Under the Hawthorn Tree

Under the Hawthorn Tree By Marita Conlon-McKenna download the free pdf copy of this book from here. “Under the Hawthorn Tree” is a historical novel for children by Marita Conlon-McKenna. It’s the inaugural book in the “Children of the Famine” series, set against the backdrop of the Great Famine in Ireland.

The narrative centers around three siblings, Eily, Michael, and Peggy, who are left to fend for themselves when their parents leave to find work and food but never return. Determined to avoid the dreaded workhouse, they set out on a journey to locate their great-aunts. The book provides a stark depiction of the famine’s hardships, including the fight for food, the spread of disease, and the omnipresence of death. It’s a story of survival, resilience, and the enduring strength of family bonds.