Jack used to say that a good orchard was like a well-lived life. The one up at the old farm, with its hundred-year-old pears leaning over the entrance gates, held more Wigg history than anything written down.
It’s the summer of 1971, not far from the stone-fruit capital of New South Wales, where Mr Wigg lives on what’s left of the family farm. He spends his time working in the orchard, cooking and preserving his produce and, when it’s on, watching the cricket. It’s a full life.
Things are changing though, with Australia and England playing a one-day match, and his new neighbours planting grapes for wine. His wife died a few years ago, his daughter never visits, and his son thinks he should move into town. But Mr Wigg has trees and chickens to look after on the farm. His grandchildren visit often: to cook, eat and hear stories. And he has a project to finish…
It’s the summer of 1971, not far from the stone-fruit capital of New South Wales, where Mr Wigg lives on what’s left of the family farm. He spends his time working in the orchard, cooking and preserving his produce and, when it’s on, watching the cricket. It’s a full life.
Things are changing though, with Australia and England playing a one-day match, and his new neighbours planting grapes for wine. His wife died a few years ago, his daughter never visits, and his son thinks he should move into town. But Mr Wigg has trees and chickens to look after on the farm. His grandchildren visit often: to cook, eat and hear stories. And he has a project to finish…
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Reviews
Simpson's intelligent observation of a fading widower retreating into his beloved orchard - thanking Mr Mulberry Tree out loud for his crop - is resonantly powerful at every bite . . . Just beautiful
Mr Wigg captivates to the end
Beautifully crafted and brimming with warmth
In her novel Mr Wigg, Australian author Inga Simpson gives readers a character so realistic - a grandfather figure so recognisable - that it's hard to believe he's a creation of fiction alone
A little gem that aches with nostalgia for a slower, gentler time