Find out what Mumsnetters thought of At the Edge of the Orchard by Tracy Chevalier

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From the bestselling author of The Girl with a Pearl Earring, comes a compelling tale of secrets and survival.

Set in 1830s midwestern America, Tracy Chevalier's new novel follows a pioneer family torn apart in their struggle to live off the land. We've got 50 copies of At the Edge of the Orchard to give away so apply for yours now.

We ask all winners to share their thoughts about the book on this discussion thread. You don't have to win a free copy to take part in the discussion - anyone who has read At the Edge of the Orchard can post their feedback (and you can buy a copy now)

Everyone who posts feedback about the book on this discussion by 22 November will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Love2shop voucher.

This giveaway is sponsored by HarperCollins

Not read this but will put it onto a long list that I have as it sounds intriguing :)

ive not actually read this one , might ask santa for a copy after reading this

great book

A great historical story although generally they are not my preferred genre.

Seems rather slow not my type of book

Couldnt put it down

I havent heard of this book or, author but it is definitely the type of book I enjoy and look forward to trying it

It was fairly leisurely paced, but enjoyable anyway. Not sure I would read it again

Gripping!

I found this to be quite an education. Its a very good historical drama based in Ohio in the 19th century. It takes us on a journey of the harsh life of the Goodenough family. Theres a part where the farmer is digging graves for his children which is heartbreaking.
It's a very good read and one I recommend.

Found it hard to get into this

Unfortunately I haven't read this book yet, but it sounds a really good read.

I love the historical setting of this book and i thought it was very well written and very sad in places.

I am just waiting for my mum to finish it then It's all mine!

I haven't read it yet, but it is on my 'to read' list

Sounds right up my street! Will add to my Christmas list

Felt a bit depressed after reading this, there is such hopelessness in the book. Not one I would recommend or re-read but I did enjoy Chevalier's Girl With a Pearl Earring and Remarkable Creatures.

Tracey Chevalier writes beautifully, and the characters she created in this book really lived for me. Sadie,though monstrous, was intriguing, and I was becoming fond of James until the scene with poor Martha after the apple pie incident. From then on, I had no sympathy for either of them, but their lives were never less than fascinating. I loved sad,rootless Robert, and also became drawn to Molly later in the book.There was perhaps too much information about apple and tree cultivation, but for me, this was a very good read.

This is not a book I would normally have picked but I did persist and was glad I did. I did find it challenging to read though and quite emotional.

Depressing and boring. Not my type of book at all. Dysfunctional family alongside misery, pain and destruction. If you like that give it a go. Not for me.

Not enough to draw me in.

Really enjoyed it, pulled on my heartstrings!

No, but will buy it shortly. I Have heard that it is good

I've just finished this. The story initially started slow but really picked up pace. The depiction of the tough family life of the Goodenough family really highlighted how tricky life was for settlers in the Black Swamp. The matter-of-fact depiction of the relationship between the father and mother and the fate of some of the children was pretty tough to read.
The use of letters in the middle section of the book really helped to move the pace of the book along. The relationship between Molly and Robert allowed the novel to end on a more positive note than it had begun.

This was the first novel I've read by Tracy Chevalier and I really enjoyed her style of writing. I certainly now know a lot more about apple cultivation than I previously did.

Thank you for my copy of the book.

quite a challenging book to read as i dont normally read upsetting books. Very good writing though and enjoyed overall!