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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
I almost stopped this one before I got halfway because it wasn't holding my interest. But I pushed through and ended up enjoying it, even though the different timelines and many characters were difficult for me to follow. I think anyone interested in gardening or historical fiction might appreciate this one. My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a galley of this book for review.
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Really nice character writing of a very female driven book, plus one of the characters plays the harp so that’s a win from me
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Three different time periods (1907, 1944, 2021) and the perspectives of five main characters (Venetia, Beth, Stella, Diana, Emma), ready, set, go! What could have been awkward and confusing turned out to be engaging and stirring. I'm really glad that I gave in to the temptation of the charming book cover design. I recommend this book to anyone who hankers for a secret garden.
One oddity: 2021? The lifestyle portrayed in the modern story thread best matches the pre-COVID Y2K years. Otherwise, this book can no longer be classified as solid historical fiction (carefully written, well-researched), moving instead into the realm of fantasy. Will 2021 really be that much better than 2020? What were the editors thinking?
One oddity: 2021? The lifestyle portrayed in the modern story thread best matches the pre-COVID Y2K years. Otherwise, this book can no longer be classified as solid historical fiction (carefully written, well-researched), moving instead into the realm of fantasy. Will 2021 really be that much better than 2020? What were the editors thinking?
Charming, lovely. Downton Abbey in book form with a completely female-focused narrative.
emotional
hopeful
informative
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:
Complicated
Three stars doesn't mean I did not like this book. The premise is fascinating. The story reveals three generations of women who have lived in a stately home with a stunning garden. The story of their lives, the history of the rise and fall of the garden are significant. The writing is good not great. It is more of rough draft for a fabulous mini series by Julian Fellowes. With the right screen writer, it could be a classic. As a book, it needs an editor. The concept, as said, is terrific. I listened to this book. If Juliet Stevenson had read it, perhaps it might have been more convincing.
I loved how all of these women’s lives were entwined. It was a slow build, but I enjoyed it a lot and loved how in the audiobook they used different voice actors for all of the different women. I particularly loved hearing about Diana’s life. It’s so interesting to think about all of the life and stories that have happened in the places you love today.