Other editions of book The Flowering Thorn: A Novel

A Jazz Age socialite impulsively adopts an orphaned boy in this humorous, heartwarming tale In 1929 London, twenty-eight-year-old Lesley Frewen lives a privileged, cultured life. But one thing is missing: love. When her aunt’s female companion suddenly dies, leaving behind a young son, Lesley decides on a whim to adopt four-year-old Patrick—though she doesn’t have any particular affection for children. As soon as Patrick moves in with her, Lesley gets to work using her connections to enroll him in the finest boys’ school. But she quickly discovers London is no place to raise a child, and they relocate to the tiny village of High Westover. The hamlet boasts a post office, a church, and a vicarage. There’s an apple orchard and children for Patrick to play with. However, the country comes with its own set of daunting challenges: Lesley can’t imagine how she’ll entertain her friends there! But ultimately life with Patrick will change her, bringing out her capacity to love and showing her the difference between pleasure and happiness.

A Jazz Age socialite impulsively adopts an orphaned boy in this humorous, heartwarming tale In 1929 London, twenty-eight-year-old Lesley Frewen lives a privileged, cultured life. But one thing is missing: love. When her aunt’s female companion suddenly dies, leaving behind a young son, Lesley decides on a whim to adopt four-year-old Patrick—though she doesn’t have any particular affection for children. As soon as Patrick moves in with her, Lesley gets to work using her connections to enroll him in the finest boys’ school. But she quickly discovers London is no place to raise a child, and they relocate to the tiny village of High Westover. The hamlet boasts a post office, a church, and a vicarage. There’s an apple orchard and children for Patrick to play with. However, the country comes with its own set of daunting challenges: Lesley can’t imagine how she’ll entertain her friends there! But ultimately life with Patrick will change her, bringing out her capacity to love and showing her the difference between pleasure and happiness.

"Don't bother with that advertisement... I'll adopt him myself" Lesley made the offer to look after five-year old Patrick Caraigie at a moment when she was feeling disillusioned and unhappy. She had thought, on the impulse, that the child might show her the way to a satisfactory new life. But when she finds that her responsibilities force her to give up the exclusive London flat, the glittering social round, the flattering attention of the opposite sex, she decides to bury herself in a remote country cottage with her small charge. The troubles and trials which now confront her, the awkward weekend visits from her city friends, the natural conclusions drawn by the local inhabitants, are all described with great wit and charm. And, slowly Lesley discovers for herself the important distinction between pleasure and happiness...