Shakespeare in the Orchard

Set in 1914 in Langwarrin, Victoria, during World War I, this coming-of-age novel follows fourteen-year-old Jack Thorning as he navigates the tensions and realities of war in his small Australian town. As he helps his family manage their orchard and interacts with German prisoners, Jack begins to see beyond initial prejudices, exploring themes of friendship, understanding, and humanity. Praised for its vivid depiction of small-town life during wartime, the story offers a thoughtful reflection on conflict and connection through a child's perspective.