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A review by melstephens
The Beast's Garden by Kate Forsyth
5.0
I was visiting a friend in Brisbane and found myself with a few hours to kill and so, naturally, I went to the book store. Having read nearly all of Forsyth's novels, I'd been wanting to read this novel for a few months. I though I'd read the first chapter in store to see if I'd like it. Three hours later and nearly 200 pages in I was transfixed- and late for dinner.
Forsyth has endless talent in her ability to weave and grow a story. When I read her novels I find I'm torn between not wanting the story to end and simultaneously being impatient to know how the story is resolved. The level of historical detail and research is exemplary and creates a highly plausible world for love story of Leo and Ava to unfold. Forsyth masterfully treads the line between historical realism and factual overload, meaning her narrative remains faithful to its World War II context without becoming bogged in historical fact. Forsyth's recontextualising of the 'Beauty and the Beast' myth creates a fresh take on holocaust fiction.
Forsyth has endless talent in her ability to weave and grow a story. When I read her novels I find I'm torn between not wanting the story to end and simultaneously being impatient to know how the story is resolved. The level of historical detail and research is exemplary and creates a highly plausible world for love story of Leo and Ava to unfold. Forsyth masterfully treads the line between historical realism and factual overload, meaning her narrative remains faithful to its World War II context without becoming bogged in historical fact. Forsyth's recontextualising of the 'Beauty and the Beast' myth creates a fresh take on holocaust fiction.