… review of a novel by Kate Morton.
I know you aren’t supposed to judge a book by it’s cover, but in the literal sense, quite honestly I can’t help it! Being a visual creature, I am drawn to appealing images, and THE FORGOTTEN GARDEN was no exception. It may have been the familiarity of an English cottage pulling at my heartstrings, or was it the following page depicting whimsical fairies? Regardless, I purchased this book a couple of years ago in Montreal, and recently delved in to finally look beyond the cover…
Spanning several generations, the story of THE FORGOTTEN GARDEN weaves the reader through years of family secrets as heartaches and mysteries unfold. A little girl is abandoned on a ship bound for Australia in 1913, her English heritage forgotten until the truth slowly unravels. She lives her life with only part of the mystery solved, and leaves the startling conclusion for her beloved granddaughter to discover.
Family secrets, an authoress, fairy tales with untold depth, the rugged beauty of Cornwall, England and the journey of self-discovery are magically intertwined in this glorious adventure. I know it’s been a good book when I find myself physically aching for the characters as I turn the final page!
While I allow the story to slowly dissipate, I think on what I have gleaned from this read. I like to do this with each book I devour… there is always some nugget to ponder. THE FORGOTTEN GARDEN desperately searches for a sense of belonging, a history; family roots to take comfort in. The thought of digging up my own family history is more terrifying than intriguing (who knows what Olde English shenanigans I could unearth!) but I rest in this truth about my past:
Ephesians 1:4-5 (The Message) “Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!)”
Enjoy THE FORGOTTEN GARDEN, but know that you have been neither forgotten nor abandoned…
