Apple Tree Yard is a drama series based on the novel by Louise Doughty. It is a psychological thriller, set in contemporary London, which follows the story of Yvonne Carmichael, a respectable middle-aged scientist who lives a comfortable and seemingly happy life, until her world crumbles around her when she meets a mysterious stranger. Many viewers have wondered, is Apple Tree Yard a true story?
Firstly, Apple Tree Yard is based on an award-winning novel of the same name, written by Louise Doughty and published in 2013. Although the series contains some elements of a true story, it is mainly a fictionalized version of Doughty’s novel. The overall plot of the series is the same as in the novel, with some minor changes.
Secondly, the series was adapted for television by the acclaimed playwright and novelist Amanda Coe. She and Doughty worked in tandem to adapt the novel for television and incorporate their own narrative elements in order to improve the story.
Thirdly, although much of the plot and character elements were modified for the series, it still follows the main themes of Doughty’s novel. The series revolves around the life of Yvonne Carmichael and her journey as she navigates her way through a complex web of deception and betrayal in her personal and professional life.
Fourthly, Apple Tree Yard mainly explores the complexities of human relationships and the depths of love and betrayal, based on the novel’s themes. All of the characters are fictionalized but the emotions and motivations behind their actions seem to make the series more authentic.
Fifthly, although Apple Tree Yard is mostly a work of fiction, there are still parallels to real-life events. For example, the court-room drama and the ‘jury tamperer’ plot line seen in the series is based on the real-life trial of Stephen Hone in the early 1980s.
Controversy behind the Series
Despite being a work of fiction, Apple Tree Yard has raised some controversies for exploring the darker side of human nature. The series has been criticized for presenting certain themes as ‘normal’ and not exploring all the complexities of such relationships.
Some critics argued that Apple Tree Yard, in its exploration of love, lust and betrayal, does not accurately reflect human relationships. They argued that the series seemed to glamorize dangerous behavior, and sent the wrong message to viewers.
The series has also been criticized for its exploration of sexual fantasies and adultery. Many argued that the series paints adultery as something romantic, when in reality it is an act of betrayal that can have dire consequences.
Finally, it is worth noting that at times, the plot of Apple Tree Yard seems a bit too ‘far-fetched’. There are some plot-twists and dramatic scenes that could have been avoided if the narrative had been kept more grounded in reality.
Critical Reception
Despite the controversies, Apple Tree Yard has been generally well-received by critics. In general, the series has been praised for its gripping storyline and exploration of complex themes.
The performances of the main cast were also universally praised, with particular praise for Emilia Fox’s portrayal of Yvonne Carmichael. Her performance has been hailed as both powerful and nuanced and is often cited as one of the highlights of the series.
Furthermore, the series was praised for its depiction of the female experience, with many praising the series for its sensitive exploration of the issues faced by female characters living in a patriarchal society.
In addition, Apple Tree Yard is appreciated for its nuanced portrayal of human relationships. Although there have been criticisms of the series’ portrayal of ‘romantic’ relationships, the series also offers a more nuanced look at the deep connection and loyalty between Yvonne and her husband George.
Finally, despite the controversies, Apple Tree Yard has been a hit with viewers, with many claiming that it is one of the best television dramas of recent times.
Compare and Contrast with the Novel
Although the series is based on the novel, there are some differences between the two. Firstly, the novel is a psychological thriller with a much darker tone than the series, focusing on Yvonne’s journey in discovering the true nature of her relationships and the consequences of her decisions.
Secondly, some of the characters have been significantly changed in the series. For example, Yvonne’s husband George is portrayed as a more sympathetic character in the television series, while the novel paints him as an emotionally distant father figure. Similarly, the character of Mark is much more intense and mysterious in the novel, compared to his portrayal in the series.
Thirdly, some of the plot points in the television series are also different from the novel. For example, in the novel, Yvonne does not attempt to ‘frame’ one of the characters for murder, as she does in the series. Similarly, the drama in the media and the trial are not explored in the novel, as in the series.
Finally, although both the novel and the series present a captivating story, it is worth noting that the series has made some changes in order to make the narrative more ‘televisual’ and to keep the viewers engaged.
Context of the Novel
Apple Tree Yard is set in contemporary London, but its themes and emotions reflect the period the novel was written in. Firstly, there is an underlying mood of uncertainty and fear in the novel due to the recession and the war in Iraq. Yvonne’s decisions, though reckless, reflect the feelings of desperation and hopelessness that were felt in post-recession Britain.
Secondly, the novel was published shortly before the UK’s Referendum vote to leave the European Union. Yvonne’s identity as a British citizen is represented in the novel, as she is constantly balancing her personal and professional life, as well as her own sense of identity and belonging. The character of George is also symbolic of this period, as his emotional distance from Yvonne reflects the political divisions in society.
Thirdly, Apple Tree Yard is also reflective of a growing societal trend towards ambivalence, particularly with regards to marriage and relationships. The character of Yvonne reflects this theme, as her journey is one of discovering her own desires and understanding the complexities of relationships. Her willingness to ‘break the rules’ and explore her own sexuality is an expression of her own agency and autonomy, something that has become increasingly common in contemporary society.
Finally, the themes explored in the novel are reflective of the lives of contemporary British women. Yvonne’s journey is representative of a new generation of British women who are reclaiming their identity and their right to have autonomy, in spite of the structural barriers and oppressive social norms that still exist.
The Impact and Legacy of Apple Tree Yard
Apple Tree Yard has had a significant impact on British television. Firstly, it has been praised for its representation of female characters and its exploration of difficult topics, such as love, betrayal and relationships. The series has inspired many viewers to discuss issues related to female sexuality, power, identity and accountability.
Secondly, the series has helped to redefine the ‘psychological thriller’ genre in terms of how it is portrayed on television. Apple Tree Yard has demonstrated that it is possible to tell a gripping story without resorting to cheap thrillers and overly dramatic scenes.
Finally, Apple Tree Yard has also made an impact on the British film industry. It has shown that complex and sophisticated psychological thrillers can be successful on television, even though they are often relegated to the small screen. As such, the series has inspired other filmmakers to pursue projects that have more mature subject matter.
