THE ORCHARDIST’S DAUGHTER BY KAREN VIGGERS

Afinding captivating story about freedom and independence, The Orchardist’s Daughter is already being heralded as one of the best expected books of 2019.

Karen Viggers has already made a name for herself with the likes of The Stranding, The Grass Castle, and the best-selling The Lightkeeper’s Wife which was set in Bruny Island, Tasmania.

Viggers returns to the rugged Australian state for this story, told from three individual points of view. Seventeen-year-old Miki lives with her controlling brother Kurt behind the takeaway shop they bought after a fire destroyed the family farm and killed their parents 18 months ago, but she yearns to make friends in their small logging town and spend time outside – as well as finding out more about her family.

Parkie Leon has only recently arrived in the town, and is finding it a bit hard to settle in, as well as managing a difficult past with his family.

Then there’s young Max, the son of a local couple who is trying to find out how do the right thing – a child's perspective creating a fresh look in the adult world of this story.

Viggers describes the Tasmanian surrounds with such skill that the reader can almost see it, and it is clear from her writing that she has an understanding and love for creatures – possibly her veterinarian background coming to the fore.

While homeschooling stereotypes are used as a tool for aspects of Miki’s character, the remaining people in the book are not stereotyped and are refreshingly real. NOTE: While ultimately an empowering novel, The

Orchardist’s Daughter should come with trigger warnings for animal cruelty, domestic violence/abuse, and alcohol abuse.

The Orchardist’s Daughter by Karen Viggers is published by Allen & Unwin. Available now. RRP $29.99.