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A review by bookish_manda
The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly is a historical fiction that follows three different timelines with five narrators. Venetia (set in 1907) is a garden designer who creates gardens for wealthy families, and is hired to create a garden for Highbury House. Beth (set in 1944) finds herself working in a farm near Highbury House with the owner Diana and her cook Stella. She is seeking a place where she belongs after being shoved into the world by her aunt. Lastly, Emma (set in 2021) has a passion for reviving historical gardens with her business.
I think the number of narrators was tricky to follow while listening to this audiobook. I think had I read it, I would’ve followed along better. I liked the characters, but I wish there were fewer narrators. Two is usually one too many for me... I would’ve been okay with two timelines instead of three as well. It was a lot.