• When the Apricots Bloom

  • The evocative and emotionally powerful story of secrets, family and betrayal . . .
  • By: Gina Wilkinson
  • Narrated by: Raghad Chaar
  • Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (1 rating)

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When the Apricots Bloom  By  cover art

When the Apricots Bloom

By: Gina Wilkinson
Narrated by: Raghad Chaar
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Publisher's summary

Discover the international best seller today.

Iraq, 2002. Three women - a secretary, an artist and a diplomat's wife - must decide what to sacrifice to protect their families, under the ruthless rule of a dictator....

Two can keep a secret, only when one of them is dead....

As night falls in Huda's fragrant garden of apricot trees, a breeze sweeps in from the desert, warning of visitors at her gate.

A secretary at the Australian embassy in Baghdad, Huda has been ordered by the mukhabarat to befriend and spy upon the Deputy Ambassador's wife, Ally Wilson. To refuse is to risk her son being forced to join a deadly militia. But - though Huda cannot yet know it - Ally is keeping dangerous secrets of her own.

Meanwhile, Huda's estranged friend Rania - a sheikh's daughter whose wealth is long gone - is battling to keep her own her own daughter safe from the dictator's men.

As Huda and Rania are brought together again, through their relationship with Ally, their hidden pasts spill into the present. Facing betrayal at every turn, all three women must trust in a fragile, newfound loyalty, even as they discover how much each is willing to sacrifice to protect those they love....

Lose yourself in this evocative, emotionally powerful and completely gripping international best seller, where secrets are precious currency and three courageous women are tested to the limit by a horrifying power seemingly beyond their control.

©2020 Gina Wilkinson (P)2020 Headline Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"I truly felt for the memorable women risking their lives to protect themselves and their families.... Baghdad springs into vivid violent life.... Outstanding!" (Dinah Jefferies, number one Sunday Times best-selling author)

"A deeply involving and important novel by a master storyteller." (Susan Wiggs, number one New York Times best-selling author)

"Breathtaking.... Riveting and profound! I adored this book!" (Ellen Marie Wiseman, New York Times best-selling author)

What listeners say about When the Apricots Bloom

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Touching story, lovely narration

I found this to be a touching story with a narration that brings it alive and conveys the tenderness of the emotions and relationships. Although written by a non-Iraqi the story felt authentic and had lovely touches that demonstrated a sensitivity and respect for what is an old and beautiful culture. A very enjoyable listen!

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