Description

Under the Hawthorn Tree by Marita Conlon-McKenna is a landmark achievement in Irish historical fiction that has captivated generations of readers. Set during the height of the Great Famine in the 1840s, the narrative centers on three young children—Eily, Michael, and Peggy—who find themselves abandoned and facing starvation after their parents disappear in search of work and relief. Armed only with courage and a desperate hope, the siblings embark on a perilous, cross-country journey to find the grandaunts they have only heard about in stories. Conlon-McKenna handles the harsh realities of the Famine—the widespread blight, disease, and societal collapse—with incredible sensitivity, focusing heavily on the themes of familial love, resilience, and resourcefulness. It stands as an essential educational and cultural reading staple for young readers and adults alike seeking a humanized window into Ireland’s past.