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Bone Meal for Roses
Her mother destroyed her. The garden saved her.
Poppy was six years old when she was rescued from her abusive mother and taken to her grandparents' farm to recover. There, under a wide South African sky, Poppy succumbs to the magic of their garden. Slowly, her memories fade and her wounds began to heal.
But as Poppy grows up into a strange, fierce and beautiful young woman, her childhood memories start to surface. And then a love affair with a troubled older man explodes her world...
Poppy was six years old when she was rescued from her abusive mother and taken to her grandparents' farm to recover. There, under a wide South African sky, Poppy succumbs to the magic of their garden. Slowly, her memories fade and her wounds began to heal.
But as Poppy grows up into a strange, fierce and beautiful young woman, her childhood memories start to surface. And then a love affair with a troubled older man explodes her world...
416 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2016
32 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Sherry
8 books24 followersMiranda Sherry grew up in Johannesburg in a house full of books, and began writing stories at the age of seven. A few decades, and a variety of jobs - from puppeteer to bartender, and musician - later, she is now a full time writer. She continues to live in Johannesburg, with the love of her life, and her two weird cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 3, 2016
I highly recommend reading Bone Meal for Roses by Miranda Sherry. I read Black Dog Summer and loved it. I was so excited to learn that Miranda Sherry has written another novel. Bone Meal for Roses is gorgeously written, it is about a young girl Poppy with a abusive past growing up in the majestic landscape of South Africa. Miranda Sherry has the gift for casting over Poppy's voice. This is such a lovely story that I don't want to give too much away. But I did find the whole story very emotional. I just know that many other readers will feel the same. Bone Meal for Roses is one of those stories that is a must read. I look forward to Miranda Sherry's next novel.
August 17, 2025
This is a book that I haven’t come across before. It is so beautifully written; some wonderful characters, a great sense of place and deeply moving. Highly recommended.
June 7, 2017
I attended a session called Writing Millenials, at Franschhoek Literary Festival, where Miranda Sherry was one of the participants. I had expected something different from the session but was quite taken with Miranda Sherry. I actually bought her book with a view to giving it to a 14-year-old reader for her birthday but wanted to read it to see whether it is suitable. (Unfortunately, I don’t think it is right for that age group but would be suitable for someone 16 or 17+.) This is a great story which is beautifully written. I couldn’t put it down – it captures one’s interest from the first page. It’s a profoundly moving novel with magical descriptions – I could smell the flowers and the fear and the joy! Highly recommended as a light read.
November 20, 2017
Exquisite writing, and a deeply affecting story. From a life of appalling neglect, abuse and squalor, a small girl is taken to live in a place of tranquility and beauty, with the gentlest of people to care for her.
She never wants to leave, but lives are finite and girls grow up. The author is one of those gifted writers who can imagine years of a life without losing the mood of her book or compromising the character of her protagonist, who is skillfully developed, always consistent.
Subtle, delicately sensual, and so beautiful it makes your breath catch.
She never wants to leave, but lives are finite and girls grow up. The author is one of those gifted writers who can imagine years of a life without losing the mood of her book or compromising the character of her protagonist, who is skillfully developed, always consistent.
Subtle, delicately sensual, and so beautiful it makes your breath catch.
Want to read
March 9, 2021Never heard of this author before but one of her other book popped up on Elena Reads Books channel and frankly the title caught me ...
May 25, 2021
Enjoyed this would recommend
April 20, 2018
Finally a cracking good, modern story set in South Africa's winelands. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. For full review please visit https://thebooksmithblog.wordpress.com
January 28, 2021
Beautifully written story that takes your breath away! Highly recommended 👍🏻
February 7, 2017
Delightful. I enjoyed the strange phenomenon of a non - story populating an entire book. Kind of plotless, dialogue - less, somewhat superficial it is nevertheless thoroughly enjoyable and engaging. I would suggest that it is remarkable for its simplicity. This has to be something of an art form. Everything from the non - verbal physical encounters to the description of the gardens SHOWS and creates rather than says and tells. Very clever. Communicates by omission allowing the reader to fill in the detail and the story. Clever, very clever. Well done Miranda Sherry for capturing the essence of the characters, creating the atmosphere and conveying something unique and special.
July 17, 2017
This is a beautifully written book set in South Africa with breathtaking descriptions of nature and plants. Poppy is the daughter of a drug addict and has had an unfortunate start in life, until one day when she is around six years old, she is rescued by her grandfather who was visiting by chance. The rest of the novel is about her coming of age and coming to terms with her sad beginnings.
As I have said, the writing is beautiful and I really did enjoy the quiet plot. However, Not much really happened so this was a three star read for me.
As I have said, the writing is beautiful and I really did enjoy the quiet plot. However, Not much really happened so this was a three star read for me.
February 7, 2017
For my written review, please check out the link below:
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
February 21, 2022
I hate giving South African books less than stellar reviews, but while there were parts of this I enjoyed, I confess that I kept being drawn out of this book because I didn't believe the way the plot was developing.
Let's talk plot for a moment. Poppy is rescued by her grandfather from her mother who has a very serious drug problem. He takes the damaged child home to a small town in the Western Cape - wine country - where she heals while enjoying the beauty of the garden and finding safety and love from her grandparents. This part was enjoyable. I am a gardener myself and can see how this connection to the earth could be healing.
But.
Legally, Poppy (now known as Sam) should never have worried about her drug-addict mother coming to reclaim her as the law would not have allowed it. The law would never allow a child to be placed in danger - especially when it is so obvious. How does no one know this? Also, this is also one of those stories which centres on one of my pet hates. One 2 minute conversation could have solved the entire thing. Instead, while knowing that the child had genuine concerns (what happens to me when you die, old grandparents?), they kept it all a huge secret, creating so much fear and worry - and unnecessary storyline.
I also have no idea why the narration had to leave Sam and follow another guy after their 'encounter'. His role in the story was not Sam's story, so in my opinion, he was superfluous.
By the looks of other reviews my feelings are definitely in the minority. I know I have sounded really harsh here, but I feel a bit of editing could have shaped this book into something fabulous.
Let's talk plot for a moment. Poppy is rescued by her grandfather from her mother who has a very serious drug problem. He takes the damaged child home to a small town in the Western Cape - wine country - where she heals while enjoying the beauty of the garden and finding safety and love from her grandparents. This part was enjoyable. I am a gardener myself and can see how this connection to the earth could be healing.
But.
Legally, Poppy (now known as Sam) should never have worried about her drug-addict mother coming to reclaim her as the law would not have allowed it. The law would never allow a child to be placed in danger - especially when it is so obvious. How does no one know this? Also, this is also one of those stories which centres on one of my pet hates. One 2 minute conversation could have solved the entire thing. Instead, while knowing that the child had genuine concerns (what happens to me when you die, old grandparents?), they kept it all a huge secret, creating so much fear and worry - and unnecessary storyline.
I also have no idea why the narration had to leave Sam and follow another guy after their 'encounter'. His role in the story was not Sam's story, so in my opinion, he was superfluous.
By the looks of other reviews my feelings are definitely in the minority. I know I have sounded really harsh here, but I feel a bit of editing could have shaped this book into something fabulous.
November 19, 2017
WOW! that was intense!! What a great read.
I'm surprised this book has only 79 reviews. why isn't it discovered by the masses yet?
This is the story of Poppey/Sam, a young abused girl by her crack addict mother. And her journey of healing, and self discovery lassed with dread and a lot of tension (ulser causing kind of tension)
The book strarted with poppey's days of abuse and neglect. It was so vived I wanted to beat the hell out of Youlande/the mother. I know it's a fictional character but I never hated character like I hated her.
I usually don't like sad books, so after a few chapters I went again to read the book's discreption to see how long this will continue.
To my relief a silver lining was in the making and the plot took a more positive turn.
Poppey was saved by a garden, this reminded me of The Secret Garden. It felt refreshing. With high hopes I continued to read about her daily discoveries of mundane things, like spiders horses and flowers. it was charming.
Sadly this didn't last for long. The plot twists again and she is faced with three major events that will flip her life upside down. Reading through them felt exhausting at some point, I was living her panic and felt the bitter taste of bile in my mouth. I was weary of continuing sometimes.
Gladly it ended on a positive note.
I think it's worth all the tension.
I'm surprised this book has only 79 reviews. why isn't it discovered by the masses yet?
This is the story of Poppey/Sam, a young abused girl by her crack addict mother. And her journey of healing, and self discovery lassed with dread and a lot of tension (ulser causing kind of tension)
The book strarted with poppey's days of abuse and neglect. It was so vived I wanted to beat the hell out of Youlande/the mother. I know it's a fictional character but I never hated character like I hated her.
I usually don't like sad books, so after a few chapters I went again to read the book's discreption to see how long this will continue.
To my relief a silver lining was in the making and the plot took a more positive turn.
Poppey was saved by a garden, this reminded me of The Secret Garden. It felt refreshing. With high hopes I continued to read about her daily discoveries of mundane things, like spiders horses and flowers. it was charming.
Sadly this didn't last for long. The plot twists again and she is faced with three major events that will flip her life upside down. Reading through them felt exhausting at some point, I was living her panic and felt the bitter taste of bile in my mouth. I was weary of continuing sometimes.
Gladly it ended on a positive note.
I think it's worth all the tension.
Read
December 2, 2024Good proofreading, story, and ending. But the (XTPB) ISBN -73018 does not match the cover (blue-green central background) or the number of pages (348).
You have to be half-way through before finding the first meaning of the title!
Some unusual words, some of which are presumably common in South Africa: bakkie, zub, blind-drunkest. Some good expressions, e.g.: "Poppy shrinks from the changing weather that flickers inside her mother's eyes"; "Privilege seemed to coat Liezette like the bloom on a ripe grape"; "little daughter leaping from the back of the sofa and yelping like a basket of poodles"; "leaden sky ... presses low over the garden with a belly full of waiting rain"; "The frantic-seeming churn of humanity and progress and commerce clings to the hem of the famous flat-topped mountain and pulses and breathes beneath its stony gaze."
Not quite enough commas. In several places "hey?" should probably be "eh?"
The few other quibbles:
p 26 "pupae" should be "pupa"
p 53 "whose" should be "who's"
p 134 "grown-up's" should be "grown-ups'"
I barely noticed the use of "I" for "1". Regrettably common publisher's "error".
You have to be half-way through before finding the first meaning of the title!
Some unusual words, some of which are presumably common in South Africa: bakkie, zub, blind-drunkest. Some good expressions, e.g.: "Poppy shrinks from the changing weather that flickers inside her mother's eyes"; "Privilege seemed to coat Liezette like the bloom on a ripe grape"; "little daughter leaping from the back of the sofa and yelping like a basket of poodles"; "leaden sky ... presses low over the garden with a belly full of waiting rain"; "The frantic-seeming churn of humanity and progress and commerce clings to the hem of the famous flat-topped mountain and pulses and breathes beneath its stony gaze."
Not quite enough commas. In several places "hey?" should probably be "eh?"
The few other quibbles:
p 26 "pupae" should be "pupa"
p 53 "whose" should be "who's"
p 134 "grown-up's" should be "grown-ups'"
I barely noticed the use of "I" for "1". Regrettably common publisher's "error".
February 17, 2021
This isn't my usual book at all, but a fantastic cheap book deal persuaded me to buy this (and 14 others).
It's quite an emotional read at the start. The descriptors throughout definitely enabled me to see everything the MC saw which is not always the case in some of these books (for me, anyway!)
It's not a dramatic adventure, it's slower paced and story rich with not much happening between a couple of major events. Until you get to the end where they wrap everything up in a few pages and it's suddenly fast paced with A LOT happening.
I don't feel that the affair with the married man added much value, she could still have had a coming of age story without that detail but was still interesting to read nonetheless. Pleasantly surprised and glad I went out if my comfort reading zone!
It's quite an emotional read at the start. The descriptors throughout definitely enabled me to see everything the MC saw which is not always the case in some of these books (for me, anyway!)
It's not a dramatic adventure, it's slower paced and story rich with not much happening between a couple of major events. Until you get to the end where they wrap everything up in a few pages and it's suddenly fast paced with A LOT happening.
I don't feel that the affair with the married man added much value, she could still have had a coming of age story without that detail but was still interesting to read nonetheless. Pleasantly surprised and glad I went out if my comfort reading zone!
August 26, 2021
Although I found the beginning of the book a bit difficult to read due to the abuse young Poppy suffers, I stuck with it and was rewarded with her being saved by her grandfather. From squalid life in the city she is taken to a dreamy garden and home with a loving if slightly idiosyncratic couple.
The description of the countryside in South Africa and the grandparents' unique home and garden there is vivid and rich, definitely the strength of the book.
The characters in this book are believable; but I found the plot a bit unbelievable. There are a couple of situations that rely on coincidence too heavily. But that said, the story was engaging enough to ignore this plot weakness. The ending was better than I'd expected it to be, though possibly a little too tidy.
The description of the countryside in South Africa and the grandparents' unique home and garden there is vivid and rich, definitely the strength of the book.
The characters in this book are believable; but I found the plot a bit unbelievable. There are a couple of situations that rely on coincidence too heavily. But that said, the story was engaging enough to ignore this plot weakness. The ending was better than I'd expected it to be, though possibly a little too tidy.
December 30, 2022
While the writing and the setting are gorgeous in this South African novel, after getting a little over halfway, I’m putting it down. The story is of the life of a little girl born to an addict mother who is rescued by her grandparents and taken to live in their garden home. When she turns seventeen Sam falls in lust with the neighbour woman’s husband, and he persues a physical relationship with her.
This was a 1 star for me because Sam’s sexual relationship with the husband is wildly uncomfortable. He is cringey and fully neglecting his responsibilities as a husband and father and chooses to lose himself in a lonely 17 year old girl instead of talking to his damn wife. Made me mad and uncomfortable.
This was a 1 star for me because Sam’s sexual relationship with the husband is wildly uncomfortable. He is cringey and fully neglecting his responsibilities as a husband and father and chooses to lose himself in a lonely 17 year old girl instead of talking to his damn wife. Made me mad and uncomfortable.
August 12, 2019
I absolutely fell in love with this book. It rattled my bones, made me laugh and made me cry. A beautiful story told with infinite delicacy and beauty, and I often thought I could smell the flowers in the garden through my imagination.
The underlying story of a child who is saved by her grandparents, from her druggie mother is desperately sad and all too true. As a mother, I found this heart-breaking. As the story progresses, and we follow her slow evolution into young womanhood is also lonely and terrifying and one wants to constantly step into the book and protect her. I would recommend the book to anyone with a love for gardening, South Africa and beautifully written stories. Loved it!
The underlying story of a child who is saved by her grandparents, from her druggie mother is desperately sad and all too true. As a mother, I found this heart-breaking. As the story progresses, and we follow her slow evolution into young womanhood is also lonely and terrifying and one wants to constantly step into the book and protect her. I would recommend the book to anyone with a love for gardening, South Africa and beautifully written stories. Loved it!
February 20, 2023
What a beautiful, beautiful book! The story is a quite one, not with many plot twists or amazing action, and I loved it in it's simplicity. I loved how the vibrant, lush garden and beautiful plants and flowers play a role in this book.
The fact that the book contains Afrikaans was such a delight to read. I love books with culture and parts of a language in it. For this book it was Afrikaans and that is similar to Dutch so I could definitely understand what was said.
I actually found this book on a bargain shelf during my trip to Dublin last month and I had to have this book and started it right away. I'm glad I did.
The fact that the book contains Afrikaans was such a delight to read. I love books with culture and parts of a language in it. For this book it was Afrikaans and that is similar to Dutch so I could definitely understand what was said.
I actually found this book on a bargain shelf during my trip to Dublin last month and I had to have this book and started it right away. I'm glad I did.
April 2, 2020
I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I was given this as a freebie and was initially put off by the title. However I loved this! I loved the relationships with the grandparents and the main characters.
Things I didn’t love - it felt rushed in parts, I don’t feel like the deaths of the grandparents were detailed enough (her emotions).
The ‘affair’ it felt weird and I don’t think it personally worked. I think this almost spoilt the beauty of the story.
I wanted more from the mother in the beginning and ending, also felt rushed and not enough build up.
Things I didn’t love - it felt rushed in parts, I don’t feel like the deaths of the grandparents were detailed enough (her emotions).
The ‘affair’ it felt weird and I don’t think it personally worked. I think this almost spoilt the beauty of the story.
I wanted more from the mother in the beginning and ending, also felt rushed and not enough build up.
May 30, 2017
What a delightful read - my first Miranda Sherry - and I will be back for more for sure.
A beautifully written, simple story that had me laughing and crying, and sneaking 15 minute reading interludes at work because I needed to know what would happen next.
The authors descriptions of the South African landscape are beautiful, she had me smelling the plants she described, hearing the birds, but all the time kept up a good pace that kept me guessing.
A beautifully written, simple story that had me laughing and crying, and sneaking 15 minute reading interludes at work because I needed to know what would happen next.
The authors descriptions of the South African landscape are beautiful, she had me smelling the plants she described, hearing the birds, but all the time kept up a good pace that kept me guessing.
September 29, 2020
4.5* What a beautifully told story of a broken little girl finally getting healed by love. I loved the language. It was soothing to the soul.
I would have given it a full 5 stars, if it wasn't for the discrepancy of staying home to look after a sick grandpa, only to never mention him and being away from him from sunrise to sunset every single day. Something I feel good editing should have picked up.
I would have given it a full 5 stars, if it wasn't for the discrepancy of staying home to look after a sick grandpa, only to never mention him and being away from him from sunrise to sunset every single day. Something I feel good editing should have picked up.
September 22, 2019
I couldn't put this book down. The imagery was heavenly, the characters full of depth (if slightly unrealistic at times) and the story beautiful.
Why the low rating you ask? Mmmm maybe it was the romanticisation of sex with a minor idk. Just me that finds that wildly problematic? Oh ok coolcoolcoolcoolcool nodoubtnodoubt
Why the low rating you ask? Mmmm maybe it was the romanticisation of sex with a minor idk. Just me that finds that wildly problematic? Oh ok coolcoolcoolcoolcool nodoubtnodoubt
February 9, 2022
This was a lovely story pulling you into the fears and insecurity of the main character. It also leads to introspection - what would you have done if you were in that situation?
However, I was disappointed by the end. Yes, it is a very likely ending, for the normal world. But, this story had my imagination create magical gardens and lots of drama. Therefore, I wanted an ending that matched that.
However, I was disappointed by the end. Yes, it is a very likely ending, for the normal world. But, this story had my imagination create magical gardens and lots of drama. Therefore, I wanted an ending that matched that.
June 13, 2017
What an opening to a story! Bone Meal For Roses hooked me from the beginning. I thought I knew where the story was going several times, but this author kept me guessing. There were a few times where Sam's naivete seemed implausible, but otherwise her character growth was excellent.
March 31, 2018
Oh my goodness. I picked this up because I was looking for something different & like that it was a South African author & story!
Wow! What an amazing read. What a talented story teller. I could not put this down!
I definitely recommend it 100%
Wow! What an amazing read. What a talented story teller. I could not put this down!
I definitely recommend it 100%
September 2, 2024
it started it off really nice, got me engaged. The writing was fabulous, until the second half when the storyline of the mc, WHOS A MINOR, had a sexual relationship with a married guy. without that storyline the rest of the book could've been so amazing. dnf
August 26, 2025
that was a good book actually.
i really liked it, different from my usual reads and i appreciate and like that.
i was worried for the turn the book seemed to be taking but everything worked out in a way i liked in the end
i really liked it, different from my usual reads and i appreciate and like that.
i was worried for the turn the book seemed to be taking but everything worked out in a way i liked in the end
August 6, 2017
Loved this book. Well written with exquisite descriptions of landscapes, people and emotions, you get so drawn into the book. Highly recommended.
August 28, 2017
Loved this book. Heartwarming, family ties and coming of age, written in a kind of gentle but oh so real tone! Well worth a read. A great South African author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews