Apple Tree Yard

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If one can not continue to relate to Yvonne, find her understandable and likable despite the silly things she does, the story looses its oomph! That is what happened with me, that is why despite the wonderful writing in this book I could not really give it a higher rating. Read it yourself and see what you think.

Oct 23, Liz Barnsley rated it it was amazing. So, Apple Tree Yard has been sat patiently waiting on my kindle while many people have told me to get on with it, its terrific, one of the best books of the year…and so I decided it was about time I gave it a go. Do I agree with all the hype? Synopsis Yvonne Carmichael is a geneticist, a scientist renowned in her field but one day, she makes the most irrational of decisions. While she is giving evidence to a Select Committee at the Houses of Parliament, she meets a man and has sex with So, Apple Tree Yard has been sat patiently waiting on my kindle while many people have told me to get on with it, its terrific, one of the best books of the year…and so I decided it was about time I gave it a go.

While she is giving evidence to a Select Committee at the Houses of Parliament, she meets a man and has sex with him in the secluded Chapel in the Crypt. Totally and utterly addictive. Yvonne tells the tale…opening with a courtroom scene as she stands accused along with her lover of what, exactly, we are unsure of at that point and then takes us back to the beginning of it all and leads us to the truth of the matter.

You will just keep reading…each part leading inexorably to the next while she digs herself deeper and deeper into an affair with a man of whom she knows nothing. In a lot of ways this is much more a character piece than it is a mystery — in that the mystery is unlocked by coming to know the character.

The man she is embroiled with IS an enigma and seeing him only through her eyes makes him that way. We see him as she does…and as her eyes open so do ours. Brilliantly done…clever, intriguing, utterly compelling, the story of how a normal, intelligent and pretty average woman gets caught up in infidelity and brutality, almost by accident.

May 27, Jane rated it really liked it. One mistake, one bad judgement, can change a life forever. Yvonne Carmichael seemed to be a woman who had everything. A successful career; she was a scientist, a geneticist, and she had climbed to the very top of her profession. A long and stable marriage, to a good man. Two children — a boy and a girl — both grown up and independent.

A lovely home … But, for all that, there was something missing. She wanted someone to look at her — not as wife, not as a mother, not as a professional — but as an i One mistake, one bad judgement, can change a life forever. She wanted someone to look at her — not as wife, not as a mother, not as a professional — but as an interesting, attractive woman.

Maybe the man she met, when she was giving evidence to a Select Committee at the Houses of Parliament saw that. And maybe she saw something in him. Or maybe it was a classic coup de foudre. Whatever it was, they fell into an intense, physical affair. And there were terrible, terrible consequences. And that set off a chain of events that would end with them both on trial at the Old Bailey. I found out as Yvonne told her story, a mixture of recollections and letters to her lover that she would never send.

At first I questioned the way the story was told, and I decided that a more straightforward confessional style would have been more effective, but as the story progressed I realised that I was wrong and the author was right: Crucially, I believed in her. Psychologically, her story worked. There was some very clever and well thought out writing going on to make all of that work, to keep the story compelling, and to keep a degree of suspense to the very end.

The resolution was a little too simple for the story that had gone before. It was a story of the consequence of deceit, and of the way those consequences can spiral. It was perfectly observed, it was clearly carefully researched, and it made some telling points about 21st century society. But that never overwhelmed the story of one woman, who made a mistake, and had to deal with terrible consequences. A credible, believable story, told with real understanding … This book deserves a really high score And even if such an unlikely pairing occurred, how could it be sustained without passion, intelligent conversation, common ground, or any reason on earth to sustain it.

And even if it were sustained, is it likely that a bloke who had a couple of ahems and a few coffees and carrot cakes in various cafes would go and top someone who had injured his insignificant other?

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It was absolutely obvious what was going to happen from the moment the chimp story hit the page, so it was excruciating how long it took, so long that the author had to remind us about the chimps in case we had forgotten or not got the point. I got the point and managed to remember it despite the goodness knows how many pages it took you to complete the comparison.

A five minute Google brings up numerous stories of human mothers who died protecting their children, in earthquakes, tornadoes, or pushing them away from runaway vans and heroes who gave their lives to save others. Humans and chimps may share The first person narrative, be it imaginary letters or just stream of consciousness, was SO tiresome. Perhaps the format audiobook made this more apparent. I am just not convinced that a highly respected, logical, scientific high achiever could be as compliant, passive and irritatingly dense as Yvonne is. The writer comes from Melton Mowbray, but surely the 21st century has arrived even in the home of pork pies and Stilton cheese?

All the stuff about suicide and bipolar and even the spouse affair seemed wholly irrelevant, not adding up to anything, certainly not any sort of explanation. The book was flagged as a "psychological thriller," I think, but the psychology is very dubious. I am just not sure what the book set out to achieve. I listen to audiobooks when I am doing the housework and what this book achieved for me was to make the housework seem more pleasurable than this humourless and depressing story.

Those of my friends who know how much I like housework will realise this is a huge achievement. Jun 06, Bibliophile rated it really liked it. A surprisingly original and disturbing novel about a woman who embarks on an affair with disastrous consequences.

Apple Tree Yard

Surprising, considering the description makes it sound like an average nail-biter when in fact it turns out to be much more. From the very beginning we are told that the main character is on trial as a direct result of her affair. Gradually, the events leading up to the trial are revealed. Yvonne is a successful middle-aged geneticist, highly respected in her field and happily marrie A surprisingly original and disturbing novel about a woman who embarks on an affair with disastrous consequences.

Yvonne is a successful middle-aged geneticist, highly respected in her field and happily married with two grown children. It may seem strange that she would risk all this for illicit sex with a stranger who won't even tell her his name, but little by little, it becomes clear that neither her work nor marriage are as perfect as they seem. Doughty masterfully reveals the small resentments simmering under the surface. At one point, Yvonne recalls that she and her husband decided to combine childrearing with working on their PhDs, and dryly concludes: In her role as an authority in academia she wields a certain power, yet is propositioned by a young male student who offers sexual favours in return for a training position.

And the Awful Thing That Happens is so awful I could barely keep reading view spoiler [ I'm referring to the rape, not the murder of the rapist in case that wasn't obvious. Doughy seems to say that no matter how successful or independent you are as a woman, you are still just a woman in a man's world, at the mercy of a thouroughly sexist society. She does this brutally, believably and unapologetically. Yvonne is a rare, nuanced character bound to be disliked by readers who need their heroines to be lovable. At times, I found her behaviour frustrating view spoiler [ Not leaving Guy after his affair, mooning over Mark despite his aloofness hide spoiler ] , but I never stopped rooting for her.

It is suspenseful, but perhaps too dark for those looking for a quick thriller, or rather, dark for the wrong reasons. There is very little blood and gore here, yet this is one of the most nightmarish, frightening novels I've read in a long time. The horribly depressing anecdote of an experiment with mother and baby chimps almost made me lose all faith in mankind and apes.

Eager to read more by this author. View all 6 comments. Jan 28, Sara Nelson rated it really liked it. A year-old woman begins an affair with a mysterious man she meets by chance, and soon both she and the lover are on trial for murder. How does such a thing happen to a married woman of maturity and gravitas, a renowned scientist whose first encounter with her lover took place in the halls of Parliament, where she had just testified before a government committee? Less about torturous plot twists than slow, dawning revelations--and mercifully short on moralizing--this intelligent, sexy, grown-up thriller explores the power of desire and its consequences.

When I started reading this, I wasn't in love with it - I found the writing style a bit strange it's like a pseudo 2nd person narrative and sparse.

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But somewhere along the way, it got me. It sucked me in and I finished it within the weekend don't you love it when that happens? I had to find out the answers to the questions introduced in the opening pages: Who is Yvonne Carmichael? Who is her lover? What violent actions have led to them to the point they've reached? And what is "Apple Tree Ya When I started reading this, I wasn't in love with it - I found the writing style a bit strange it's like a pseudo 2nd person narrative and sparse.

And what is "Apple Tree Yard"? I've gone on a bit of a thriller binge lately, and this one isn't as immediately satisfying in that juicy, melodramatic, punch-in-the-face twists kind of way. It's more on the subtle side, with a sense of foreboding sneaking through the pages. And the dry prose style is actually somewhat smart - Yvonne, the main character and accused, is a scientist, and she gives you the facts of the story matter-of-factly, with a scientific level of detail and analysis.

She never gets to see his true emotions or motivations, so neither do we. A very creepy but compelling story that slowly unravels as the tension builds, with some twists I did not see coming. If I had the time, I would have read it in one sitting. Jan 07, Bonnie Brody rated it it was amazing. Yvonne Carmichael, 52 years old, is a respected geneticist, married for many years with two grown children. She works for an esteemed institute called The Beaufort and is also an external examiner for graduate students.

Her life is rich in many ways. Thus, it comes as a surprise to her that when she is scheduled to give a report at the House of Parliaments she notices a man who is giving her a come hither look and she begins to follow him. This begins an extraordinary affair. She doesn't even kn Yvonne Carmichael, 52 years old, is a respected geneticist, married for many years with two grown children. She doesn't even know his name or what he does, though after some time she surmises that he is a spy of some type.

This first time they have sex, he leads her to the Crypt Chapel on the House of Parliaments grounds and in the rank basement they make love. Yvonne thinks "From my empirical knowledge of you I know one thing and one thing only. Sex with you is like being eaten by a wolf. Her lover gives her a pre-pay phone with his number programmed in and she is to call him only on that. She fantasizes about him continually and her life is one long effort to be with him in every free moment.

I could have said, how easy you found it to seduce me You just went right ahead and I went right along with it - there wasn't any persuading necessary.

I need you to know this was not normal for me. The mystery of the affair is also a pull for her. It is so different from her daily life. I have status and gravitas - when I don't have my tights around my ankles in a secluded chapel beneath the Houses of Parliament, that is. Yvonne realizes in court as the novel opens, "That is the moment when it all comes crashing down. We both know we are about to lose everything - our marriages are over our careers are finished, I have lost my son's and daughter's good regard, and more than that, our freedom is at stake.

Everything we have tried to protect - it is all about to tumble. This is a bountiful novel, filled to the brim with wonderful writing, psychological suspense, an erotically charged relationship and a harrowing courtroom battle. Told from the first person, with Yvonne as the narrator, we travel with her from her first glance at her lover to the denouement which is riveting. Louise Doughty has written a truly compelling novel, one that has me wanting to read her other works, and soon. View all 3 comments. Yvonne Carmichael is 52 years old' happily married and a well respected geneticist.

But she will do something entirely new that will change her life forever. A seemingly chance encounter with a mysterious stranger will lead to an act so surprising for her with rough sex in a public place in the maze of inner London's lanes. The man is assured and likes to devour her like a wolf in hidden doorways that makes her recalibrate her personal life in all manner of ways. For months Yvonne will secretly s Yvonne Carmichael is 52 years old' happily married and a well respected geneticist. For months Yvonne will secretly see her lover until two incidents will destroy there relationship and show them both for who they really are.

After going to a party Yvonne will be sexually and physically assaulted. She will make a huge mistake in informing her lover of what happened the consequences will see them both end up in court' there relationship and afterwards laid bare for all to see. Louise Doughty's structure for this murder mystery is unconventional as it is absorbing. The book is wonderful example of top draw thriller writing with the way it sets about putting a microscope over modern life.

The twist with the courtroom viewpoint from that of the offender were we think we know all the facts in inspiring. My only slight gripe is it does take a while for the story to take shape and for some that may cause them to lose patience. Overall Apple Tree Yard is a unique read and may make you re look over your own life. Apr 03, Ruth Turner rated it liked it Shelves: When I started reading this book I didn't like it. I didn't like it at all. But because it was recommended to me I felt obligated to give it fair chance. I didn't like the characters.

To me they were flat and lacked emotion. The main character, Yvonne Carmichael really irritated me and her repeated use of "my love" made me want to choke her. Then, about half way through, it felt like I was riding a freight train downhill with no brakes.

I couldn't put the damn book down. My finger had RSI from continuously hitting the down arrow on my laptop. Mostly written in first person, which I don't like, it moves backwards and forwards as we learn about Yvonne's history, her affair with a man she calls X and the trial. The ending dragged on for too long. For me, the last dozen or so pages didn't add much to the story. But, all in all, it was a good read.

Am I glad I finished it? Thanks to M for recommending it. Listened to in audio format. I bought this audio book in an Audible sale a couple of years ago. After reading the synopsis I decided the book wasn't for me and left it at the bottom of my TBR pile. I finally dusted this off my virtual book shelf when Apple Tree Yard was dramatized on television.

All credit to the author the plot was sensational, I would never of guessed how the story would play out. Yvonne had a sexual en Listened to in audio format.

Fake feminism? Not our production of Apple Tree Yard

Yvonne had a sexual encounter with a stranger in the crypt of the Houses of parliament. Father Michael, a Catholic priest presiding over a Northern urban parish who is Modern, maverick, and reassuringly flawed; must be confidant, counsellor and confessor to a congregation Married with two grown-up children, Yvonne Carmichael Emily Watson lives a contented, conventional suburban life. But her world spirals into chaos, when a chance encounter leads to an impulsive and passionate affair with a charismatic stranger Ben Chaplin.

Despite all her careful plans to keep her home life and career safe and separate from her affair, fantasy and reality soon begin to overlap and everything she values is put at risk, as a life-changing act of violence leads to a Crown Court trial. Sometimes it seemed that even the small number of episodes 4 was excessive, and then a thought came to me that it was Mrs. Watson only whom I focused on Often enough, but not this time, having in mind a British series - so 7 points from me, and I might recommend it to Mrs.

Start your free trial. Find showtimes, watch trailers, browse photos, track your Watchlist and rate your favorite movies and TV shows on your phone or tablet! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Full Cast and Crew. A provocative thriller which sees an eminent scientist caught up in a damaging and compromising lie. Based on the novel by Louise Doughty. Our Favorite Trailers of the Week.

Series to be watched. Share this Rating Title: Apple Tree Yard — 7. Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Learn more More Like This. Little Boy Blue In the Dark In Plain Sight Born to Kill Broken TV Series Edit Cast Series cast summary: Yvonne Carmichael 4 episodes, Ben Chaplin There are no featured audience reviews yet. Click the link below to see what others say about Apple Tree Yard: More Top Movies Trailers Forums.

Season 7 Black Lightning: Season 2 DC's Legends of Tomorrow: Season 4 Doctor Who: Season 11 The Flash: Season 5 This Is Us: Season 3 Saturday Night Live: Season 4 The Walking Dead: Weekend Box Office Results: View All Photos A thriller which sees an eminent scientist caught up in a damaging and compromising lie. Yvonne Carmichael begins an affair with a mysterious stranger and the passion within her is awakened, however, the more time she spends with her lover, she begins to expect she is playing a dangerous game.

Emily Watson as Yvonne Carmichael.

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