The Magic Apple Tree A Country Year Author:Susan Hill Ancient and gnarled, the magic apple tree symbolizes the enduring spirit of Susan Hill's village of Barley. — Looking out from Moon Cottage, she records the sights and smells, the people, gardens, animals, births, festivals and deaths that mark the changing seasons in the small Oxfordshire (England) community. — Painting the village year in glowin... more »g colours and loving detail, Susan Hill provides us with a country book to learn from and enjoy alongside those of Richard Jeffries, Francis Kilvert and Flora Thompson.