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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
In a way, this was a very needed bit of escapism. The descriptions if the garden as well as the friendship between Tom and Hatty is really lovely. I enjoyed reading it and wished to explore the midnight garden with them.
It was somewhat weird to read something that provided so little world building or explaining of the whole issue of the midnight garden. But surprisingly I didn't mind it most of the time. I do wish there was a bit more of an explanation what it all meant instead of just saying it was a joined dream. But then again, not having the certainty what was going on was quite nice, too. I didn't quite kniw where the story was going somewhere in the middle part of the book so 4 stars overall
It was somewhat weird to read something that provided so little world building or explaining of the whole issue of the midnight garden. But surprisingly I didn't mind it most of the time. I do wish there was a bit more of an explanation what it all meant instead of just saying it was a joined dream. But then again, not having the certainty what was going on was quite nice, too. I didn't quite kniw where the story was going somewhere in the middle part of the book so 4 stars overall
4.5 stars
Beautiful story.
And with a dry, understated, relatable sense of humor I loved.
Beautiful story.
And with a dry, understated, relatable sense of humor I loved.
Beautiful & haunting story - can't believe I didn't read this until my 29th year!! Classic storytelling, vivid but full of meaning and resonance.
My favorite book as a child. This book is responsible for my book addiction.
Lovely story about a boy who discovers a garden when the clock strikes thirteen and befriends a lonely girl. I stumbled over the book by accident, too -- I had never heard of it before.
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Tom has to leave his home, his parents, his cherished garden, and his brother when measles strike and he has not yet had them. Rushed off to an aunt and uncle’s apartment (flat) dwelling, none of which he cares for, he is sullen, yet truculent, as soon as the car door shuts and his sequestering begins.
A grandfather clock stands in the main hallway of the grand old home, now divided into multi-dwelling families. The proprietor, Mrs Bartholomew, takes residence in the upper most floor, the attic. While the clock keeps impeccable time, it chimes the hours as it chooses. 5 chimes at one, 2 at ten, and so on. Loud, indignant and disruptive. A suffering to be accepted.
It is just the start of his summer. It is the beginning of an adventure. One night, in chiming frustration, the clock rings 13. Perplexing annoyance compels Tom to slither out of his room, out into the shared hall, to investigate a thirteenth hour chime. Unable to see the clock’s face in the dark, he opens a black door to allow moonlight to illuminate his mystery. Once the door is open, however, it’s as if he’s landed in Oz. Feeling lied to of this grand garden’s existence, he plans to flee into it come daylight.
The magic begins. Each night, after all are asleep, Tom goes to the garden and explores. Soon, he sees other people, but only two can see him. A steadfast friendship of tree climbing, exploring and secrets between him and his playmate, Hatty forms.
Hatty is the niece of the home owner. A curmudgeonly woman who has no qualms expressing her disdain at the burden of taking Hatty in after her parents have died. Tom is her solace. Tho neither is quite sure which of them is the ghost, they hardly let that distract from their sheer joy in each other’s company.
The days go on, extended via Tom’s request to stay longer. His own brother, now recovered from his bout of measles awaits his return, but vicariously enjoys the same garden through Tom’s daily letters.
Hatty and the garden follow no schedule, jumping years that Tom takes in stride with each visit. As long as he has both, he is most content.
The beautiful ending was no surprise, and more enjoyable because of such. What a delightful read, for any age, to partake of.