Children of the Famine

Marita Conlon-McKenna

Under the Hawthorn Tree is a poignant historical novel that follows three Irish siblings—Fiona, Bridget, and Michael—as they navigate the devastating Great Famine of the 1840s. Separated from their parents and forced to fend for themselves in a landscape of hunger and despair, the children must summon extraordinary courage and resilience to survive. Through their interconnected journeys—from the Irish countryside to workhouses, emigration ships, and beyond—Conlon-McKenna weaves a deeply human story of family bonds, loss, and the indomitable spirit of those who endured one of history's greatest tragedies. The novel captures both the intimate struggles of ordinary people and the sweeping historical forces that shaped Irish-American identity. A moving testament to survival and hope, this book honors the memory of those who lived through the Famine while exploring timeless themes of love, sacrifice, and the search for home.