Priyanka Kumar's latest work, The Light Between Apple Trees, takes readers on a dazzling and transformative journey to rediscover apples, unearthing a rich and complex history. The book, published in 2026, has been highlighted by Arab News as part of its 'What We Are Reading Today' feature.
From Himalayan Orchards to Santa Fe Discovery
As a child growing up in the foothills of the Himalayas, Kumar was entranced by forest-like orchards filled with diverse and luscious fruit, especially apples. These biodiverse orchards seemed worlds away from the cardboard apples that lined supermarket shelves in the United States. Yet on a small patch of woods near her home in Santa Fe, Kumar discovered a wild apple tree—and the seeds of an odyssey were planted.
A Journey of Rediscovery
In The Light Between Apple Trees, Kumar delves into the history and biodiversity of apples, contrasting the industrial monoculture of modern agriculture with the rich variety of heirloom apples. Her personal narrative weaves together science, culture, and memoir, offering readers a new perspective on a fruit often taken for granted.
According to Arab News, Kumar's book is a 'dazzling and transformative journey' that unearths the deep cultural and ecological significance of apples. The wild apple tree in Santa Fe becomes a symbol of resilience and the possibility of reconnection with nature.
Impact and Significance
The book has been praised for its lyrical prose and insightful commentary on biodiversity and food systems. It encourages readers to look beyond the supermarket and appreciate the rich tapestry of apple varieties that exist worldwide. Kumar's work contributes to a growing conversation about sustainable agriculture and the preservation of heirloom species.
As Kumar writes, her journey is not just about apples but about finding light in unexpected places—a theme that resonates deeply in today's world.
