kept waiting for the "turning point", decision point, decisive moment - those times in a book that you learn about in English lit that spell a defining moment. But it wasn't there. I thought I was getting close when the poor girl started her "period" when she must have been only 9 or 10 years old, although the author doesn't say her precise age. But the next chapter talked about her becoming age 11 and going to grammar school. So that medical abnormality among the other tedium confused me. I plowed on through the book but a predictable and disappointing ending.