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Der Schattengarten
Nach einigen Jahren in London kehrt Lucy Briar wieder nach Melbourne zurück. Sie möchte ein ruhiges Leben führen, doch als ihr Vater Ron einen Unfall hat, holt sie ihre Vergangenheit ein. Lucys Vater bittet sie, in Bitterwood Park, dem mittlerweile halb verfallenen Anwesen der Familie, nach einem alten Fotoalbum zu suchen. Mit Bitterwood verbindet Lucy böse Erinnerungen und düstere Träume, die sie seit ihrer Kindheit quälen. Auf der Suche nach dem Album entdeckt sie schließlich ein schreckliches Geheimnis. Und sie muss sich endlich ihren Dämonen stellen ...
480 pages, Paperback
Published February 19, 2018
17 people are currently reading
516 people want to read
About the author
Anna Romer
10 books243 followersAnna Romer is an internationally bestselling Australian author of mystery and romance, both historical and contemporary, with paranormal elements – ghosts, haunted houses, and fairytales. She lives on the coast in North Eastern Australia and when she’s not writing she’s a keen gardener, knitter, bushwalker and conservationist.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 131 reviews
April 9, 2017
Beyond the Orchard is a sweeping saga of dark secrets, shameful lies, forgotten letters, undying love and devastating despair. Romer’s writing is rich and lyrical, her characters compelling.
I love stories told in dual timelines each linking up as the mysteries unfold. Romer’s execution is perfect; never giving away too little or too much, holding the reader captive until the very end.
The subtle introduction of the aboriginal teens was well implemented and Orah’s love for Warra felt real and not over exaggerated.
I never really warmed to the character of Lucy. She seemed bent on her own purpose never really considering other people’s feelings. Her relationship with Morgan was alien to me (not only the 16 year age gap but Morgan being a friend of Lucy’s father and knowing her since she was a young child) so I found it hard to want more from them, although I liked their closeness.
Edwin was intense and complex; everything he did was with great passion. You either loved him or hated him. I don’t think there was any middle ground.
The story within the story, a fairytale reworking with a foreboding atmosphere, pulled me in just as much as the main story.
If you enjoy family sagas with deep secrets that span time and generations you will not want to miss “Beyond the Orchard”.
I received my copy from Simon and Schuster via Netgalley.
I love stories told in dual timelines each linking up as the mysteries unfold. Romer’s execution is perfect; never giving away too little or too much, holding the reader captive until the very end.
The subtle introduction of the aboriginal teens was well implemented and Orah’s love for Warra felt real and not over exaggerated.
I never really warmed to the character of Lucy. She seemed bent on her own purpose never really considering other people’s feelings. Her relationship with Morgan was alien to me (not only the 16 year age gap but Morgan being a friend of Lucy’s father and knowing her since she was a young child) so I found it hard to want more from them, although I liked their closeness.
Edwin was intense and complex; everything he did was with great passion. You either loved him or hated him. I don’t think there was any middle ground.
The story within the story, a fairytale reworking with a foreboding atmosphere, pulled me in just as much as the main story.
If you enjoy family sagas with deep secrets that span time and generations you will not want to miss “Beyond the Orchard”.
I received my copy from Simon and Schuster via Netgalley.
February 20, 2017
Australian gothic fiction is author Anna Romer’s speciality and in her third book, Beyond the Orchard, Romer refines her craft in this genre. Beyond the Orchard is not just an example of superb Australian gothic fiction, it is a tale of romance, family mysteries and the gentle revelation of long held secrets. Romer’s talent in successfully intertwining different historical eras in her novels, extends to her latest book.
In her third novel, Romer focuses in on a story involving a young woman named Lucy Briar, in the year 1993. Lucy has been living in London for the last five years, after escaping a lost opportunity in love. A letter to Lucy from her distant grandfather Edwin Briar, stating he has a big secret to reveal, lures Lucy back to Melbourne. Leaving her life and fiancé back in London, Lucy returns to Melbourne but not in enough time. Lucy’s grandfather passes away, before he could tell Lucy about this hidden secret. Lucy is encouraged to visit her Grandfather’s country estate called ‘Bitterwood’ by her father Ron, to retrieve an important family photo album. It is hoped that this album will help unlock the secrets to Edwin Briar’s past, a past he wished to unburden himself from prior to his death. In conjunction with Lucy’s journey, is that of Orah, a young woman who miraculously survives a shipwreck in the 1930’s. Saved by two indigenous children, Warra and Nala, Orah is given refuge at Edwin Briar’s home. Beyond the Orchard explores Lucy’s connection to the secrets of Bitterwood and the significance of Orah, culminating in a spectacular conclusion, once the dark mystery of Edwin’s past is eventually uncovered by Lucy.
Anna Romer has dazzled me once again with her beautiful new novel, Beyond the Orchard. I quickly became a devoted fan to Romer’s writing, after falling in love with her debut novel back in 2013, Thornwood House. It is safe to say I have fallen in love all over again with everything this talented writer has to offer. From the stunning gothic location, the intriguing mystery surrounding Lucy’s grandfather Edwin’s secret, Lucy’s contemporary romance that veers from the norm, the two very brave indigenous characters – Nala and Warra, to the shadowy yet poignant presence of shipwreck survivor Orah. Beyond the Orchard succeeds in successfully offering the reader the perfect blend of a stunning setting, compelling characters and a well written narrative.
Readers old and new to Romer’s work will find it hard pressed not to feel bewitched by Romer’s writing. Romer’s prose is highly lyrical, offering a window into the heart and soul of both her characters and setting. Romer’s delicate choice of words, are rich in imagery and tantalise the reader. There are also plenty of subtle hints events in the past that informs the present day lives of Lucy and her father Ron. Romer’s writing also offers a direct glimpse into the soul of the characters that populate Beyond the Orchard.
Beyond the Orchard is a book that has so much to offer the reader. The narrative gently shifts in time frames and I experienced no issues at all in following the alternating time periods. Contained within the narrative are some subtle themes and messages to be taken away, from the historical treatment of the indigenous, to an exploration of post natal depression in the past. In addition, there is an enthralling fairytale retelling contained within the narrative, giving Beyond the Orchard a book within a book feel. I loved this part of the book, as it also linked to the mystery side of the novel. The central mystery, focussed on the presence of a young shipwreck survivor Orah and her significance to Edwin and Lucy Briar, was the primary reason I couldn’t not put this novel down. Finally, I have to mention the hidden icebox as well as the abandoned orchard – they just blew me away!
There is no question that Beyond the Orchard is a novel I will happily endorse over and over again. This exquisite tale of loneliness, romance and dark family secrets, receives a full five star rating from this reader.
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
In her third novel, Romer focuses in on a story involving a young woman named Lucy Briar, in the year 1993. Lucy has been living in London for the last five years, after escaping a lost opportunity in love. A letter to Lucy from her distant grandfather Edwin Briar, stating he has a big secret to reveal, lures Lucy back to Melbourne. Leaving her life and fiancé back in London, Lucy returns to Melbourne but not in enough time. Lucy’s grandfather passes away, before he could tell Lucy about this hidden secret. Lucy is encouraged to visit her Grandfather’s country estate called ‘Bitterwood’ by her father Ron, to retrieve an important family photo album. It is hoped that this album will help unlock the secrets to Edwin Briar’s past, a past he wished to unburden himself from prior to his death. In conjunction with Lucy’s journey, is that of Orah, a young woman who miraculously survives a shipwreck in the 1930’s. Saved by two indigenous children, Warra and Nala, Orah is given refuge at Edwin Briar’s home. Beyond the Orchard explores Lucy’s connection to the secrets of Bitterwood and the significance of Orah, culminating in a spectacular conclusion, once the dark mystery of Edwin’s past is eventually uncovered by Lucy.
Anna Romer has dazzled me once again with her beautiful new novel, Beyond the Orchard. I quickly became a devoted fan to Romer’s writing, after falling in love with her debut novel back in 2013, Thornwood House. It is safe to say I have fallen in love all over again with everything this talented writer has to offer. From the stunning gothic location, the intriguing mystery surrounding Lucy’s grandfather Edwin’s secret, Lucy’s contemporary romance that veers from the norm, the two very brave indigenous characters – Nala and Warra, to the shadowy yet poignant presence of shipwreck survivor Orah. Beyond the Orchard succeeds in successfully offering the reader the perfect blend of a stunning setting, compelling characters and a well written narrative.
Readers old and new to Romer’s work will find it hard pressed not to feel bewitched by Romer’s writing. Romer’s prose is highly lyrical, offering a window into the heart and soul of both her characters and setting. Romer’s delicate choice of words, are rich in imagery and tantalise the reader. There are also plenty of subtle hints events in the past that informs the present day lives of Lucy and her father Ron. Romer’s writing also offers a direct glimpse into the soul of the characters that populate Beyond the Orchard.
Beyond the Orchard is a book that has so much to offer the reader. The narrative gently shifts in time frames and I experienced no issues at all in following the alternating time periods. Contained within the narrative are some subtle themes and messages to be taken away, from the historical treatment of the indigenous, to an exploration of post natal depression in the past. In addition, there is an enthralling fairytale retelling contained within the narrative, giving Beyond the Orchard a book within a book feel. I loved this part of the book, as it also linked to the mystery side of the novel. The central mystery, focussed on the presence of a young shipwreck survivor Orah and her significance to Edwin and Lucy Briar, was the primary reason I couldn’t not put this novel down. Finally, I have to mention the hidden icebox as well as the abandoned orchard – they just blew me away!
There is no question that Beyond the Orchard is a novel I will happily endorse over and over again. This exquisite tale of loneliness, romance and dark family secrets, receives a full five star rating from this reader.
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
October 22, 2016
4.5★s
When Lucy Briar received the letter from her grandfather she knew she needed to return home to find answers. Alex, her fiancé remained in London and when Lucy saw how happy her father was on her return, she was sorry it had been five years since she’d been home. Melbourne was where her heart was; it was where she’d grown up and where her friends were. But the event of five years previously which had caused her to flee to London hadn’t been resolved…
The sudden shock of her grandfather’s passing then her father’s bad fall where he was hospitalised had her heart in her throat. But when her dad asked Lucy to go to Bitterwood, the home of her grandfather, the place where her father was born and also a place of bad memories for her, Lucy wanted to refuse. But she couldn’t. The bitterness and anger that had stood between her grandfather Edwin, and her father Ron all those years needed resolution. And though Edwin was gone, Lucy wanted to find the answers to her dad’s estrangement of his father.
With her cat Basil by her side, and Morgan wanting to help, Lucy began to sort out Edwin’s life. But what she found was more confusion – the mystery surrounding the early family life in 1931 was deep. Photographs from that long ago time of faces Lucy didn’t recognise made her more determined to discover the truth. But would there be peace and resolution at the end of her search? The secrets which had surrounded Edwin’s life were there to be found…
Beyond the Orchard is another atmospheric and emotional read by Aussie author Anna Romer. The tragedy of the past; the heartbreak and fragility of a love built on secrets and betrayal – this novel has amazing depth and character. I’ve loved this author’s past work and this one didn’t disappoint. I have no hesitation in recommending Beyond the Orchard highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
When Lucy Briar received the letter from her grandfather she knew she needed to return home to find answers. Alex, her fiancé remained in London and when Lucy saw how happy her father was on her return, she was sorry it had been five years since she’d been home. Melbourne was where her heart was; it was where she’d grown up and where her friends were. But the event of five years previously which had caused her to flee to London hadn’t been resolved…
The sudden shock of her grandfather’s passing then her father’s bad fall where he was hospitalised had her heart in her throat. But when her dad asked Lucy to go to Bitterwood, the home of her grandfather, the place where her father was born and also a place of bad memories for her, Lucy wanted to refuse. But she couldn’t. The bitterness and anger that had stood between her grandfather Edwin, and her father Ron all those years needed resolution. And though Edwin was gone, Lucy wanted to find the answers to her dad’s estrangement of his father.
With her cat Basil by her side, and Morgan wanting to help, Lucy began to sort out Edwin’s life. But what she found was more confusion – the mystery surrounding the early family life in 1931 was deep. Photographs from that long ago time of faces Lucy didn’t recognise made her more determined to discover the truth. But would there be peace and resolution at the end of her search? The secrets which had surrounded Edwin’s life were there to be found…
Beyond the Orchard is another atmospheric and emotional read by Aussie author Anna Romer. The tragedy of the past; the heartbreak and fragility of a love built on secrets and betrayal – this novel has amazing depth and character. I’ve loved this author’s past work and this one didn’t disappoint. I have no hesitation in recommending Beyond the Orchard highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
February 14, 2018
Beyond the Orchard started well and engaged my interest early. The premise of the story is good: grandfather requests grand-daughter to come home from UK to coastal Victoria, with promise to reveal something "that will explain everything". Granddad lives alone in a derelict mansion on a remote wind-swept section of the coast - very Wuthering Heights I thought. Family is riddled with lies, secrets and mysteries, making for some highly dysfunctional individuals. Grand-daughter has secret lust for older man, family friend and confidant. All grist to the mill of what should be a ripper Gothic-style story.
To some extent, Anna Romer succeeds in delivering on this promise. However, for me, the story failed to really spark, and it left me a little underwhelmed. I think there are some key issues which dampened my initial enthusiasm:
* Some really clunky sentences and paragraphs that were, in my opinion, over-written and far too wordy (mediocre writing is a guaranteed turn-off for me), a result of poor editing, probably
* Too many minor characters, which resulted in too many minor narrative threads which did not really contribute much to the story
* Too many jumps backwards and forwards in time zones
* Far too long, again a problem of poor editing
* Inconsistences in character development.
I kept reading, trying to immerse myself in what the author had created, but instead I became increasingly confused and/or bored. By about page 400 I was really only reading the book so I could tick it off a book reading challenge. That's a shame, because I think there was a great, gripping story in there somewhere. I just couldn't locate it and get a hold of it. As it stands, it is a good mystery, but not exceptional. Worth 3 stars.
To some extent, Anna Romer succeeds in delivering on this promise. However, for me, the story failed to really spark, and it left me a little underwhelmed. I think there are some key issues which dampened my initial enthusiasm:
* Some really clunky sentences and paragraphs that were, in my opinion, over-written and far too wordy (mediocre writing is a guaranteed turn-off for me), a result of poor editing, probably
* Too many minor characters, which resulted in too many minor narrative threads which did not really contribute much to the story
* Too many jumps backwards and forwards in time zones
* Far too long, again a problem of poor editing
* Inconsistences in character development.
I kept reading, trying to immerse myself in what the author had created, but instead I became increasingly confused and/or bored. By about page 400 I was really only reading the book so I could tick it off a book reading challenge. That's a shame, because I think there was a great, gripping story in there somewhere. I just couldn't locate it and get a hold of it. As it stands, it is a good mystery, but not exceptional. Worth 3 stars.
September 27, 2022
Gelesen bis Seite 67 und nochmal zur Seite gelegt. Eigentlich wollte ich dem Buch bis Seite 100 geben, aber mich zog es einfach nicht zu der Geschichte und nach dem Lesen einiger Rezensionen habe ich es abgebrochen. Die Bewertungen sind großartig, aber mich konnte es auf den ersten Seiten nicht packen. Zwei Zeitebnen sind ok und mag ich grundsätzlich, aber bis auf die Andeutungen von „Geheimnissen“ kam mir das Ganze einfach nicht gut in Schwung. Dann noch eine Passage aus einem Märchenbuch, welches der Vater der Protagonistin schreibt… Das hat mich rausgebracht und mir auch nicht gefallen. Die Geschichte soll sehr komplex sein und auf noch mehr Zeitebnen spielen und darauf hatte ich bei dem jetzt schon etwas ausufernden Schreibstil wenig Lust.
Deshalb abgelesen und jetzt aussortiert. Ist ja auch eine Erkenntnis :)
Deshalb abgelesen und jetzt aussortiert. Ist ja auch eine Erkenntnis :)
June 26, 2020
Beyond the Orchard is an historical novel with dual time frames, a crumbling estate called Bitterwood (great name right?) and family secrets of love, grief and guilt to discover.
Distinctly Australian, I loved the early references to places in Melbourne I instantly recognised, including: Dandenong Road, Elsternwick, Prahran, Geelong and the Great Ocean Road. It certainly gave me a buzz to see Lucy visit these familiar places.
However what hampered my enjoyment further was the sheer number of character points of view combined with the multiple different time frames. Looking back, I counted at least four time periods (1917/1918, 1929/1930, 1977 and 1993) at least five different character perspectives and the manuscript of a fairytale entwined with the story. This was just too much for me.
With all of this going on, the fairytale didn't work for me, the romance didn't interest me and I found it hard to accept the ending. (Peace? I don't think so! Not a spoiler, but hopefully those on the blog tour who have read it will know what I'm referring to here.)
The strongest part of the novel by far was the story of Orah, and I would have preferred to read her story over that of Lucy unravelling her family history at Bitterwood any day. Orah was a fascinating character who really came alive on the page. Her rescue had me gasping in suspense and I found her story moving and definitely memorable.
I haven't read Thornwood House, so I can't compare it to this, but Beyond the Orchard will appeal to readers of Australian fiction and fans of Kate Morton.
* Copy courtesy of Simon & Schuster *
Distinctly Australian, I loved the early references to places in Melbourne I instantly recognised, including: Dandenong Road, Elsternwick, Prahran, Geelong and the Great Ocean Road. It certainly gave me a buzz to see Lucy visit these familiar places.
However what hampered my enjoyment further was the sheer number of character points of view combined with the multiple different time frames. Looking back, I counted at least four time periods (1917/1918, 1929/1930, 1977 and 1993) at least five different character perspectives and the manuscript of a fairytale entwined with the story. This was just too much for me.
With all of this going on, the fairytale didn't work for me, the romance didn't interest me and I found it hard to accept the ending. (Peace? I don't think so! Not a spoiler, but hopefully those on the blog tour who have read it will know what I'm referring to here.)
The strongest part of the novel by far was the story of Orah, and I would have preferred to read her story over that of Lucy unravelling her family history at Bitterwood any day. Orah was a fascinating character who really came alive on the page. Her rescue had me gasping in suspense and I found her story moving and definitely memorable.
I haven't read Thornwood House, so I can't compare it to this, but Beyond the Orchard will appeal to readers of Australian fiction and fans of Kate Morton.
* Copy courtesy of Simon & Schuster *
July 22, 2017
Beyond the Orchard captivated me right from its opening scene. A shroud of mystery hangs heavy throughout this novel, but Anna Romer skillfully parcels out what you need to know at perfect intervals. With a storyline that features multiple characters in several different eras, this novel is a world unto its own. A moody ancient house with secret crevices and hidden truths; stormy nights and angst aplenty. Key ingredients for an absorbing read.
You can't help but be gripped with a feeling of dread as the story progresses, this being one of the many reasons why I couldn't put this novel down. Each of the characters are rich and engaging, their individual stories as well as the way they are all woven together a triumph in character development that many novelists fall short on. I particularly loved the way this family's history was so strongly linked with the present. There was a slight supernatural element to the story that depicted fear and enhanced our imaginings quite brilliantly. The inclusion of the fractured fairytale throughout the novel at key points was storytelling at its best.
As the novel built to its close, I was overcome with a deep sadness for the characters, particularly Edwin, but also Clarice, and of course their son, Ronald. To me, Beyond the Orchard is above all a story that examines love; in all of its varying forms and demonstrations. I am so impressed by Anna Romer's skill as a novelist; this was the first novel of hers that I have read and I will definitely be reading her other two as soon as possible!
You can't help but be gripped with a feeling of dread as the story progresses, this being one of the many reasons why I couldn't put this novel down. Each of the characters are rich and engaging, their individual stories as well as the way they are all woven together a triumph in character development that many novelists fall short on. I particularly loved the way this family's history was so strongly linked with the present. There was a slight supernatural element to the story that depicted fear and enhanced our imaginings quite brilliantly. The inclusion of the fractured fairytale throughout the novel at key points was storytelling at its best.
As the novel built to its close, I was overcome with a deep sadness for the characters, particularly Edwin, but also Clarice, and of course their son, Ronald. To me, Beyond the Orchard is above all a story that examines love; in all of its varying forms and demonstrations. I am so impressed by Anna Romer's skill as a novelist; this was the first novel of hers that I have read and I will definitely be reading her other two as soon as possible!
October 27, 2016
3 1/2 stars A slow burn....
My View:
Anna Romer is a great story teller – I love the way she is able to transport me back in time to a landscape and way of life that has long since disappeared. The best passages in this book I think are the descriptions relating to the early 1930’s. Romer captures the harsh landscapes, the shipwreck, the rescue, the unique friendships and the social mores with pictorial honesty. I feel like I am looking down the lens of a camera when I read these chapters - the people, their day to day activities; their kitchen, jam making, cake making, meals... gardening, chores, isolation…trips into town, socialising…all come alive. What a great way to breathe life into history. Romer agilely jumps between 1930’s to the 1990’s with ease – the two histories slowly collide.
Romer adds another level to this narrative with the addition of a gruesome fairy tale/ parable - slices of which she neatly folds into the script. I could not help but be reminded of Kate Forsyth’s Dancing on Knives – another mystery wrapped in romance edged with a brutal retelling of a fairy tale. Did you feel this connection?
A multilayered read with a little something for everyone – intrigue, mystery and romance peppered with a fairy-tale and a history lesson. Enjoy.
My View:
Anna Romer is a great story teller – I love the way she is able to transport me back in time to a landscape and way of life that has long since disappeared. The best passages in this book I think are the descriptions relating to the early 1930’s. Romer captures the harsh landscapes, the shipwreck, the rescue, the unique friendships and the social mores with pictorial honesty. I feel like I am looking down the lens of a camera when I read these chapters - the people, their day to day activities; their kitchen, jam making, cake making, meals... gardening, chores, isolation…trips into town, socialising…all come alive. What a great way to breathe life into history. Romer agilely jumps between 1930’s to the 1990’s with ease – the two histories slowly collide.
Romer adds another level to this narrative with the addition of a gruesome fairy tale/ parable - slices of which she neatly folds into the script. I could not help but be reminded of Kate Forsyth’s Dancing on Knives – another mystery wrapped in romance edged with a brutal retelling of a fairy tale. Did you feel this connection?
A multilayered read with a little something for everyone – intrigue, mystery and romance peppered with a fairy-tale and a history lesson. Enjoy.
November 24, 2016
Wow. What an amazingly rich and mesmerizing novel, I was hooked right from the start. The story unfolds through two different time frames and two different narrators, the shift in time and is seamless and adds a richness to the unfolding drama that is hard to resist. This is a book about family, promises, secrets and the power of love. I can not recommend this book highly enough. I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
October 14, 2016
Oh so many secrets! Secrets & lies & heartbreak. How much can one family endure?
Another intriguing story from one of my favorite Australian authors. Any book that can keep you up late into the night & desperate to get back to when you do have to put it down for a while is worth every penny. Any book that has you crying your heart out & bereft is worth its weight in gold.
Another intriguing story from one of my favorite Australian authors. Any book that can keep you up late into the night & desperate to get back to when you do have to put it down for a while is worth every penny. Any book that has you crying your heart out & bereft is worth its weight in gold.
February 18, 2022
A beautiful sweeping saga told in multiple timelines spanning the 1930's to the 1990's that blend together the secrets of the past with the present day as the mystery of family secrets unfold. This one had me entranced with its melodic and fairy-tale like writing. A tale of love, long held promises, secrets and heartbreak. It is completely captivating!
Leaving her fiancé behind in London, Lucy Briar returns to her home in Australia. Hoping to ground herself and find answers. Her grandfather, Edwin has sent her a letter and Lucy plans to visit him at his home, Bitterwood Estate, the crumbling family guesthouse to give her answers about her past and what it was that pushed her father, Ron and Edwin apart but unfortunately, he passes away before she arrives.
Her father Ron, after ending up hospitalised needs Lucy to find something for him. An old photograph album at Bitterwood Estate, the very thing that drove Ron and his father Edwin apart.
Bitterwood’s secrets are slowly revealed as Lucy unravels the album’s mysteries in a quest to find answers from the past that Edwin can no longer provide.
Set along the rugged shoreline of The Great Ocean Road, Anna has embedded a vivid description of Bitterwood Estate and its surroundings into my mind with her exquisite writing really giving me the feeling of being in that moment in time.
There is so much to be divulged and keep your interest peaked. Stories within stories and important but subtle themes and messages. A truly spell binding read that will have you turning page after page in your own quest to find out the truth and leave you thinking about it long after you have finished it.
Leaving her fiancé behind in London, Lucy Briar returns to her home in Australia. Hoping to ground herself and find answers. Her grandfather, Edwin has sent her a letter and Lucy plans to visit him at his home, Bitterwood Estate, the crumbling family guesthouse to give her answers about her past and what it was that pushed her father, Ron and Edwin apart but unfortunately, he passes away before she arrives.
Her father Ron, after ending up hospitalised needs Lucy to find something for him. An old photograph album at Bitterwood Estate, the very thing that drove Ron and his father Edwin apart.
Bitterwood’s secrets are slowly revealed as Lucy unravels the album’s mysteries in a quest to find answers from the past that Edwin can no longer provide.
Set along the rugged shoreline of The Great Ocean Road, Anna has embedded a vivid description of Bitterwood Estate and its surroundings into my mind with her exquisite writing really giving me the feeling of being in that moment in time.
There is so much to be divulged and keep your interest peaked. Stories within stories and important but subtle themes and messages. A truly spell binding read that will have you turning page after page in your own quest to find out the truth and leave you thinking about it long after you have finished it.
September 26, 2016
An absolutely beautiful read
October 23, 2016
It's 1993 and Lucy has returned to Melbourne after living in London for the past 5 years. She ran away from her attraction to older family friend Morgan and now she's back in Melbourne for family reasons. Her father is a successful novelist who rewrites fairy tales and she illustrates his books and it is he that requests that she go to the old family home called 'Bitterwood', where her Grandfather has recently passed away to try and find an old photo album.
But there are secrets at 'Bitterwood' and these begin to unravel while she is there. Morgan joins Lucy at Bitterwood as her father has asked him to look out for her and he helps her with her family history while rediscovering their attraction to each other.
I think I did this book a bit of a disservice. There are multiple time lines throughout the book and while they are easy to follow overall, I think I missed a bit in the initial set up due to me picking up and putting the book down frequently in the beginning. This was more to do with life at the time than the story itself but I do think it affected my overall enjoyment as it was a little disjointed.
I also didn't really feel a connection to any of the characters, Lucy was late twenties but she still seemed young compared to Morgan who was only 12 years older. It was Clarice's, Orah's and Edwin's time that I enjoyed best. I liked how the story unfolded and the resolution but I have enjoyed the authors two previous novels more.
I would still recommend this story for good escapism. Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.
November 3, 2016
In 2013 Anna Romer released her much-lauded debut novel Thornwood House. I completely missed that, but around this time in 2014 I read and reviewed Anna Romer's second book, Lyrebird Hill, a quintessentially Australian novel unfolding in two timeframes. In that review I commented on my usual reticence to read historical fiction, but found myself intrigued by the secrets, lies and family drama being unearthed.
Romer's topped that with her latest novel, Beyond the Orchard. It's a book that took me by surprise, forcing me to read it in a sitting (!!!). Romer's talked in interviews about her inspiration - from stories, fairytales and legends and her fascination with old letters, diaries and long-held secrets. It brings a lyrical and almost mystical quality to her work that has the ability to enchant readers.
I adored this novel which features great prose and an intriguing narrative (not to mention the re-imagining of a more macabre Rumpelstiltskin). In Lyrebird Hill I felt drawn to the characters in one of the plots over the other, but this time around, both had me well and truly invested.
Check out my website for an interview with author Anna Romer about settings: time and place: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
Romer's topped that with her latest novel, Beyond the Orchard. It's a book that took me by surprise, forcing me to read it in a sitting (!!!). Romer's talked in interviews about her inspiration - from stories, fairytales and legends and her fascination with old letters, diaries and long-held secrets. It brings a lyrical and almost mystical quality to her work that has the ability to enchant readers.
I adored this novel which features great prose and an intriguing narrative (not to mention the re-imagining of a more macabre Rumpelstiltskin). In Lyrebird Hill I felt drawn to the characters in one of the plots over the other, but this time around, both had me well and truly invested.
Check out my website for an interview with author Anna Romer about settings: time and place: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
March 8, 2017
A story that moves between the past and the present, with intrigue, passion, betrayal and the metafictive use of a dark fairy-tale – it’ll be no surprise to anyone that I loved Beyond the Orchard, the first novel of Anna Romer’s that I have read.
I loved the name of the heroine – ‘Lucy Briar’ – and the name of the house – ‘Bitterwood’. Names are always very important to me, and I love it when an author takes care in crafting their names. I also loved the setting – an old house set on cliffs with a creepy ice house in the gardens. The scenes set in the 1930s were particularly powerful, and I loved the us evocation of the Australian landscape.
The story is a complex one, with a great many characters and numerous different time periods, but I thought the numerous narrative threads were woven together with a light hand, and I never got confused about who was who and when was when.
The mysteries hidden in the past were truly suspenseful, and I found myself turning the pages faster and faster, really wanting the secrets to be revealed.
All in all, Beyond the Orchard is a tantalising mix of mystery and romance – Anna Romer weaves together the past and the present with a deft hand, creating a compelling page-turner with a shadowy fairy-tale-like atmosphere.
I loved the name of the heroine – ‘Lucy Briar’ – and the name of the house – ‘Bitterwood’. Names are always very important to me, and I love it when an author takes care in crafting their names. I also loved the setting – an old house set on cliffs with a creepy ice house in the gardens. The scenes set in the 1930s were particularly powerful, and I loved the us evocation of the Australian landscape.
The story is a complex one, with a great many characters and numerous different time periods, but I thought the numerous narrative threads were woven together with a light hand, and I never got confused about who was who and when was when.
The mysteries hidden in the past were truly suspenseful, and I found myself turning the pages faster and faster, really wanting the secrets to be revealed.
All in all, Beyond the Orchard is a tantalising mix of mystery and romance – Anna Romer weaves together the past and the present with a deft hand, creating a compelling page-turner with a shadowy fairy-tale-like atmosphere.
October 14, 2016
Well the lovely Anna has done it again, another classic Australian story of love, despair, and hope. If you don’t live in Australia then reading one of Anna’s novels really does give you a feel for the Australian landscape, it’s native creatures and flora and fauna. I always learn something new and interesting in Anna’s books and this time it was the fascinating story of silk worms.
I was hooked from the first page and I love nothing more than getting wrapped up in secrets and stories of the past and then being transported back to the present. I recently visited the Great Ocean Road and the beautiful part of our country along the Victorian coastline. Anna’s descriptions make it easy to imagine being there at that exact location.
A beautiful story full of heartbreaking secrets….expect to shed a tear or two!
I was hooked from the first page and I love nothing more than getting wrapped up in secrets and stories of the past and then being transported back to the present. I recently visited the Great Ocean Road and the beautiful part of our country along the Victorian coastline. Anna’s descriptions make it easy to imagine being there at that exact location.
A beautiful story full of heartbreaking secrets….expect to shed a tear or two!
February 23, 2019
I enjoyed this, although I listened as an audiobook, and all the different time frames became a bit confusing, especially in the beginning. It might have been easier if I’d been reading as an ordinary book and could flip back to check the dates.
I felt one of the characters was inconsistent, in some respects - which was probably done in order to make us feel a certain way about the character, and then, with more information, we’re led to feel a different way, but it seemed a bit clumsy, to my way of thinking.
But all in all, an entertaining read and an intriguing mystery.
I felt one of the characters was inconsistent, in some respects - which was probably done in order to make us feel a certain way about the character, and then, with more information, we’re led to feel a different way, but it seemed a bit clumsy, to my way of thinking.
But all in all, an entertaining read and an intriguing mystery.
October 8, 2016
Beyond the Orchard
by Anna Romer
Published November 1 2016 – Cammeray, NSW
This story follows Lucy Briar who has returned to Australia after a self-imposed exile to London for several years. She is happily engaged or so she says, but the past has been creeping back and now she must face it before she can move on. With her father taken ill it falls to Lucy to unravel the mysteries of the Briar family past and to face the ghosts of the family estate Bitterwood Park.
The vivid imagery and romantic language that Anna Romer creates throughout this tale make it an absolute page turner. The suspense she creates is thrilling, the carefully woven stories are an intricate silken web not unlike that spun by the thousands of silkworms to create a bolt of the softest silk in which you can lose yourself.
A must read for any fans of Australian fiction, I look forward to going back and reading Anna’s other novels – Thornwood House and Lyrebird Hill
Published November 1 2016 – Cammeray, NSW
This story follows Lucy Briar who has returned to Australia after a self-imposed exile to London for several years. She is happily engaged or so she says, but the past has been creeping back and now she must face it before she can move on. With her father taken ill it falls to Lucy to unravel the mysteries of the Briar family past and to face the ghosts of the family estate Bitterwood Park.
“Orah shut her eyes. She could feel the sun on her hair, smell the grass and wildflowers, the salty sea”
The vivid imagery and romantic language that Anna Romer creates throughout this tale make it an absolute page turner. The suspense she creates is thrilling, the carefully woven stories are an intricate silken web not unlike that spun by the thousands of silkworms to create a bolt of the softest silk in which you can lose yourself.
A must read for any fans of Australian fiction, I look forward to going back and reading Anna’s other novels – Thornwood House and Lyrebird Hill
November 19, 2016
Why is there not more of a buzz about this book? Why is Anna Romer not being lauded as the Next Big Thing by the Australian writing community? Because even though this is Romer’s third book, I can’t say I was familiar with her name and I readily admit to choosing this book because of the pretty cover. What a surprisingly enjoyable read Beyond the Orchard turned out to be, however, and I plan on seeking out Romer’s other two novels.
Leaving her fiance behind in London our heroine, Lucy, returns to her home in Australia. She plans on visiting her grandfather, Edwin, at Bitterwood, his home which was once a guest house on the Great Ocean Road. Unfortunately he passes away before she can, meaning that all her questions about the past and her childhood memories remain locked away in Edwin's creepy icehouse.
Lucy needs to learn Bitterwood’s secrets still though, to find closure over her mother’s death at the very least. The book’s mysteries (there are more than one) are slowly revealed to the reader as Lucy unravels their various threads.
Romer’s atmospheric way of writing made Beyond the Orchard feel almost like a gothic thriller at times. The book is written mostly in Lucy’s first point of view, but it does swap to third person scenes in the past featuring Lucy’s various family members. Lucy’s time setting is 1993, meaning there is the opportunity for her grandfather’s story to be set during and just after WW2, and her mother’s in the 70s.
The Great Ocean Road's rugged shoreline and treacherous seas are utilised effectively along with historical settings such as the war and the gold rush. There is also some other interesting details in the book which were unique and obviously well researched, such as breeding silkworms.
There’s an engaging romantic subplot included. Romer writes the UST between Lucy and her friend’s father, Morgan, beautifully. Lucy’s forbidden passion for the older man adds to her heartbreak and I really enjoyed this aspect of the book. I thought there was just the right balance between the mystery and the romance too.
If I had to write a negative, it would probably be about the parallel fairytale supposedly written by Lucy’s father. It was a little contrived for my liking and really, in the end, had little to do with the big reveals. I found myself skimming it on occasion.
It’s a minor gripe though, and I highly recommend this book.
5 out of 5
Leaving her fiance behind in London our heroine, Lucy, returns to her home in Australia. She plans on visiting her grandfather, Edwin, at Bitterwood, his home which was once a guest house on the Great Ocean Road. Unfortunately he passes away before she can, meaning that all her questions about the past and her childhood memories remain locked away in Edwin's creepy icehouse.
Lucy needs to learn Bitterwood’s secrets still though, to find closure over her mother’s death at the very least. The book’s mysteries (there are more than one) are slowly revealed to the reader as Lucy unravels their various threads.
Romer’s atmospheric way of writing made Beyond the Orchard feel almost like a gothic thriller at times. The book is written mostly in Lucy’s first point of view, but it does swap to third person scenes in the past featuring Lucy’s various family members. Lucy’s time setting is 1993, meaning there is the opportunity for her grandfather’s story to be set during and just after WW2, and her mother’s in the 70s.
The Great Ocean Road's rugged shoreline and treacherous seas are utilised effectively along with historical settings such as the war and the gold rush. There is also some other interesting details in the book which were unique and obviously well researched, such as breeding silkworms.
There’s an engaging romantic subplot included. Romer writes the UST between Lucy and her friend’s father, Morgan, beautifully. Lucy’s forbidden passion for the older man adds to her heartbreak and I really enjoyed this aspect of the book. I thought there was just the right balance between the mystery and the romance too.
If I had to write a negative, it would probably be about the parallel fairytale supposedly written by Lucy’s father. It was a little contrived for my liking and really, in the end, had little to do with the big reveals. I found myself skimming it on occasion.
It’s a minor gripe though, and I highly recommend this book.
5 out of 5
November 1, 2016
‘If you could have anything at all, what would it be?’
Lucy Briar returns home to Melbourne, Australia after receiving a letter from her grandfather, Edwin. Lucy’s made a life in London, has a fiancé (Adam) there, but has unfinished business in Australia. And, very quickly after Lucy lands in Melbourne, her life becomes complicated.
‘I realised that the past was never completely gone.’
There are two stories in this novel: Lucy’s story and a story from the 1930s set in her grandfather’s home, Bitterwood Park. The novel shifts between present and past, and I found myself caught up in both looking for connections between the two. Lucy’s father Ron asks her to visit Bitterwood Park, to find an old photograph album. Ron and Edwin were estranged, and while Lucy has her own painful memories of Bitterwood Park, she’s keen to find the album for her father.
Once Lucy gets to Bitterwood Estate, with her newly adopted cat Basil, she finds mystery and confusion. But Lucy is determined to uncover the truth about the past, and while she’s searching for answers in Bitterwood Park she’s also conscious that her own future isn’t as settled as she though it was.
While I enjoyed this novel, it was the mystery of the past rather than Lucy’s contemporary story that particularly held my attention. Slowly, layer by layer, the truth about the past emerges. Just as slowly (or so it seems) Lucy finds her place in the present. Ms Romer has created an engaging page turning read, full of suspense, and as soon as I finished it I looked for her earlier work. I’d not read Ms Romer’s previous two novels (an omission since rectified) and I’ve added her to my ‘must read’ list.
‘A man doesn’t know, does he – what the future will bring. He thinks only of the moment.’
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Lucy Briar returns home to Melbourne, Australia after receiving a letter from her grandfather, Edwin. Lucy’s made a life in London, has a fiancé (Adam) there, but has unfinished business in Australia. And, very quickly after Lucy lands in Melbourne, her life becomes complicated.
‘I realised that the past was never completely gone.’
There are two stories in this novel: Lucy’s story and a story from the 1930s set in her grandfather’s home, Bitterwood Park. The novel shifts between present and past, and I found myself caught up in both looking for connections between the two. Lucy’s father Ron asks her to visit Bitterwood Park, to find an old photograph album. Ron and Edwin were estranged, and while Lucy has her own painful memories of Bitterwood Park, she’s keen to find the album for her father.
Once Lucy gets to Bitterwood Estate, with her newly adopted cat Basil, she finds mystery and confusion. But Lucy is determined to uncover the truth about the past, and while she’s searching for answers in Bitterwood Park she’s also conscious that her own future isn’t as settled as she though it was.
While I enjoyed this novel, it was the mystery of the past rather than Lucy’s contemporary story that particularly held my attention. Slowly, layer by layer, the truth about the past emerges. Just as slowly (or so it seems) Lucy finds her place in the present. Ms Romer has created an engaging page turning read, full of suspense, and as soon as I finished it I looked for her earlier work. I’d not read Ms Romer’s previous two novels (an omission since rectified) and I’ve added her to my ‘must read’ list.
‘A man doesn’t know, does he – what the future will bring. He thinks only of the moment.’
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
March 21, 2017
Beyond the Orchard is a beautifully written book alternating between the past (30’s) where secrets and lies were buried deep all in the name of love and the present (90’s) where love begins to slowly blossom and the secrets are uncovered. An enjoyable read. Beyond the Orchard is my first Anna Romer book and it won’t be my last.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster (Australia) and NetGalley for allowing me to read this e-book for an honest opinion.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster (Australia) and NetGalley for allowing me to read this e-book for an honest opinion.
October 8, 2016
This is the most beautiful story I have ever read! I think it's Anna Romer's best yet!
May 29, 2018
Es konnte mich nicht richtig überzeugen. Zuviel Zeitebenen, zu wirr
July 21, 2025
A really great read - I was sorry to finish it because I enjoyed it so much.
Looking forward to reading more of Anna’s books.
Looking forward to reading more of Anna’s books.
March 12, 2017
4.5 stars. I love all Anna Romer's books, I love family history mysteries, and this is a great one. Orah's story was super interesting. I would have given it 5 stars, but I wasn't completely sold on the Lucy/Morgan relationship.
October 23, 2016
I am an absolute sucker for novels that combine the past and present – even better if there’s a crumbling old house, a multigenerational family mystery and some skeletons in the closet. Anna Romer’s new novel, Beyond the Orchard ticks all of those boxes for me. After a slow start, I was rewarded for my perseverance with a rollicking mystery.
The book opens in Melbourne in the early 1990s. Lucy has returned home to think some things through. She’s engaged to a great man and her work life as an illustrator for her father’s books is going really well. But something seems to be missing and an evasive letter from her grandfather means it’s time to come home. There are quite a few demons from the past for Lucy to contend with at home – the death of her mother, awkward relationship with her father and the lost love of Morgan, who happens to be her dad’s friend and father to the boy who had a teenage crush on Lucy. (Who is now in a relationship with Lucy’s best friend Nina – yes, it’s tangled).
Lucy’s grandfather dies before she can ask him more about the mysterious letter. After her own father is taken ill, he asks Lucy to go to the family property, Bitterwood, to retrieve a photo album that holds memories for him. Lucy reluctantly goes, but it’s her own mystery that she’s particularly interested in. It’s not going to be an easy one to unravel and it will take assistance from Morgan and others. Will Lucy find her own peace by discovering the truth of her family’s history?
I did enjoy Beyond the Orchard, but it took me some time to get into. Initially I felt rather swamped by the relationships between Lucy, her father and Wilma, his new partner. Then adding in the awkward reunion with Morgan and the complex, teenage love backstory…it was almost a relief to get into the past with Lucy’s grandfather Edwin. I enjoyed that aspect of the plot – the history was beautifully brought to light and the character of Orah, shipwreck survivor, was delightful. Her friendship with Wirra and Nala as she blossomed with Edwin and Clarice was one of the highlights of the book for me. Reading about their fates made me quite emotional – it was truly heartbreaking.
I enjoyed jumping backwards and forwards in time with the story. It was easy to keep track of what was going on in the past but I felt the complexity of Lucy’s relationships detracted somewhat from her story. Yes, she’s mixed up and got a lot of things to think through but having all her relationships in disrepair was a bit much for me. Sometimes it seemed like the only positive relationship she had was with her cat! I didn’t feel that I could always rely on her as a reliable narrator. Having the excerpts from her father’s book was an interesting concept as he tried to decipher his relationship with Edwin. There were also parallels with what was happening to Orah and Clarice at the time, plus the symbolism of the silkworms.
Beyond the Orchard is an ambitious book that tries to cover a lot and is for the most part, successful. I felt at times, especially in relation to Lucy, a bit overwhelmed with the complexities of the relationships between the characters. It is an easy read, and once you begin to find out more about Bitterwood, you’ll be engrossed.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the ARC. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
The book opens in Melbourne in the early 1990s. Lucy has returned home to think some things through. She’s engaged to a great man and her work life as an illustrator for her father’s books is going really well. But something seems to be missing and an evasive letter from her grandfather means it’s time to come home. There are quite a few demons from the past for Lucy to contend with at home – the death of her mother, awkward relationship with her father and the lost love of Morgan, who happens to be her dad’s friend and father to the boy who had a teenage crush on Lucy. (Who is now in a relationship with Lucy’s best friend Nina – yes, it’s tangled).
Lucy’s grandfather dies before she can ask him more about the mysterious letter. After her own father is taken ill, he asks Lucy to go to the family property, Bitterwood, to retrieve a photo album that holds memories for him. Lucy reluctantly goes, but it’s her own mystery that she’s particularly interested in. It’s not going to be an easy one to unravel and it will take assistance from Morgan and others. Will Lucy find her own peace by discovering the truth of her family’s history?
I did enjoy Beyond the Orchard, but it took me some time to get into. Initially I felt rather swamped by the relationships between Lucy, her father and Wilma, his new partner. Then adding in the awkward reunion with Morgan and the complex, teenage love backstory…it was almost a relief to get into the past with Lucy’s grandfather Edwin. I enjoyed that aspect of the plot – the history was beautifully brought to light and the character of Orah, shipwreck survivor, was delightful. Her friendship with Wirra and Nala as she blossomed with Edwin and Clarice was one of the highlights of the book for me. Reading about their fates made me quite emotional – it was truly heartbreaking.
I enjoyed jumping backwards and forwards in time with the story. It was easy to keep track of what was going on in the past but I felt the complexity of Lucy’s relationships detracted somewhat from her story. Yes, she’s mixed up and got a lot of things to think through but having all her relationships in disrepair was a bit much for me. Sometimes it seemed like the only positive relationship she had was with her cat! I didn’t feel that I could always rely on her as a reliable narrator. Having the excerpts from her father’s book was an interesting concept as he tried to decipher his relationship with Edwin. There were also parallels with what was happening to Orah and Clarice at the time, plus the symbolism of the silkworms.
Beyond the Orchard is an ambitious book that tries to cover a lot and is for the most part, successful. I felt at times, especially in relation to Lucy, a bit overwhelmed with the complexities of the relationships between the characters. It is an easy read, and once you begin to find out more about Bitterwood, you’ll be engrossed.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the ARC. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
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October 31, 2016Review at: http://greatreadsandtealeaves.blogspo...
This is Anna Romer’s third book and I couldn’t wait to read it. I am happy to say that the high standard she set from the very beginning of her literary career has continued. What an amazing author she is proving to be, with this instalment cementing her in the upper echelon of Australian writers.
“Drinking in the night air, he blinked to clear his eyes, clutching her to him, wishing he could turn back time, wishing . . . but no; he would not let his mind revisit what he had done.”
I was hooked from the first page as she deftly wove a superior tale of secrets that seamlessly went from past to present. That takes skill. For you see this is a historical mystery with a touch of romance of the very highest calibre. A story that will draw you in and keep you glued to the very end.
“Through the orchard I went, following the torch beam along the path and down the slope to the dank clearing.”
Beyond the Orchard is yet another atmospheric tale of past tragedies, betrayal, love and of secrets. There is such great depth and character to both the players and plot. At its heart it is a mystery and you are the passenger, as Romer deftly moves the puzzle pieces around the board, with revelations slowly unfolding. It’s so engaging and authentic with snapshots from three past generation, all woven together to a fulfilling conclusion.
“Instinct told me that the developed photos –along with the other items –were all pieces of a much larger puzzle.”
Romer can now be called a master of contemporary and historical family stories with her latest, Beyond the Orchard, up there with her previous two novels. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this book. Much like the main character, as a reader you will be ....
“... drawn into a vortex where past and present existed simultaneously. It made me giddy, made my pulse thunder in my ears, made my skin damp with anticipation. Made me ever more determined to find the explanation.”
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release
This is Anna Romer’s third book and I couldn’t wait to read it. I am happy to say that the high standard she set from the very beginning of her literary career has continued. What an amazing author she is proving to be, with this instalment cementing her in the upper echelon of Australian writers.
“Drinking in the night air, he blinked to clear his eyes, clutching her to him, wishing he could turn back time, wishing . . . but no; he would not let his mind revisit what he had done.”
I was hooked from the first page as she deftly wove a superior tale of secrets that seamlessly went from past to present. That takes skill. For you see this is a historical mystery with a touch of romance of the very highest calibre. A story that will draw you in and keep you glued to the very end.
“Through the orchard I went, following the torch beam along the path and down the slope to the dank clearing.”
Beyond the Orchard is yet another atmospheric tale of past tragedies, betrayal, love and of secrets. There is such great depth and character to both the players and plot. At its heart it is a mystery and you are the passenger, as Romer deftly moves the puzzle pieces around the board, with revelations slowly unfolding. It’s so engaging and authentic with snapshots from three past generation, all woven together to a fulfilling conclusion.
“Instinct told me that the developed photos –along with the other items –were all pieces of a much larger puzzle.”
Romer can now be called a master of contemporary and historical family stories with her latest, Beyond the Orchard, up there with her previous two novels. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this book. Much like the main character, as a reader you will be ....
“... drawn into a vortex where past and present existed simultaneously. It made me giddy, made my pulse thunder in my ears, made my skin damp with anticipation. Made me ever more determined to find the explanation.”
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release
October 25, 2016
Anna Romer’s third novel is another engrossing gothic tale of love and family and the secrets hidden within historical walls.
As with her previous two novels, Romer weaves contemporary and historical family stories, and the cloth she creates for Beyond the Orchard is complex and masterful. The use of the reimagined fairytales, written by Lucy’s father, heighten the mood and suggest insights into Briar family history (and perhaps Lucy herself). Tragedy seems as deeply embedded in this family as the dysfunction that keeps them tethered. The Bitterwood settings are well realized and Romer brings a beautifully gothic note to the once-grand house, the abandoned orchard and the ice house with its secrets beneath the hillock.
I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in this novel. Beyond the Orchard is not a pacey read. Lucy’s passions and torments run deep, but she is a very contained character, at times almost passive in her inability to move forward. I did have some difficulty forming a clear picture of the historical timeline for the early part of the novel. No that it mattered. The writing is often lyrical, the story well-constructed, and I was intrigued from the get-go. From the beginning we know that at Bitterwood in 1933 a woman died and Edwin feels responsible. Who died? Why does Edwin feel so responsible? This intrigue kept me reading—and guessing. As the story unfolded across both timelines, these questions deepened and drew me deeper into the story of Bitterwood, shipwreck survivor Orah and the aboriginal servants, Wirra and Nala, who save her.
Beyond the Orchard is metaphorically and thematically rich. Abandonment by mothers, through death or circumstance, is a dominant theme and Romer explores the impact of this absence upon Orah, Lucy and her father Ron. The neglected home, the ruined orchard and the darkness of the icehouse are great metaphors, as is the use of storms to shape significant events. Beyond the Orchard is a novel I could happily re-read with no loss of interest.
*Thanks to Simon and Schuster Australia and to Netgalley for the ARC.
As with her previous two novels, Romer weaves contemporary and historical family stories, and the cloth she creates for Beyond the Orchard is complex and masterful. The use of the reimagined fairytales, written by Lucy’s father, heighten the mood and suggest insights into Briar family history (and perhaps Lucy herself). Tragedy seems as deeply embedded in this family as the dysfunction that keeps them tethered. The Bitterwood settings are well realized and Romer brings a beautifully gothic note to the once-grand house, the abandoned orchard and the ice house with its secrets beneath the hillock.
I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in this novel. Beyond the Orchard is not a pacey read. Lucy’s passions and torments run deep, but she is a very contained character, at times almost passive in her inability to move forward. I did have some difficulty forming a clear picture of the historical timeline for the early part of the novel. No that it mattered. The writing is often lyrical, the story well-constructed, and I was intrigued from the get-go. From the beginning we know that at Bitterwood in 1933 a woman died and Edwin feels responsible. Who died? Why does Edwin feel so responsible? This intrigue kept me reading—and guessing. As the story unfolded across both timelines, these questions deepened and drew me deeper into the story of Bitterwood, shipwreck survivor Orah and the aboriginal servants, Wirra and Nala, who save her.
Beyond the Orchard is metaphorically and thematically rich. Abandonment by mothers, through death or circumstance, is a dominant theme and Romer explores the impact of this absence upon Orah, Lucy and her father Ron. The neglected home, the ruined orchard and the darkness of the icehouse are great metaphors, as is the use of storms to shape significant events. Beyond the Orchard is a novel I could happily re-read with no loss of interest.
*Thanks to Simon and Schuster Australia and to Netgalley for the ARC.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 131 reviews