The Orchard On Fire

The Orchard on Fire is a 1995 novel, the best known work of British author Shena Mackay. It has been identified as one of the best novels of the 1990s.Set in the 1950s it tells the story of the Harlencys who abandon their Streatham pub for the "Copper Kettle Tearoom" in rural Kent. The story centres on their young daughter April and her friendship with the fiery Ruby; and with her attempts to frustrate the unhealthy attentions of Mr Greenidge.