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gervase_fenHow does a woman as smart, well educated, and successful as Yvonne Carmichael – an esteemed genetic scientist, considered significant enough in her field to be asked to brief parliamentary committees, come to be on trial for murder at the Old Bailey? Louise Doughty’s skilful first person narrative flits between the ‘now’ of her trial and the ‘then’ of an all consuming affair with her co-defendant, “You” – a masterful, controlling, discreet man of a certain age who Yvonne falls for completely. (Shades of Fifty Shades?) The sensual, erotic reverie of Yvonne’s recollections of their brief encounters nearly disguise how recklessly “You” behaves – a sex addict given to seeking out quick knee tremblers in outlandish places (the cupboard in St Mary Undercroft where the suffragette Emily Davidson hid herself, the titular London back street courtyard.)
Louise Doughty doles out the key twists and revelations sparingly – Yvonne’s lover is not named in the book until about two thirds through – and Yvonne will suffer horribly for some of the choices that she makes . The key encounter that will lead to the Old Bailey court case contains some of most upsetting passages of violence of any of the CWA Dagger nominees that I’ve read so far – described in implicit detail, the odd word (‘tear’) having huge impact.
“Apple Tree Yard” is a tough read in places, but always a compelling one. Louise Doughty may well win the Thriller category this year with this book.
Louise Doughty doles out the key twists and revelations sparingly – Yvonne’s lover is not named in the book until about two thirds through – and Yvonne will suffer horribly for some of the choices that she makes . The key encounter that will lead to the Old Bailey court case contains some of most upsetting passages of violence of any of the CWA Dagger nominees that I’ve read so far – described in implicit detail, the odd word (‘tear’) having huge impact.
“Apple Tree Yard” is a tough read in places, but always a compelling one. Louise Doughty may well win the Thriller category this year with this book.
