What do you think?
Rate this book
A Victory Garden for Trying Times
A woman’s journey through a year of love, loss, and despair.
Ever since her childhood on a Niagara farm, Debi has dug in the dirt to find resilience. But when her husband, Peter, was diagnosed with cancer in November, it was too late in the season to seek solace in her garden. With idle hands and a fearful mind, she sought something to sustain her through the months ahead. She soon came across Victory Gardens — the vegetable gardens cultivated during the world wars.
During an anxious winter, she researched, drew plans, and ordered seeds. In spring, with Peter in remission, her garden thrived and life got back on track. But when Peter’s cancer returned like a killing frost and he died suddenly of a heart attack, the garden was a reminder that everything ends. For weeks she hated the garden, until she allowed her grief to crack open while preparing it for another year of growth.
Ever since her childhood on a Niagara farm, Debi has dug in the dirt to find resilience. But when her husband, Peter, was diagnosed with cancer in November, it was too late in the season to seek solace in her garden. With idle hands and a fearful mind, she sought something to sustain her through the months ahead. She soon came across Victory Gardens — the vegetable gardens cultivated during the world wars.
During an anxious winter, she researched, drew plans, and ordered seeds. In spring, with Peter in remission, her garden thrived and life got back on track. But when Peter’s cancer returned like a killing frost and he died suddenly of a heart attack, the garden was a reminder that everything ends. For weeks she hated the garden, until she allowed her grief to crack open while preparing it for another year of growth.
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2019
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 14, 2019
I felt compelled to read A Victory Garden for Trying Times by Debi Goodwin in one day with several breaks for processing. It is a lovely book full of happy and sad. It is about life and how we live it.
As I read it, I was struck by how much the life of a garden mirrors our lives and the healing it provides our hearts and souls whilst also providing nutrients for our bodies.
We all grieve differently and separately but we all grieve. so often, we hear or feel that someone isn't grieving like they should. A Victory Garden for Trying Times can unite us while also allowing us to grieve in our own way.
#AvictoryGardenForTryingTimes #NetGalley
As I read it, I was struck by how much the life of a garden mirrors our lives and the healing it provides our hearts and souls whilst also providing nutrients for our bodies.
We all grieve differently and separately but we all grieve. so often, we hear or feel that someone isn't grieving like they should. A Victory Garden for Trying Times can unite us while also allowing us to grieve in our own way.
#AvictoryGardenForTryingTimes #NetGalley
November 29, 2019
As soon as I saw "A Victory Garden For Trying Times" I knew it was something I wanted to read. I contemplate much of life and my illness experience in the garden and I'm always interested to read what others make of this.
I wondered if it might be like Carol Wall's book "Mr. Owita's Guide to Gardening." These was really something very different. Debi Goodwin grew up on a farm in the Niagara Region of Ontario. Farming in Niagara Region is almost exclusively horticultural. I grew up on an apple farm in eastern Ontario. I thought growing up I didn't want to be a gardener. Ha! The lessons of the generations soaked in through osmosis. I knew what to do when I grew my first garden, to a non-farmer it might have seemed miraculous. The things I'd done as a toddler and small child all came back in unexpected ways.
Debi talks about extensive research, but she does note that she had gardens through out her adult years, aside from what she'd learned growing up. Debi Goodwin was not a newbie gardener when her life partner was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and she decided she needed a project the distract her.
If you are looking for a book because you're looking for out of the box ways of dealing with the stresses of chronic illness, terminal illness or grief, Debi Goodwin might have something to offer you. Regardless of the amount of experience you have gardening, there is always something to dig for, always the hope of new life springing green. More importantly for some Debi writes a true and straightforward account of what most of us consider unthinkable, until it happens. Debi's pain won't take away your own, but it might help you, without being condescending.
I wondered if it might be like Carol Wall's book "Mr. Owita's Guide to Gardening." These was really something very different. Debi Goodwin grew up on a farm in the Niagara Region of Ontario. Farming in Niagara Region is almost exclusively horticultural. I grew up on an apple farm in eastern Ontario. I thought growing up I didn't want to be a gardener. Ha! The lessons of the generations soaked in through osmosis. I knew what to do when I grew my first garden, to a non-farmer it might have seemed miraculous. The things I'd done as a toddler and small child all came back in unexpected ways.
Debi talks about extensive research, but she does note that she had gardens through out her adult years, aside from what she'd learned growing up. Debi Goodwin was not a newbie gardener when her life partner was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and she decided she needed a project the distract her.
If you are looking for a book because you're looking for out of the box ways of dealing with the stresses of chronic illness, terminal illness or grief, Debi Goodwin might have something to offer you. Regardless of the amount of experience you have gardening, there is always something to dig for, always the hope of new life springing green. More importantly for some Debi writes a true and straightforward account of what most of us consider unthinkable, until it happens. Debi's pain won't take away your own, but it might help you, without being condescending.
October 7, 2020
Finished this on audiobook tonight. This was a tender memoir of love, life, and death. The author lost herself, or tried to, in gardening as she and her husband endured his battle with esophageal cancer. She used the "Victory Garden" concept to be precise, which is somehow so appropriate given that the beautiful, noble idea of the Victory Garden was actually connected to the ugly death machines of war, racism and xenophobia. The garden idea also is relatable with my garden attempt as a response to COVID-19, the violence and injustices in Black Life, and trying to get through each day as best as possible
On a personal note, I can relate to so much of what was written, with my history of caregiving and being in close relationship with the ill and the dying. It also showed me some places still in need of processing and tending to as I could not help but think of my parents who died within a few years of each other a decade ago. This had to have been difficult but cathartic. Appreciated this.
3/5 stars
#avictorygardenfortryingtimes
On a personal note, I can relate to so much of what was written, with my history of caregiving and being in close relationship with the ill and the dying. It also showed me some places still in need of processing and tending to as I could not help but think of my parents who died within a few years of each other a decade ago. This had to have been difficult but cathartic. Appreciated this.
3/5 stars
#avictorygardenfortryingtimes
September 22, 2019
I would like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book in advance.
When I usually pick up a book, I typically try not to go on much besides the cover. But reading this, it gave me so much I didn’t know I needed. In July, I lost my absolute favorite cousin and he was very near and dear to me. So, a lot of lines in the book stuck with me. The book sent me through a series of emotions that I didn’t get a chance to feel with my best friend. The time to cry, the time to be angry at the medical system, etc. However, I would say the book prepared me in being a little better than okay. I suggested it to a couple of other friends who were also dealing with grief. They said they would check it out when it is released. I just wish I had my own little garden going to push more of my feelings into. But I will look into it.
When I usually pick up a book, I typically try not to go on much besides the cover. But reading this, it gave me so much I didn’t know I needed. In July, I lost my absolute favorite cousin and he was very near and dear to me. So, a lot of lines in the book stuck with me. The book sent me through a series of emotions that I didn’t get a chance to feel with my best friend. The time to cry, the time to be angry at the medical system, etc. However, I would say the book prepared me in being a little better than okay. I suggested it to a couple of other friends who were also dealing with grief. They said they would check it out when it is released. I just wish I had my own little garden going to push more of my feelings into. But I will look into it.
September 24, 2019
It's always difficult to review memoirs because it feels as though you are judging someone's life choices. It's even harder, I think, to review a memoir about grief because while we all experience it at some point, it is intensely personal. Goodwin, however, has bridged a gap by chronicling how she coped with her husband's illness and death by planning a victory garden like those so common during WWII. This is a beautifully written (and informative) book which is tough at times but never either turns away from or wallows in the situation. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. This might be helpful to others; I will carry some of her phrasing with me.
June 19, 2020
This fairly brief book, basically a year in the life, packs quite a lot of thought into its few pages. Author Debi Goodwin is living a life and building her version of the 'victory garden' promoted to feed families during both world wars. A way to get urban and suburban manicured yards converted into productive, nurturing food gardens to keep hope alive.
She tells of experiences that seem quite true to life for me. Her compassionate and caring voice guides us along her journey with her beloved husband, Peter. It is a spare and authentic journey. I have glimpsed parts of that journey myself and can say she is not wrong.
A lovely book and one worth sharing.
She tells of experiences that seem quite true to life for me. Her compassionate and caring voice guides us along her journey with her beloved husband, Peter. It is a spare and authentic journey. I have glimpsed parts of that journey myself and can say she is not wrong.
A lovely book and one worth sharing.
March 1, 2021
Really enjoyed the book. The details given to feelings during tragedy and heartache and illness and how we process it or do not or deflect was hard but wonderful to
Read. I’d love to have a love like this. And a garden like this as well. Love comes with many things and in many In mourning, we create in order to fill the void of absence, that total loss of meaning that comes with the death of a loved one or an end to life as we knew it.
Sad but I’m glad to have read this story. So relatable in 2020 - 2021.
Read. I’d love to have a love like this. And a garden like this as well. Love comes with many things and in many In mourning, we create in order to fill the void of absence, that total loss of meaning that comes with the death of a loved one or an end to life as we knew it.
Sad but I’m glad to have read this story. So relatable in 2020 - 2021.
March 26, 2021
A moving tale of love, loss and life. I enjoyed reading this story and finding something poativr even when my heart was breaking for the couple. In the story, Debi manages to weave the difficult reality of dealing with a loved one's illness and the everyday life that has to continue.
I found the similarities between tending to a garden and caring for loved ones thought provoking and comforting. If you are dealing with grief and looking for an emotionally honest read to help you cope, this the book you need. Highly recommended.
I found the similarities between tending to a garden and caring for loved ones thought provoking and comforting. If you are dealing with grief and looking for an emotionally honest read to help you cope, this the book you need. Highly recommended.
July 22, 2020
I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the author, publisher and Netgalley.com. Thanks to all for the opportunity to read and review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is a moving, emotional journey. The author takes us through what it is to cope and endure. A heartbreaking read.
5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended.
This is a moving, emotional journey. The author takes us through what it is to cope and endure. A heartbreaking read.
5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended.
December 28, 2020
I kinda loved this. It’s a modest memoir of gardening and cancer, well-written and straightforwardly told, without pretension, full of honesty and tenderness that makes it easy to love and identify with Debi Goodwin and her husband Peter (who is definitely an Enneagram 5.)
It’s bittersweet, especially this year, but I’m really glad I found it.
Nan McNamera did a excellent job as the narrator.
It’s bittersweet, especially this year, but I’m really glad I found it.
Nan McNamera did a excellent job as the narrator.
February 3, 2021
I foresee myself rereading, (or listening to,) this one multiple times. This is her memoir of gardening through her husband's esophogeal cancer. Not surprisingly, I most relate to the latter part of the book as she describes his death and her grief after he died. "We read to know we are not alone."_ The Shadowlands
August 3, 2022
Very poignant, happy and sad... I loved how the author dealt with her grief by immersing herself in her Victory Garden progress...I felt so sad at the despair she went through. The book doesn't contain pictures of her beloved garden but a quick google search allowed me to see some published photos of her garden haven.
August 26, 2019
A very good book, well written and poignant.
I'm a keen gardener and I'm always happy to read about gardens. This was a very good book and it made me think about gardens and life.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I'm a keen gardener and I'm always happy to read about gardens. This was a very good book and it made me think about gardens and life.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
January 3, 2020
A lovely, touching book to serve as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the resilience of gardens. Excellent motivation to savour every day, play in the dirt, and eat your veggies, in the best possible way.
April 8, 2020
I found this to be an unflinching look into Debi's mind and heart. Touching. Really good read.
March 8, 2021
Author rambled on alot. Boring read at times.
March 15, 2021
A beautiful story of gardening and grief. If I could change anything it would be to include more gardening.
June 17, 2020
Thank you to Dundurn Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a touching and poignant read, as the author looks back on the year before her husband's death and her efforts to cope, look forward, remain positive in the face of bad news and the Damocle's sword hanging over them. Sadly, after initially responding well to chemotherapy and surgery, her husband's health rapidly declines and the author allows us to see her grieve, and come to terms with her loss. Her memoir is a testament to her love for her husband, as well as her love for gardening. The pace is measured - some might say slow, but I really liked the orientation toward the seasons of the year and the corresponding garden activities, and I thought the garden in actual fact and as a metaphor, worked really well to remind us that life goes on, there will be blossoms and fruit in the future, even if the present is bleak.
This is a touching and poignant read, as the author looks back on the year before her husband's death and her efforts to cope, look forward, remain positive in the face of bad news and the Damocle's sword hanging over them. Sadly, after initially responding well to chemotherapy and surgery, her husband's health rapidly declines and the author allows us to see her grieve, and come to terms with her loss. Her memoir is a testament to her love for her husband, as well as her love for gardening. The pace is measured - some might say slow, but I really liked the orientation toward the seasons of the year and the corresponding garden activities, and I thought the garden in actual fact and as a metaphor, worked really well to remind us that life goes on, there will be blossoms and fruit in the future, even if the present is bleak.
February 23, 2020
If you can read through your tears, then this is the book for you. This is a memoir of cancer and victory gardens (what they are is explained) and the symbiotic relationship the writer has with each. Whether the labor of love.in the soil bears fruit or her husband will get better and go into remission, the journey is anything but smooth. It reminded me of my mom's cancer journey, and the second half of the book will have you shedding tears. As the writer deals with the frustrations in her attempt to have a successful bounty of veggies to share with her family, there's irony in life, as you can't control every outcome.
I don't think this book was talked about enough in 2019, there are definite lessons to take from the story..
Many thanks to Netgalley and Dundurn Press for allowing me to read and review my own honest thoughts. I also was lucky enough to get copies added to our library collection.
I don't think this book was talked about enough in 2019, there are definite lessons to take from the story..
Many thanks to Netgalley and Dundurn Press for allowing me to read and review my own honest thoughts. I also was lucky enough to get copies added to our library collection.
July 27, 2024
Having a loved one diagnosed with stage three esophageal cancer means a lot of things, not least of which is learning to become a caretaker for someone who is going to be very sick. And yet, at the beginning of A Victory Garden for Trying Times: A Memoir, author and journalist Debi Goodwin decides to take on another monumental task. At the same time that she is caring for her husband, Peter, Goodwin will also create a victory garden...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, for review consideration.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, for review consideration.
Did Not Finish
September 8, 2019DNF @ 27% in
I received an e-ARC from Dundurn Press on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t know what I did expect when I requested this book, possibly I am just drawn in general to books about grief. There is nothing majorly wrong about it, it just reads like a report looking back at everything she did starting from the cancer diagnosis of her husband with her interests occasionally mixed in between. I think it could have worked better for me as a diary or with a clearer structure. It just simply didn't click with me.
PS: What a gorgeous cover!
I received an e-ARC from Dundurn Press on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t know what I did expect when I requested this book, possibly I am just drawn in general to books about grief. There is nothing majorly wrong about it, it just reads like a report looking back at everything she did starting from the cancer diagnosis of her husband with her interests occasionally mixed in between. I think it could have worked better for me as a diary or with a clearer structure. It just simply didn't click with me.
PS: What a gorgeous cover!
July 18, 2020
The Dr. F. refered to in this book saved my father's life. After reading Debi's story, I realize just how close we were to losing him.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews