Under the Hawthorn Tree

Marita Conlon-McKenna

Apr 2016 · Children of the Famine Book 1 · Bolinda · Narrated by Caroline Lennon

About this audiobook

A classic for young readers worldwide, Under the Hawthorn Tree continues to go from strength to strength and this audio edition is a must for any collection. Ireland in the 1840s is devastated by famine. When tragedy strikes their family, Eily, Michael and Peggy are left to fend for themselves. Starving and in danger of the dreaded workhouse, they escape. Their one hope is to find the great aunts they have heard about in their mother's stories. With tremendous courage they set out on a journey that will test every reserve of strength, love and loyalty they possess.

About the author

Born in Dublin in 1956 and brought up in Goatstown, Marita went to school at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, Mount Anville, later working in the family business, the bank, and a travel agency. She has four children with her husband James, and they live in the Stillorgan area of Dublin. Marita was always fascinated by the Famine period in Irish history and read everything available on the subject. When she heard a radio report of an unmarked children's grave from the Famine period being found under a hawthorn tree, she decided to write her first book, Under the Hawthorn Tree.

Caroline Lennon is an Irish actress and voice artist. She is best known as the voice of Siobhan Hathaway on BBC Radio 4's The Archers. Her extensive range of voice work also includes appearances on BBC Radio 4's Poetry Please and over 200 unabridged audiobooks narrations for authors such as Maeve Binchy, Cecilia Ahern and many more. Caroline's theatre and film work ranges from Greek tragedy to modern Irish classics and everything in between.