The Gardener of Baghdad

by Ahmad Ardalan

Two people, one city, different times; connected by a memoir. Can love exist in a city destined for decades of misery?Adnan leads a weary existence as a bookshop owner in modern-day, war-torn Baghdad, where bombings, corruption and assault are everyday occurrences and the struggle to survive has suffocated the joy out of life for most. But when he begins to clean out his bookshop of forty years to leave his city in search of somewhere safer, he comes across the story of Ali, the Gardener of Baghdad, Adnan rediscovers through a memoir handwritten by the gardener decades ago that beauty, love and hope can still exist, even in the darkest corners of the world.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Middle East, Romance, Historical, Books About Books, Book Club

226 pages, Paperback

First published July 29, 2014

About the author

Ahmad Ardalan is an ongoing cancer fighter. He was born in Baghdad in 1979. At the age of two, he moved with his parents to Vienna, Austria, where he spent most of his childhood and underwent his primary studies. After his father's diplomatic mission finished at the end of 1989, he returned to Iraq, where he continued his studies and graduated from the University of Dentistry. As a result of the unstable political, military, social, and economic conditions in his home country, Ahmad decided to leave Iraq and move to the UAE. After facing difficulties to pursue his career in dentistry, he opted to pursue employment in the business world. Since then, Ardalan has held several senior roles within the pharmaceutical and FMCG industries, throughout much of the Middle East. His early childhood in a mixed cultural environment, as well as his world travels, increased his passion for learning about cultures of the world and inspired him to pen The Clout of Gen, his first novel. After eleven years of being away, Ahmad returned to Baghdad in January 2013 on a visit that was full of mixed emotions. Inspired by his trip to Iraq, he wrote his second novel, The Gardener of Baghdad. He did not stop there, as "Matt" his latest Short Story Thriller Series became available 2015. The Gardener of Baghdad, opened readers’ eyes to a different picture of the city they had heard of. With hope and love as his message, Ardalan released Baghdad: The Final Gathering, and followed it by The Boy of the Mosque. A recent trip to Paris, strolling around the beautiful galleries of Le Marais inspired him to write his latest novel The Art Collector of Le Marais

Reviews

[Cassandra Scearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was not sure when I first came across this book. I thought the cover was very interesting and the description pulled me in a bit more. So I added it to my shelves to read.

I can't even express the awe I am feeling as I finish this book...

This is the true definition of a love story. Nicolas Sparks is going to have a run for his money when Ahmad Ardalan is discovered by the public at large.

The book opens in a bookstore in Baghdad in modern day times with the unrest and political fighting that is going on today. A bookstore owner is afraid for his family but is undecided about leaving his beloved bookstore that had been handed down from father to son. While going through the bookstore he discovers a hidden memoire.

In this memoire you are transported to Baghdad in the 1950s. You follow the life of a young farm boy who grew up loving his homeland, the English language, gardens, and a British young woman. Coming from two worlds can have its own problems but political unrest make it even more harrowing.

You are seeing the impact of the story on that bookstore owner and both of you want to find out what happens to the gardener of Baghdad.

I can't tell you more because you HAVE to discover this book for yourself. I recommend this book for anyone and everyone. I would have to say it is now on my favorites list!!!!!

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gardener of Baghdad was a lovely tale of hope and love and survival in the midst of a country in upheaval that is beautifully told from the perspective of two men living in Baghdad at very different times and connected by a handwritten memoir tucked away on a bookshelf in a bookstore in Baghdad. Adnan is struggling about whether to flee from war-torn Iraq meaning that he would have to sell his bookshop in Baghdad begun by his father in 1944. And after the latest car-bombing, Adnan ultimately decides that it would be best to do as his wife has been begging and leave the country. Torn by his decision with sadness and grief, he is looking at the private collection of masterpieces, most over fifty years old with rare and unique books treasured by he and his father over the years. While dusting the books, a book fell from the shelf as well as a small, leaf-shaped locket embedded with two green emeralds. And from the cover of book fell paper scribed in black ink, all in English except for a few Arab words here and there.

For several days Adnan remained at the bookshop at night reading the memoir written by Ali, known as the Gardener of Baghdad. This was a beautiful book in that it gave a lot of the history of Iraq as well as descriptions of the beautiful countryside. Clearly Adnan was so moved by the memoir written decades before giving him hope in the midst of war. Adnan is then determined that he must see if he can find any of the people key to this memoir which then leads to many startling revelations.

"This novel speaks about a flower. . .
The true red rose in my life,
The rose that represents existence, beauty and class.
Baghdad."

I was so moved by the author's beautiful and final note to his fellow Iraquis as follows:

"A nation that has a rich past will always have a future. We are the oldest civilzation in the world. We will rise again and live as one."

[John Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an eye-opening and inspiring story! Iraq is a country the U.S. destroyed in a war built on deceptions. In the ramp up to dismembering this once beautiful land, we were of course subjected to the usual dehumanizing propaganda. Americans are so abysmally unaware of the histories and cultures of other countries, when subjected the mechanisms of mass brainwashing, it's easy for most of us to forget that millions of stories had been unfolding in these faraway places -- not all that dissimilar in important ways from our own -- since time immemorial. This book tells the both inspiring and heartbreaking story of one man's pursuit of excellence in his craft and the woman who stole his heart. There's no Hollywood ending here. The poisoning of everything by twisted geopolitical priorities and national loyalties made sure of that. This novel put human faces on the consequences of decisions made by our government and other world powers, a revelation which was both disturbing and disheartening. It didn't bode well for the Gardner of Baghdad, nor does it bode well for future generations when madmen are inevitably put at the helm, steering the ships of state like steamrollers over the lives of good, decent regular people.

[Jerry Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to really like this book. It started a bit slowly, but I became quite enthralled by the way the story developed. I might never have read it if I had not become involved in a discussion with the author on Goodreads, but I am really glad that I did. Baghdad today tends to get a bad press, with regular car bombings, murders etc., but the gentleness of this story is in complete contrast to the news headlines. Just about all the characters (except for an English army major) seemed to emphasise the underlying civilisation of the country of Iraq as well as the city of Baghdad. The plot developed in a gentle sort of a way without ever losing pace, and although I thought I knew what would happen, I kept reading because I cared about almost everyone in the book, not just the two lovers.

Having read this story, I feel that I would really like to visit Baghdad and Iraq, if it ever became safe to do so, which is quite something given the regular ugly headlines. I think that is probably the best compliment I can offer. Few other books have affected me quite as much.

[Lela · Rating 3 out of 5]

A love story between two people from different worlds in a beautiful, troubled old city. The descriptions of the gardens and homes of the rich drew a picture of opulence without a trace of anger. Ali, an Iraqi young man and rsther famous gardener falls cock-a-hoop over Mary, the daughter of a British general, part of the ruling regime. This is a forbidden love in two ways: first, she's wealthy and he is not and second he is Iraqii while Mary id British. Big no-no! Their story is told by Adnan, a book storeowner who discovers a letter and a locket hidden in an old book. Adnan becomes totally caught up in Ali and Mary's story, staying up to read it in the shop instead of going home. When the writings end, he goes looking for more information. In a word, he is obsessed. Ali's and Mary's love story is sweet and charming but the best part of the book for me was learning about Iraq and its people and customs. The writing is pretty good; the characters could have used more development. There are some interesting surprises! A solid 3.5 but not quite a 4.

[Kristine · Rating 1 out of 5]

It is difficult to believe a book that is so poorly written gets published; the story has some intrigue, but the trite phrases used on every page: "love of my life", "my precious butterfly", "her green eyes sparkled like diamonds" were horrible to read. The telling of this story could have been at least a million times better with a good editor. Would have gone on my "did not finish" list if it wasn't a book club read.

[Kätlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book totally by accident when browsing the titles available at the Kindle Owners' Lending Library and decided to give it a shot, as I like reading books that give me a glimpse at a country and culture different from mine. The short description sounded interesting too.

The story itself was cute, if a bit sappy, and I generally enjoyed it. I would probably have liked it more and given a higher score, if there weren't for the shortcomings though.

The writing style seemed too simplistic, lacking in detail. The descriptions of people, places and things were almost universally very short and general. The characters were quite black or white, the protagonists all being perfect people: honest, beautiful, successful, dignified, brave and flawless. The only person who could really be called an antagonist was in contrast a rude, aggressive, crazy, murdering lunatic. The characters just lacked depth and development. I was also very surprised when Ali, who had so far been a calm, nice, sensitive man who liked gardening, suddenly thought that he'd like to beat up some teenagers who were misbehaving and rude on a train, and later on threatened to kill his cousin if he did something he didn't like. Where did that suddenly come from? It didn't really seem like something he'd think or say at all.

The love story was one with almost epic proportions, but it seemed lacking in believable premise and detail too. Ali, the main character, saw Mary, his beloved, and just fell in love instantly because of her pretty hair and beautiful eyes and decided that he will make her his right there and then, without knowing the first thing about her and despite her not even speaking to him at first. I am a woman so maybe I don't know how men think and feel, but it all seemed rushed.

The last few pages and the resolution was a bit too unbelievable, too much of a coincidence for my taste too.

All in all a nice story, just not written too well, so I got less enjoyment out of it than I expected.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about the Baghdad of old as well as the developing romance between Ali the gardener and Mary, the daughter of the British Governor. The story is told through the eyes of Adnan, a bookseller ready to pack up his bookstore after the latest bombing when he comes across Ali's memoir. This is a book that works on many levels; first and foremost it's a romance but it's also deeper than that embodying cultural differences, nostalgia but above all it's the story of hope. The writer not only expresses hope that true love can ultimately triumph but also that good can come from evil and that we learn from the mistakes of the past. Although saddened by the picture of modern day Baghdad that is painted, I am heartened as well by the hope of the author that one day the warring factions will stop fighting and come together to rebuild the city. It may seem far-fetched at the moment but just like the path of true love, we have to believe in the future.

[kelly Baucom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!!!

One of the best books I have ever read!!! I couldn’t put it down! I have also suggested it to our bookclub.
Beautiful absolutely beautiful.

[DubaiReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baghdad, city of romance.
This book was an interesting balance between the violent Baghdad of today and the genteel place of luxury gardens that it once was.

Current day Adnan struggles to run his bookshop amongst bombings, terror and intermittent electricity. His wife is desperate to leave the city, but Adnan is attached to the shop, which he inherited from his father. Although he has reluctantly agreed to leave, he is still nostalgically pottering around, when he comes across an old handwritten memoir hidden on shelves right at the back.
It immediately grabs his attention and he spends several nights ensconced in the shop, reading by candlelight.

The manuscript details the story of Ali, a young farmer who branches out into gardening and makes quite a name for himself in 50's Baghdad. Unfortunately he falls in love with a young lady whom he is prohibited from marrying. When the narrative of the sad love story comes to a sudden end, Adnan uses his contacts to try and find out what happened - and he takes us with him; we too are longing to know how the story ends.

This book has a beautiful cover, which appealed to me immediately. There is some fairly floral language, but this is not inappropriate when reading a book set in the Middle East. The story is told in an interesting way, using Adnan's bookshop and later his contacts. It is also well read in the audiobook version, by Randal Schaffer.

Ahmad Ardalan has other books set in Iraq and I am hoping that it won't be too long before these are also available as audiobooks.

[Lori Henrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adnan was cleaning up the last of the glass from the latest roadside bomb. Adnan lives in Baghdad and the explosions are becoming commonplace. He is thinking of selling his store until he find a mysterious book among his collection of old books that have been handed down in his family. The book is a hand written journal with a hidden locket inside of it. Adnan sits down to read and is transported back in time to the 1950s and the story of the life of a man named Ali, who became known as "The Gardener of Baghdad".

This was a good story. A love story in part, but also a vivid picture of that time period in Baghdad. It was well written and flowed very well. The ending was surprising but I liked it.

[lucy✨ · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star

This novel fell really flat for me. Not only was the writing lacking in flair or detail, but the nature of the story was too straightforward as well. The writing style left nothing to be imagined or contemplated further; the events were articulated matter-of-factly and when any emotion was expressed, it was in cliched terms. This was most prevalent in the depiction of the romance. The love interest was mostly characterised by her beauty, with repetitive comparisons to flowers or other conventional images. Due to this, the love story failed to elicit any emotion within me. The characters that aided their story were two dimensional as well. Unfortunately, I really couldn’t take away anything from the experience of reading the novel.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful romance set in two separate periods of political turmoil in Baghdad. It opens in contemporary Baghdad. Adnan is cleaning up broken glass from his bookstore's bomb shattered front window, reluctantly concluding tbat he must finally give in to his wife's urging to sell the shop that has been in his family for generations and relocate somewhere safer for his family. While dusting the shelves of special rare books, he discovers that one of the old volumes hides a gold locket and pages of a handwritten memoir. Adnan settles into his favorite chair and starts reading the story of the Gardener of Baghdad, an Iraqi., and the daughter of a British general, Mary, the love of his life, set between 1955 and 1958, the period leading to the assassination of the royal family and end of the British supported monarchy, installed at the end of WWI.

I can't say more or I will spoil it. There is heartbreak and evil of course - have the tissues handy - but there is also joy, and hope, and you are left with a great appreciation of the Iraqi people as they repeatedly love in and survive one era of political turmoil after another. The author, who was born and was a student in Iraq, says in his bio that after returning to a very changed Iraq in 2013, wrote this as a gift to his homeland. A lovely gift it is.

I was particularly pleased that it dovetailed so nicely with my recent read of Desert Queen: The Extraordinary Life of Gertrude Bell: Adventurer, Adviser to Kings, Ally of Lawrence of Arabia by detailing the fall of the British (and Gertrude Bell) supported monarchy.

ATY #6. Book with dual timeline

[Vicky Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words Live Like Memories

Identity. Relationship. Love. Revolution. Baghdad in the fifties. Words shared have a life of their own, just like memories. The Gardener of Baghdad is a story that draws you in with a sense of connection between the characters that are so well developed that they seem like neighbors. Happiness pervades life in Baghdad. But, underneath a current of fear and simmering anger ride waves of race division. But, love finds a way.

I chose this book for my stop in Baghdad on my Journey Around the World in 80 Books for 2018 at the recommendation of a friend. It sounded interesting from the info, but I did not expect the beautiful story that unfolded. This is a fictional read that anyone could enjoy reading from start to finish. And, what a finish! I stopped my Arabian stallion to smell the roses here in Baghdad, and traded him for a ticket on The Great Railway Bazaar with Paul Theroux. And now it is time to board the train to Iran and beyond. All aboard!

[Atalia ☕ · Rating 5 out of 5]

¿Qué puedo decir al respecto? ¡Me encantó!
Esta historia es sobre Adnan, un hombre que tiene una librería (en la época contemporánea) y encuentra las memorias de Ali, un joven jardinero que describe sus vivencias en 1958. Tiene que ver con amor, lucha, sacrificio, perseverancia... Valores que son muy importantes y que, desde mi punto de vista, están bien reflejados; además, la manera en la que todo está descrito te hace sentir dentro de ese lugar, es verdaderamente mágico. Por otro lado, la historia de amor es muy importante, ya que la pareja se tendrá que enfrentar a varios obstáculos para lograr estar juntos. Este libro es una mezcla de la actualidad con el pasado y lo maravilloso que es aprender de él y, si conocen un poco sobre la historia de Medio Oriente o en este caso particular, de Iraq, será mucho más fácil contextualizar los eventos señalados.

[Margaret Crampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The core of this book set in the fifties is a love story between Ali a talented Iraqi landscape gardener and Mary Thompson daughter of a British General based in Baghdad. Ali wrote a memoir of their star crossed romance and while fleeing in chaotic Baghdad left it between the pages of another book in a second hand bookshop. Decades later this handwritten story is found by Adnan the bookshop owner. Adnan reads the memoir and is greatly affected by it and sets out to find those featured in the heartbreaking story. He succeeds and by his efforts and coincidence there is a reunion of the lovers their daughter and Ali's family. This is a brilliant piece of historical fiction and greatly to be recommended.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled with rating this book. I would like to give it 3 1/2 stars. Unfortunately, it wasn't a four star for me.

I enjoyed the story and think that this little book has potential. I think that what it needs is:
* more character development (all the main characters are a bit flat);
* editing to reduce sentence/thought duplication; and,
* re-working of some of the dialogue to improve the flow.

I do love the cover of this book though. It is tremendously appealing.

[Nouri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was always happy to find books that are set in the Middle East as well as my homeland prior to present disorder but during peacetime, and this one brought tears to my eyes! One of the best books I have ever read till now!!! I couldn’t put it down! I have also suggested it to my family and friends. It was Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. Thank you Ahmad for giving me the happy ending. Smiles and hugs. Excellent, excellent story!

[Emmanuel Olawale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story. Wonderful writing. Awesome read.

A page-turner that takes the reader through the political history of Iraq with a captivating love story that touches the heart and quickens the pulse. This novel is one of the best I've read this year, reminiscent of Khalid Hussein's work.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet love story that was revealed in a discovered letter written 50 years in the past. That the events are set both in present-day Bagdhad (by the man who discovers the letter) and five decades earlier makes the story particularly interesting. A very enjoyable read.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most pleasant read

I love this story because of the style of writing was so fresh and endearing. Where such passion and depth of character exist there will always be a rewarding future. Thank you Ahmad for giving me the assurance that what will be will be. Smiles and hugs.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was listening to the book, I was inclined toward 4 stars. Then the epilogue swayed me. I really liked the ending. I think we Americans have a skewed opinion of Iraq. This book paints a picture of ordinary people who face the day to day challenges. I do recommend this book.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a charming, bittersweet love story told through a bookshop owner, Adnan in present day Iraq. He found a diary written in the 1950's by Ali (the gardener of Baghdad) about his life and love for Mary a British Woman, living there in the city.
Adnan, who had been wondering whether or not to sell his shop due to so much unrest in his country, stumbles across this diary, hidden amongst some old books and gets pulled into the story, and the people that he reads about. Wanting to know what happened to Ali and his friends, Adnan searches for someone that may still remember those times. Very well done, and it was nice to hear about the beauty of the country, a bit of it's history and what Baghdad may have felt like in better times.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the story of Ali, Mary and Iraq. It put a human face on a country and people who have too often been victimized. Having said that, I will note that the book lacks many literary conventions and is written in a pedestrian manner. I kept thinking that this book could have been on the par with Khaled Hosseini's Kite Runner, had the author been a more polished writer. Nevertheless, this was a most enjoyable read.

[Jalilah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was both riveting and tender. It is an easy and fast read that takes you into Baghdad in both the 1970s and 2000s. There are two stories in one with the stories merging. My only issue was while I enjoy a good love story I dislike "love at first sight" stories. In spite of this I enjoyed this book every much.

[Danielle Brown-Barba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It did drag a little in the middle, but the ending was worth the time. I HAD to know what became of Ali & Mary. I also had to Google "Baghdad in the 1950's" just to see the imagery so beautifully detailed in Ali's memoir.

[Pedro Puech · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful love story in the 50´s in Iraq, very well told by Ardalan.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can a memoir, a book, bring back hope and love in time of war? A lovely story set in Baghdad - gives insight into Iraq before 50 years of war. And reminder of love, beauty and hope.

[mana · Rating 3 out of 5]

a solid 3,5 out of 5.
this book got me out of my reader’s block. although i don’t like love stories, this book managed to take me to the 1950’s when iraq was different than the current state of affairs. my love for baghdad only grew bigger and deeper, while reading this novel.

i hope you can imagine the huge gardens ali was taking care of, as i could do. i leave you guys with the following quote out of the book:
“it’s not about what direction you should take. it’s about choosing one direction and working to move forward on that path, no matter what.”

[Jan Winje · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing style took about three pages to get accustomed to. After that, do yourself a favour and read this book. It taught me a lot about that region and the people who live there.