He kept biting his lip until it nearly bled.

‘Michael, my little man,’ said Mother, ruffling his hair, ‘and Eily, the little Mother, and Peggy, my baby – God keep ye safe.’Įily could see Michael was upset. They walked down to the end of the boreen with her. There’s enough to eat.’ An hour or two later, Mother took her heavy shawl and some food in her pockets and set off. ‘Dan and Kitty will keep an eye on ye, but ye can’t go down to stay there as Teresa is coughing and I don’t want to take any chances. We have nothing left to trade or sell – how will we survive without help? It will be like the last time, but it may take a day or two.’Įily was shocked by the enormity of her Mother leaving them, but accepted her decision. He may be sick or not be able to come for us. ‘I have to go to the works and find out what has happened. After five days she told the children she was going to find Father.

The children pretended not to notice when she turned and walked slowly back to the cottage with tears in her eyes. Mother seemed restless and every day stood at the bottom of the lane, watching and waiting for an hour or so. In exchange she gave them a full can of goat’s milk from Nanny, her only remaining goat. The rest of the mushrooms were despatched to Mary Kate’s for drying, as she often used them for her various potions. They feasted on it for two days.Īfter a tip from Dan Collins, Eily and Mother rose very early on two mornings and walked up to the old cow pasture, to discover about a hundred wild mushrooms! With the addition of a spring onion added to the old yellow meal, they made a tasty enough dish. But, much to everyone’s surprise, from under his shirt he produced a large trout. Michael came home soaked to the skin, his teeth chattering. Michael went fishing in the river with Pat and his big brother Donal. 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.Were busy. Starving and in danger of the dreaded workhouse, they escape. When tragedy strikes their family, Eily, Michael and Peggy are left to fend for themselves. Ireland in the 1840s is devastated by famine. Under the Hawthorn Tree continues to go from strength to strength and this new edition is a must for any collection. This novel has become a classic for young readers worldwide. The phenomenal success of this original and enthralling book is celebrated with this beautiful hardback gift edition. Under the Hawthorn Tree is Ireland’s top selling children’s book.

Under the Hawthorn Tree: Children of Famine Trilogy Under the Hawthorn Tree Trilogy by Marita Conlon-McKenna.

Under the hawthorn tree trilogy