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Apple Tree Yard starts on Sunday! [MNHQ message: No spoilers please, including what happens in the book!]

918 replies

Destinysdaughter · 18/01/2017 12:44

I really enjoyed the book so looking forward to this. It's in 4 parts with Emily Watson playing the main character and Ben Chaplin as her lover. BBC1 9pm

Good article about it here.

www.theguardian.com/film/2017/jan/14/emily-watson-apple-tree-yard-middle-aged-women-infidelity-sexuality#comments

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DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 26/01/2017 19:33

I always think the husband is really effeminate in anything he plays, so totally unfancieable imo.

Ulysses · 26/01/2017 19:33

I've just finished the book and there's subtle differences between the two. Not sure Ben Chaplin would have been my choice either. His voice is rather off putting and not particularly seductive. I've a soft spot for Mark Bonnar, who on the other hand does have a great accent. I'm another fan of Catastrophe.

bananaleaves · 26/01/2017 19:49

Couldn't work out where I recognised her and she was from happy valley. The farmers wife who shot her son

Ooo yes good spot!

Yeah I find mark bonnar hot aswell.

Blondeshavemorefun · 26/01/2017 20:06

I had to google the cast as was bugging me. Sadly I can't take the credit for bf/farmers wife 😂

HookandSwan · 27/01/2017 07:55

Haven't read the book, but loving it so far.

TheOriginalChatelaine · 27/01/2017 19:34

Since Sunday I've consumed the audio book. I feel thoroughly underwhelmed. I was anticipating a thrilling twist which did not materialise. What a self indulgent tale about self absorbed people with predictable, pathetic fantasies. I'll carry on with the Sunday night series but the book, I don't recommend it, it's average at best.

BringMeTea · 28/01/2017 16:26

Well, I thought it was pretty well done. I have listened to the book and agree with others that BC not well cast. He needed to be darker, manlier, physically more imposing.

I also almost missed the 'twist' when listening. Ho hum.

Destinysdaughter · 28/01/2017 18:12

I wonder if Emily recommended BC for the part as she wanted to snog him lots..?!😱😈😀

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Wondermoomin · 29/01/2017 12:43

Could I ask a question - I hope that someone can answer without a spoiler. I found the end really shocking after enjoying the program as I have unfortunate experience with that sort of thing - is the rest all about that moment and her not being believed? Because if it is I don't think I can watch! If someone has read the book can let me know I'd appreciate it!
*
Catcat* - actually I think it is kind of pivotal to the rest of the story. It's perhaps not the main theme, but it does play a part. I'm afraid I can't say if you will find it triggering but I think it's fair to let you know that it won't be the last reference to the incident. Flowers

Wondermoomin · 29/01/2017 13:08

Re the discussion on irony...

I don't particularly like Polly's way of putting it because it strays into victim-blaming territory ("letting herself go in, drunk", "silly girl, he might attack you"...). Victim blaming is abhorrent and I think that language might have been clouding what (I think) she was trying to say.

I've thought about it and interpret it differently:

It challenges popular misconceptions about rape and risk to personal safety...

Two scenarios: one is going into a secluded space with a stranger whom you know next to nothing about, you have no reason to believe you could trust them, you're heading into a space where you can't be seen or heard. The other, you're about to share a journey home with someone you've known professionally for quite some time and feel you know and trust, you feel comfortable with them professionally and socially; they need to pop into their office for papers en route and you go with them.

Most people would perceive the risk to be in the first scenario. The second scenario feels like the "safe" one. The shock rape scene turns these assumptions on their head. Women are actually more likely to be attacked by someone they know, yet a popular misconception about rape is that it's perpetrated by strangers, down a dark alley sort of stuff.

So the irony to which Polly is referring is, I think, this: the brutal attack comes in the "safe" space and circumstances rather than the place/circumstances perceived as risky and dangerous. She's not comparing or likening consensual sex with rape.

Str4ngedaysindeed · 29/01/2017 13:23

I've downloaded the book and literally got to the rape scene aftermath. Not sure whether to continue reading or wait!!!

Str4ngedaysindeed · 29/01/2017 13:28

She's 52 in the book. (My age...Just off to London for a bit...😊)

Trills · 29/01/2017 13:46

Keep reading!

It's much more fun to red the book first then watch the show than to do it the other way around.

Iggity · 29/01/2017 13:56

I read the book on Friday and Saturday and enjoyed it immensely. Settled down to watch the first episode last night and didn't make it to the end. The actors were not well cast. I was amazed to see the Scottish guy playing her husband. In the book I recall her describing her husband when she first met him and about his bulk/presence etc....the Catastrophe actor was very far away from what I was expecting. Even the guy playing X...was not good. Not sure I will bother watching the rest of it. I'd recommend reading the book to get a much better sense of the story. So much of the story concerns her thoughts which makes it difficult to capture well on tv.

Str4ngedaysindeed · 29/01/2017 17:50

Well I read it today. Have to say it wasnt as brilliant as I expected! It will be good to see how they dramatise the rest though. And I agree about the thoughts - definitely a big part of the book

SymphonyofShadows · 29/01/2017 17:57

I've read the book, which I found a bit disappointing and I'm not even sure what the twist is, unless its the obvious one, if so it's a bit rubbish.

I do quite like BC in the role, it's Emily Watson I'm struggling with.

usernumbernonsense · 29/01/2017 18:00

I read the book and thought it was rubbish. No massive twist or reveal that I noticed. Will keep watching on TV though.

Destinysdaughter · 29/01/2017 21:08

Noooo don't bin your clothes, they're evidence!

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Destinysdaughter · 29/01/2017 21:12

So sad when she says she didn't fight back...Sad

That's why so many women dont report, that sense of shame and guilt.

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minisausage · 29/01/2017 21:12

Go to the police !

minisausage · 29/01/2017 21:13

Very sad

Notjustuser1458393875 · 29/01/2017 21:16

She's got my Muji duvet cover.

Merlin40 · 29/01/2017 21:17

😓😓

minisausage · 29/01/2017 21:18

Wonder what's with the son Adam

Destinysdaughter · 29/01/2017 21:18

But she can't go to the police as she's a married woman who had sex previously in an alleyway. Can you imagine what a defence lawyer wd make of that...?

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