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A review by seventhswan
The Garden Against Time: In Search of a Common Paradise by Olivia Laing
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
I love Olivia Laing, and they've once again produced an incredibly detailed, well-researched, book that draws connections across huge periods of time and locations. I'm sure I wouldn't actually want their life, but they make me believe I want it. The research and writing is excellent throughout and I would highly recommend to a reader interested in gardens, plants, and the politics of the land.
Unfortunately, I don't think I'm that reader - a lot of the accounts of Laing's own garden and various gardens through history were so detailed that I glazed over a bit. I just don't have enough of an interest in the topic to get the most from this book, and the parts I found most engaging were those I'd already read about in Funny Weather. This meant I didn't feel excited to read on, and the book became a bit of slog. I'm sure, though, that the right audience will love this as much as I loved Funny Weather.
Unfortunately, I don't think I'm that reader - a lot of the accounts of Laing's own garden and various gardens through history were so detailed that I glazed over a bit. I just don't have enough of an interest in the topic to get the most from this book, and the parts I found most engaging were those I'd already read about in Funny Weather. This meant I didn't feel excited to read on, and the book became a bit of slog. I'm sure, though, that the right audience will love this as much as I loved Funny Weather.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Child abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, War
Minor: Alcoholism, Infidelity