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The Garden of Lost Secrets
October, 1916. Clara has been sent to stay with her aunt and uncle while England is at war. But when she reaches their cottage on an enormous country estate, Clara is plunged into a tangle of secrets… A dark, locked room, a scheming thief, and a mysterious boy who only appears at night.
Clara has a secret of her own too – a terrible one about her brother, fighting in the war. And as the secrets turn to danger, Clara must find the courage to save herself, and those around her…
Secrets, mystery and bravery meet in this gripping historical adventure.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2019
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1743 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
October 21, 2019
3.5 stars
I fell in love with the cover but came out enchanted with the story. Almost.
Ok, it's going to be short but very meaningful. I have difficulties writing this review as I am not sure how to, without hurting anyone and giving you an honest opinion. Many times I found myself a bit bored, however I was not able to DNF it. Why? The plot was intriguing even if the execution did not excite me that much. Which is also a reason for only 3.5 stars.
I loved our not so perfect heroine Clara and secrets that seemed to be pilling and pilling up until the very end, nevertheless there are some questions left without the definitive answer. Should the readers answer themselves or wait for book number 2?
What I liked the most about it was the fact that the plot took place during the First World War and not like most of the books on the market. Apparently the novel is advertised for readers aged 9-12 but I think it would bring more success with older audience.
Give this book a chance, the style might suit you better. I think I'm just not used to the melancholic writing but I loved the story itself and I strongly believe, you might too.
I fell in love with the cover but came out enchanted with the story. Almost.
Ok, it's going to be short but very meaningful. I have difficulties writing this review as I am not sure how to, without hurting anyone and giving you an honest opinion. Many times I found myself a bit bored, however I was not able to DNF it. Why? The plot was intriguing even if the execution did not excite me that much. Which is also a reason for only 3.5 stars.
I loved our not so perfect heroine Clara and secrets that seemed to be pilling and pilling up until the very end, nevertheless there are some questions left without the definitive answer. Should the readers answer themselves or wait for book number 2?
What I liked the most about it was the fact that the plot took place during the First World War and not like most of the books on the market. Apparently the novel is advertised for readers aged 9-12 but I think it would bring more success with older audience.
Give this book a chance, the style might suit you better. I think I'm just not used to the melancholic writing but I loved the story itself and I strongly believe, you might too.
November 4, 2019
I remember when I saw this book for the first time and read the blurb. The cover is beautiful in itself, but the hint of something magical hanging in the air hidden in de synopsis really caught my attention. The secret garden is one of my favourite books of all time and for some reason I expected this book to be something like that.
In a way I ended up a little disappointed and it took me a while to really get into the story. I was easily distracted while reading and at work I haven't been thinking about the story even once. The ending made up for it a little bit and on the way home I was a little more into Clara's journey, but the story didn't really end up convincing me.
And it's hard to say why exactly. Maybe it's simply the lack of magic. I've been reading so much fantasy and magical realism, AND I was somehow expecting it, that for a very long time I kept on hoping that maybe the magic simply hadn't yet appeared. A castle, a locked door, a key, letters and secret meetings, it was all very interesting and yet I ended up finding it also a little plain.
That wasn't because Clara wasn't likeable. Clara was a typical young girl, far from home and living in scary times. Her father is ill and her brother is fighting in the first world war. The mystery from the stolen and appearing fruit is a nice distraction to her and when she makes a new friend it's not hard to understand why she does everything for him.
But, it felt like the truly interesting stories laid with the adults. We saw glimpses of them in the end and when all pieces of the puzzle clicked, I really liked how it all turned out. But I would have loved to see more of them, of their stories and their backgrounds and motivation.
I think younger kids might truly enjoy this story, but I've read quite a lot of middle grades that have more interesting elements for adults than this book had. But, I think my opinion is clouded because I expected magic and didn't get it. My fault. I should have done more research, I guess.
In a way I ended up a little disappointed and it took me a while to really get into the story. I was easily distracted while reading and at work I haven't been thinking about the story even once. The ending made up for it a little bit and on the way home I was a little more into Clara's journey, but the story didn't really end up convincing me.
And it's hard to say why exactly. Maybe it's simply the lack of magic. I've been reading so much fantasy and magical realism, AND I was somehow expecting it, that for a very long time I kept on hoping that maybe the magic simply hadn't yet appeared. A castle, a locked door, a key, letters and secret meetings, it was all very interesting and yet I ended up finding it also a little plain.
That wasn't because Clara wasn't likeable. Clara was a typical young girl, far from home and living in scary times. Her father is ill and her brother is fighting in the first world war. The mystery from the stolen and appearing fruit is a nice distraction to her and when she makes a new friend it's not hard to understand why she does everything for him.
But, it felt like the truly interesting stories laid with the adults. We saw glimpses of them in the end and when all pieces of the puzzle clicked, I really liked how it all turned out. But I would have loved to see more of them, of their stories and their backgrounds and motivation.
I think younger kids might truly enjoy this story, but I've read quite a lot of middle grades that have more interesting elements for adults than this book had. But, I think my opinion is clouded because I expected magic and didn't get it. My fault. I should have done more research, I guess.
January 20, 2021
After loving The House of One Hundred Clocks I was keen to read this book and it reinforced my view that A.M.Howell is a brilliant historical fiction writer for middle grade readers.
Set in England during WW1 the story follows Clara who is sent to stay with her aunt and uncle on a wealthy estate, where they work as a housekeeper and gardener respectively, to keep her safe during the war. As soon as she arrives Clara discovers mysterious people in the estate grounds, a locked room in her aunt and uncle's house and overhears whispered conversations about secrets being kept from her. Out of boredom, Clara decides to investigate.
While the mystery at the heart of the story lacks the intrigue of The House of One Hundred Clocks (it mainly centres around someone stealing fruit from the estate which probably wouldn't be very interesting to a child reader) it opens up the plot to wider secrets and conspiracies that held the most entertainment.
This book teaches a lot about life in England during WW1, especially for children, and the sense of everyone "doing their bit". The back of the book contains facts and questions to encourage thinking and discussion about the historical context which is a brilliant learning tool following a fun and well plotted adventure story.
Set in England during WW1 the story follows Clara who is sent to stay with her aunt and uncle on a wealthy estate, where they work as a housekeeper and gardener respectively, to keep her safe during the war. As soon as she arrives Clara discovers mysterious people in the estate grounds, a locked room in her aunt and uncle's house and overhears whispered conversations about secrets being kept from her. Out of boredom, Clara decides to investigate.
While the mystery at the heart of the story lacks the intrigue of The House of One Hundred Clocks (it mainly centres around someone stealing fruit from the estate which probably wouldn't be very interesting to a child reader) it opens up the plot to wider secrets and conspiracies that held the most entertainment.
This book teaches a lot about life in England during WW1, especially for children, and the sense of everyone "doing their bit". The back of the book contains facts and questions to encourage thinking and discussion about the historical context which is a brilliant learning tool following a fun and well plotted adventure story.
June 16, 2023
Ebben a műfajban Lucy Strange regényei jobban tetszenek, de ez is olvasmányos. Tetszett a világépítés és a környezet leírása, de nagyon lassúnak éreztem a történet kibontakozását. A főszereplő jellemfejlődése, a család és a barátság értékének kihangsúlyozása remek volt, de azért picit untam. A borító viszont gyönyörű és kifejező!
June 14, 2022
Az elveszett titkok kertje borítója és a felületesen átfutott fülszöveg azt az érzést keltette bennem, hogy itt megint egy olyan angol ifjúsági regényt kapok, amely klasszikus témákat és helyszíneket mutat be, modern érzékenységgel. S igazából sokat nem is tévedtem, mert megkaptam mindezt és még egy kis meglepetést is.
Részletesen:
http://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/20...
Részletesen:
http://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/20...
January 25, 2020
With her father's illness getting worse, and the war continuing, Clara is sent away to stay with her aunt and uncle on the estate where they work for the Earl.
There are so many mysteries to be solved... What's in the envelope Clara is hiding? What is the secret the Gilberts are keeping from Clara? Why has Mrs Gilbert turned from a kindly aunt to terrifying guardian?
The wonderful descriptions of the fruit, especially the pineapples, make it all sound so exotic and tempting. Things we take for granted all the time are made to sound so different.
This book keeps you guessing right to the end and I really loved the last line.
There are so many mysteries to be solved... What's in the envelope Clara is hiding? What is the secret the Gilberts are keeping from Clara? Why has Mrs Gilbert turned from a kindly aunt to terrifying guardian?
The wonderful descriptions of the fruit, especially the pineapples, make it all sound so exotic and tempting. Things we take for granted all the time are made to sound so different.
This book keeps you guessing right to the end and I really loved the last line.
July 14, 2021
A good read set during World War I about a girl who moves to her aunt and uncles house on a stately home’s estate. She discovers many mysteries and holds some secrets of her own. I was mainly drawn to this book because its setting is based on, Ickworth House in Suffolk.
Some areas of the book dragged, and I found the ending a little disappointing. But overall, it was an interesting enjoyable read.
Some areas of the book dragged, and I found the ending a little disappointing. But overall, it was an interesting enjoyable read.
September 13, 2024
رواية لطيفة.. ذكرتني بأجواء رسومات الكرتون القديمة ✨
September 3, 2021
Another children’s book about being evacuated during WW2. This is one of the better ones and the lost secrets are not easy to fathom.
September 10, 2023
Great book, with a thrilling, fascinating mystery!!
July 12, 2020
Sad, but also beautiful and full of hope ❤️
September 7, 2021
This is one of the books that stayed in my shelf for a while now. I am glad I finally got a chance to do so.
I guess this book started pretty good. I mean I do like the story and how it folded. However, I feel like I missed something. The book can get a bit boring in some place, but then it gets good again, then I get bored again. So at the end of the day I just feel kind of detached from the story though it was interested enough for me to finish the book.
The ending part was good. And there are so many lovely scenes here so it’s worth reading :)
I guess this book started pretty good. I mean I do like the story and how it folded. However, I feel like I missed something. The book can get a bit boring in some place, but then it gets good again, then I get bored again. So at the end of the day I just feel kind of detached from the story though it was interested enough for me to finish the book.
The ending part was good. And there are so many lovely scenes here so it’s worth reading :)
November 5, 2023
*3,75
KNiha, která je datovaná pro děti od deseti let. Nad tím polemizuji. Je to sice se záměrem napsané.. jakože přátelskou formou seznámení se s historií a první světovou válkou. Svým způsobem poetické, ale nevím, spíše bych to asi dala starším dětem. Není tam sice nic drsného, ale nějak pocitově bych to spíše dala prostě starším dětem. Když ale vezmu dospělé... tak je právě ta autorčina snaha vše přiblížit dětem může pro změnu nudit. Nicméně, je to rozhodně hodnotné. jsou tu pěkné popisy. Kniha má hloubku a řeší zajímavé věci. Ale kniha roku to pro mne nebude.
KNiha, která je datovaná pro děti od deseti let. Nad tím polemizuji. Je to sice se záměrem napsané.. jakože přátelskou formou seznámení se s historií a první světovou válkou. Svým způsobem poetické, ale nevím, spíše bych to asi dala starším dětem. Není tam sice nic drsného, ale nějak pocitově bych to spíše dala prostě starším dětem. Když ale vezmu dospělé... tak je právě ta autorčina snaha vše přiblížit dětem může pro změnu nudit. Nicméně, je to rozhodně hodnotné. jsou tu pěkné popisy. Kniha má hloubku a řeší zajímavé věci. Ale kniha roku to pro mne nebude.
March 23, 2025
Hát ez nagyon kedves történet volt, kicsit szomorú is. Biztos ajánlom majd az unokahúgomnak, ha elég idős lesz, hogy elolvassa.
January 30, 2024
2023 Re-read:
I'm culling books off of my bookshelves and I couldn't remember reading this one before. Thought I'd give it a quick perusal and very quickly figured out that I had indeed read it before. My last read was 2019. I did wait to read my former Goodreads review until I had finished the book for the second time and I still felt "meh" about it. Howell writes some really beautiful phrases which are delightful to read, but I continue to feel that this book was not fleshed out as well as it could have been. There was more to tell. Once again I had the impression that this book is for very young readers and even then I don't know that I could say it's that great. It's not BAD either. Just...not great.
I think I'm going to pick this one off the shelf now.
2019 Review:
I picked this book up on a whim. I liked the cover art and the first chapter read well so I figured I'd give it a go. Set during WWI, it tells the story of a young girl named Clara who is sent to live with her aunt and uncle on an Earl's estate for a time. While there she runs into various mysteries and meets some unique characters.
I didn't hate the book but I didn't love it either. It was good, but not riveting. I think I would happily pass it along to my kids and my son who is a avid war buff will enjoy it. I like a really good middle grade fiction read for myself but this one was written in a style that was decidedly for younger readers. I don't really know quite how to describe it except to say that it's an interesting story that isn't fleshed out as much as I'd normally like. It's not a deep read but a pleasant one and it doesn't have any objectionable content for parents to be aware of. I'll pass it along to my kidlets and they'll like it. I wouldn't recommend this one to adults though as just not being "meaty" enough. (Unlike something like, say, Narnia or The Mysterious Benedict Society which are both charming and thought-provoking in each their own ways making them very pleasant reads for people of all ages.)
I'm culling books off of my bookshelves and I couldn't remember reading this one before. Thought I'd give it a quick perusal and very quickly figured out that I had indeed read it before. My last read was 2019. I did wait to read my former Goodreads review until I had finished the book for the second time and I still felt "meh" about it. Howell writes some really beautiful phrases which are delightful to read, but I continue to feel that this book was not fleshed out as well as it could have been. There was more to tell. Once again I had the impression that this book is for very young readers and even then I don't know that I could say it's that great. It's not BAD either. Just...not great.
I think I'm going to pick this one off the shelf now.
2019 Review:
I picked this book up on a whim. I liked the cover art and the first chapter read well so I figured I'd give it a go. Set during WWI, it tells the story of a young girl named Clara who is sent to live with her aunt and uncle on an Earl's estate for a time. While there she runs into various mysteries and meets some unique characters.
I didn't hate the book but I didn't love it either. It was good, but not riveting. I think I would happily pass it along to my kids and my son who is a avid war buff will enjoy it. I like a really good middle grade fiction read for myself but this one was written in a style that was decidedly for younger readers. I don't really know quite how to describe it except to say that it's an interesting story that isn't fleshed out as much as I'd normally like. It's not a deep read but a pleasant one and it doesn't have any objectionable content for parents to be aware of. I'll pass it along to my kidlets and they'll like it. I wouldn't recommend this one to adults though as just not being "meaty" enough. (Unlike something like, say, Narnia or The Mysterious Benedict Society which are both charming and thought-provoking in each their own ways making them very pleasant reads for people of all ages.)
April 8, 2020
I loved it. I wasn’t sure if I would since it’s a book set in a time of war. I thought I wouldn’t like books like that. Apparently I was wrong, or the author just did it right-betting on this one. I can’t believe this is a debut. She is an amazing writer! (Iwas so impressed that I’m jumping right into her other book, The House of One Hundred Clocks today.)This book is set in 1916, and is full of secrets and mysteries. I don’t like to tell more than what the synopsis does because I’m scared of spoiling anything. I loved Clara so much, & just wanted to give her a big hug the whole time I was reading. Highly recommend.
April 16, 2019
I liked that it was set in the wartime. It’s my first book set in this timeand i thought it was really cool.
I would give it 4.5 but you sadly can’t give half stars.
I would give it 4.5 but you sadly can’t give half stars.
July 25, 2021
The Garden of Lost Secrets es un middle grade que debería leerse en todos los colegios. Su trama es interesante, mezclando ficción con historia. Una aventura entretenida y dinámica, con capítulos cortos que se disfrutan en todo momento. La autora logró crear un ambiente acogedor, con un mapa al inicio increíble que te muestra cómo es el lugar donde la historia se lleva a cabo. Su trama es sencilla en cierto aspecto. Una niña curiosa que busca descubrir un misterio (al estilo Enola Holmes si me apresuro a decir). Y los secretos que rondan la casa son intrigantes. El lector buscará conocer cada uno de ellos y eso lo motivará a llegar al final.
Los personajes son agradables. Clara es alguien curiosa quien no descansa hasta conocer la verdad de los hechos. Es uba amiga excelente, un tema que se trata mucho es el de la amistad y lo que haríamos por los seres queridos. Will es un niño por el que todo lector sentirá empatía: huérfano, con un hermano al que poco ve y que vive a escondidas del mundo. Los tíos de Clara son personajes que van y vienen entre el cariño y el odio. Pero con el paso de las páginas, se convertirán en personas con corazón. Luego tenemos otros personajes que se transformarán en sospechosos de los hurtos en la residencia, y que el lector se encargará de buscar esas pistas que los terminen por delatar.
Como dije, la trama es sencilla. Y lo mismo con el final. No es algo que te deje con la boca por el suelo, pero es agradable y justo. Y el libro toca temas buenos y que todo chico debería aprender y leer: la amistad, la familia, los errores, aprendizajes. Por eso creo que se debería leer y aprovechar en las escuelas. No es largo, por lo que lo hace muy rápido de leer y por más que haya partes algo lentas o aburridas o, incluso, innecesarias creo que es un libro que vale la pena conocer.
Los personajes son agradables. Clara es alguien curiosa quien no descansa hasta conocer la verdad de los hechos. Es uba amiga excelente, un tema que se trata mucho es el de la amistad y lo que haríamos por los seres queridos. Will es un niño por el que todo lector sentirá empatía: huérfano, con un hermano al que poco ve y que vive a escondidas del mundo. Los tíos de Clara son personajes que van y vienen entre el cariño y el odio. Pero con el paso de las páginas, se convertirán en personas con corazón. Luego tenemos otros personajes que se transformarán en sospechosos de los hurtos en la residencia, y que el lector se encargará de buscar esas pistas que los terminen por delatar.
Como dije, la trama es sencilla. Y lo mismo con el final. No es algo que te deje con la boca por el suelo, pero es agradable y justo. Y el libro toca temas buenos y que todo chico debería aprender y leer: la amistad, la familia, los errores, aprendizajes. Por eso creo que se debería leer y aprovechar en las escuelas. No es largo, por lo que lo hace muy rápido de leer y por más que haya partes algo lentas o aburridas o, incluso, innecesarias creo que es un libro que vale la pena conocer.
November 8, 2024
This book had been sitting on my shelf for years, and it’s a shame I hadn’t read it sooner. By the title and premise, I expected it to have similarities to The Secret Garden, and I was eager to experience that nostalgic feeling, especially as The Secret Garden was a story my grandma shared with me when I was young. Although The Garden of Lost Secrets is aimed at a younger audience, it was still a charming and easy read that I truly enjoyed as an adult.
The story follows young Clara, who moves in with her aunt and uncle during the wartime, and though it took a little while for the plot to pick up, the sense of mystery kept me intrigued. But what truly captured my heart was the beautiful friendship that unfolds between Clara and Will. Watching these two characters, each dealing with their own loneliness and finding comfort and companionship in each other was incredibly heartwarming. Their bond brought so much warmth to the story and ultimately became its heart and soul.
Clara and Will’s friendship added layers of depth and emotion, transforming the story from a simple mystery into something much more meaningful. Although it took me years to finally pick up this book, it was absolutely worth the wait, a gentle, touching read.
The story follows young Clara, who moves in with her aunt and uncle during the wartime, and though it took a little while for the plot to pick up, the sense of mystery kept me intrigued. But what truly captured my heart was the beautiful friendship that unfolds between Clara and Will. Watching these two characters, each dealing with their own loneliness and finding comfort and companionship in each other was incredibly heartwarming. Their bond brought so much warmth to the story and ultimately became its heart and soul.
Clara and Will’s friendship added layers of depth and emotion, transforming the story from a simple mystery into something much more meaningful. Although it took me years to finally pick up this book, it was absolutely worth the wait, a gentle, touching read.
November 10, 2022
A uniquely frustrating reading experience: those books that are annoying because they are just so very Fine 😅
Much like my other experience with this author, this book was just okay for me. There were parts that frustrated me, and a couple things I liked (like the writing style), but overall I just felt so meh about this. The mystery was only slightly interesting, the characters were flat, and the plot was really boring? A lot of readers seem to be enjoying this one so I wouldn't steer someone away who's interested. Personally I have so far found Emma Carroll's books to be much better MG historical mysteries (I mention this bc their novels seem to have similar vibes and Carroll is noted as a comp title on the cover of my edition) but I can totally see why there would be crossover in their readerships!
CW: War, grief, loss of child
Much like my other experience with this author, this book was just okay for me. There were parts that frustrated me, and a couple things I liked (like the writing style), but overall I just felt so meh about this. The mystery was only slightly interesting, the characters were flat, and the plot was really boring? A lot of readers seem to be enjoying this one so I wouldn't steer someone away who's interested. Personally I have so far found Emma Carroll's books to be much better MG historical mysteries (I mention this bc their novels seem to have similar vibes and Carroll is noted as a comp title on the cover of my edition) but I can totally see why there would be crossover in their readerships!
CW: War, grief, loss of child
December 20, 2020
I was initially attracted to the cover of this book. As a massive alice in wonderland fan, the cover had similarities and drew me in. I absolutely loved this book, really short chapters made it really easy to read.
I loved the mystery of the story, and I won’t say too much as don’t want to give anything away but I certainly wasn’t expecting what happened to happen. It intrigued me, I could easily visualise the characters and the different places in the story, and that’s due to the way the story was written. I highly recommend it, as a quick read but also something fun to get into. I shall certainly be reading her other book.
I loved the mystery of the story, and I won’t say too much as don’t want to give anything away but I certainly wasn’t expecting what happened to happen. It intrigued me, I could easily visualise the characters and the different places in the story, and that’s due to the way the story was written. I highly recommend it, as a quick read but also something fun to get into. I shall certainly be reading her other book.
June 9, 2022
A other solid historical fiction novel (WWI) to add to our collection. There are more kids who are wanting this genre and this was a good one. Clara is sent to the countryside with her aunt and uncle while her father recuperates from a war injury. Her distant and cold relatives who work for an earl don’t welcome her and there is a mystery in the gardens they tend. Who is stealing the rare fruit and who is the boy she sees sneaking around at night? Sweet story with the war intensity kids crave.
May 10, 2024
A leírás és a borító alapján mást vártam. A komor történet miatt még az ajánlott kor fölé lőném, inkább nagyobbacska kamaszoknak, nem 10 év fölötti gyerekeknek javasolnám.
Titok meg kert volt bőven benne, és meg kell hagyni, izgalmas is volt, a szerző ügyesen mozgatta a szálakat, végig fenn tudta tartani a figyelmemet. A történetet belengő melankólia ellenére volt benne életöröm és finom derű is. A könyv végül pozitívan zárul, egy hiányérzetem maradt, hogy Veres sorsa nem záródott le megnyugtatóan, pedig ő is megérdemelte volna, mint Will.
Tetszett, hogy Clara köszön a szobáknak, tárgyaknak, mikor idegen helyen jár. :)
Titok meg kert volt bőven benne, és meg kell hagyni, izgalmas is volt, a szerző ügyesen mozgatta a szálakat, végig fenn tudta tartani a figyelmemet. A történetet belengő melankólia ellenére volt benne életöröm és finom derű is. A könyv végül pozitívan zárul, egy hiányérzetem maradt, hogy Veres sorsa nem záródott le megnyugtatóan, pedig ő is megérdemelte volna, mint Will.
Tetszett, hogy Clara köszön a szobáknak, tárgyaknak, mikor idegen helyen jár. :)
February 9, 2025
قرأت النسخة العربية منها.
وبصراحة خيبت أملي، رواية مملة بعض الشيء 😅!
لولا أن الأحداث تجري أثناء الحرب العالمية الأولى، وشخصية كلارا الفضولية لم أكن لأكملها صراحةً!
توقعت شيء من الخيال والفانتازيا والعوالم السحرية، أو أقلها هذا ما يوحي لي به الغلاف!
لكنها رواية كلاسيكية لا أكثر ولا أقل.
وبصراحة خيبت أملي، رواية مملة بعض الشيء 😅!
لولا أن الأحداث تجري أثناء الحرب العالمية الأولى، وشخصية كلارا الفضولية لم أكن لأكملها صراحةً!
توقعت شيء من الخيال والفانتازيا والعوالم السحرية، أو أقلها هذا ما يوحي لي به الغلاف!
لكنها رواية كلاسيكية لا أكثر ولا أقل.
March 10, 2021
A beautiful book with a very unexpected ending. I definitely has the "The Secret Garden" vibe, but a whole different story and a again a very brave protagonist. I bought the book because of its cover, but I also loved the story!
September 28, 2020
"life has a habit of changing your plans without giving you any notice at all."
July 21, 2019
This is a truly wonderful story, full of secrets, families and friendships, set amidst the idyllic rural beauty of a Suffolk country Estate and gardens at a time when the harsh reality of the Great War is having a devastating impact on soldiers and their families. I really enjoyed both the evocative historical setting and the masterful unravelling of secrets. This story was reminiscent of The Secret Garden, which is one of my favourite childhood stories, so it’s no surprise that I loved it!
It opens with a secret in Clara’s pocket, one which occupies her mind throughout, as she tries to summon the courage to confront it.
“Sometimes pretending to be brave is enough.”
She has been sent to stay with her Aunt and Uncle, who work on the Earl’s Estate, as her poorly father, suffering from the aftermath of a gas attack in the War, is taken to Devon to convalesce. Clara’s first meeting with her Aunt, the Earl’s Housekeeper, is terse and unwelcoming, and not at all what she was expecting. She is met with curtness and unfriendliness, when what she craves most is warmth and affection.
Clara is looking for adventure and is thirsty for knowledge, brought on by the boredom of not being able to go to school or work in the gardens. Her natural curiosity is soon piqued by the sighting of an elusive boy in the gardens and the discovery of a locked room in her new home, both mysteries which she is determined to solve.
Her first encounter with the boy, Will, takes place in the hothouse. Both children are lonely and desperate for company, so it is not long before they agree to meet again in secret. They soon find a shared mystery to solve! Who is the thief behind the disappearance of the garden’s precious possessions? As the mystery deepens, suspicions are raised, more secrets are revealed and the tension is palpable as life-destroying accusations are made.
As well as catching a thief, Clara is also determined to find out why her Aunt is making night time visits to the hothouse, having secret meetings in the woods and writing behind a locked door. Are these linked to the missing possessions? Are they the cause of her lack of warmth towards Clara? I loved the way solving some puzzles only leads to more puzzles and questions … such a brilliant way to entangle the reader in the story.
I found the contrast of Clara’s contented family life before the war with the terrible effects war has had upon her family heart-breaking. The reality of how the War affected families is explored with great skill. Whilst inequality in society is shown with the Earl and his family having so many to look after their needs, the inherent goodness in people when faced with hardship is also evident with the Earl supporting the war effort by supplying the local military hospital with food.
I absolutely adored the friendship between Clara and Will, but there were also times when my heart ached for them. Whilst unexpected circumstances have thrown them together, their friendship is truly beautiful. It is born of sadness and loneliness and nurtured by mutual trust, empathy and support. The children share their family secrets, are truthful with each other (even when this may threaten their friendship) and enjoy their respective company as they work together to solve the lost secrets of the garden.
“You’re braver than you know.”
I think this applies to both of these incredible children who are, as so many were, victims of a War whose cruel fingers reached out to tear families apart, but their courage shines through as they fight for secrets to be revealed … for truths to be known …
I loved that A M Howell’s idea for this wonderfully heart-warming story was inspired by the discovery of a 100-year-old gardener’s notebook at the Ickworth Estate in Suffolk. Inspiration for stories may be everywhere around us, but it takes an incredible writer to capture our hearts through their writing … and this wholeheartedly captured mine.
It opens with a secret in Clara’s pocket, one which occupies her mind throughout, as she tries to summon the courage to confront it.
“Sometimes pretending to be brave is enough.”
She has been sent to stay with her Aunt and Uncle, who work on the Earl’s Estate, as her poorly father, suffering from the aftermath of a gas attack in the War, is taken to Devon to convalesce. Clara’s first meeting with her Aunt, the Earl’s Housekeeper, is terse and unwelcoming, and not at all what she was expecting. She is met with curtness and unfriendliness, when what she craves most is warmth and affection.
Clara is looking for adventure and is thirsty for knowledge, brought on by the boredom of not being able to go to school or work in the gardens. Her natural curiosity is soon piqued by the sighting of an elusive boy in the gardens and the discovery of a locked room in her new home, both mysteries which she is determined to solve.
Her first encounter with the boy, Will, takes place in the hothouse. Both children are lonely and desperate for company, so it is not long before they agree to meet again in secret. They soon find a shared mystery to solve! Who is the thief behind the disappearance of the garden’s precious possessions? As the mystery deepens, suspicions are raised, more secrets are revealed and the tension is palpable as life-destroying accusations are made.
As well as catching a thief, Clara is also determined to find out why her Aunt is making night time visits to the hothouse, having secret meetings in the woods and writing behind a locked door. Are these linked to the missing possessions? Are they the cause of her lack of warmth towards Clara? I loved the way solving some puzzles only leads to more puzzles and questions … such a brilliant way to entangle the reader in the story.
I found the contrast of Clara’s contented family life before the war with the terrible effects war has had upon her family heart-breaking. The reality of how the War affected families is explored with great skill. Whilst inequality in society is shown with the Earl and his family having so many to look after their needs, the inherent goodness in people when faced with hardship is also evident with the Earl supporting the war effort by supplying the local military hospital with food.
I absolutely adored the friendship between Clara and Will, but there were also times when my heart ached for them. Whilst unexpected circumstances have thrown them together, their friendship is truly beautiful. It is born of sadness and loneliness and nurtured by mutual trust, empathy and support. The children share their family secrets, are truthful with each other (even when this may threaten their friendship) and enjoy their respective company as they work together to solve the lost secrets of the garden.
“You’re braver than you know.”
I think this applies to both of these incredible children who are, as so many were, victims of a War whose cruel fingers reached out to tear families apart, but their courage shines through as they fight for secrets to be revealed … for truths to be known …
I loved that A M Howell’s idea for this wonderfully heart-warming story was inspired by the discovery of a 100-year-old gardener’s notebook at the Ickworth Estate in Suffolk. Inspiration for stories may be everywhere around us, but it takes an incredible writer to capture our hearts through their writing … and this wholeheartedly captured mine.
March 23, 2021
A gentle historical mystery for older children; The Garden of Lost Secrets features a young girl called Clara and her struggles to adapt to a re-location and the people and plots she finds there.
Along the way we explore; different sections of society in Edwardian England, the effect of World War One on that society and especially the many different ways people experience and react to grief.
Clara's central dilemma, although removed by time is very relatable and all the characters felt rounded enought that we could imagine their existence outside Clara's experiences on-page.
Gentle (without being fluff), emotive and rooted in historical context and universal experiences.
Along the way we explore; different sections of society in Edwardian England, the effect of World War One on that society and especially the many different ways people experience and react to grief.
Clara's central dilemma, although removed by time is very relatable and all the characters felt rounded enought that we could imagine their existence outside Clara's experiences on-page.
Gentle (without being fluff), emotive and rooted in historical context and universal experiences.
May 26, 2019
📚The Garden Of Lost Secrets By A. M Howell📚
October, 1916. Clara has been sent to stay with her aunt and uncle while England is at war. But when she reaches their cottage on an enormous country estate, Clara is plunged into a tangle of secrets… A dark, locked room, a scheming thief, and a mysterious boy who only appears at night.
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📚My Take: We all know the story of the first world war but we don't know the numerous and millions of stories that were running simultaneously during the war. This is one of those stories which runs parallel to the war and it shows the life a girl who is facing this dangerous situation of being stuck in the war. So, this is the story of Clara, who is very much braver and stronger but not in the very beginning but then she actually goes through an amazing transformation to be whatever she is right now. So she is sent to her uncle and aunt place to live or survive during this war and even she has a brother who is secretly fighting in the war so, basically the book has a lot of hidden secrets in it. .
The place she has come to live is also very secretive, the garden of unknown secrets, her brother's secrets and the intensity of War going much deeper day by day, so everything is so amusing. The best part the book is definitely the narration because whenever we read historical fiction with mystery of twist, it shall have a certain kind of narration which will actually make you feel that you are present in that era and the same thing I about this one, also I felt a beautiful connection with the book. I am always fascinated to read about the lives of people who survived or died during the first and the Second World War, I think this was one of the most amazing tale that I have ever heard.
.
The cover is mind blowing, the title is apt, the book follows a beautiful narration. So, I am love with the entire book. I loved the parallel secrets which were running with the pasing time. I highly recommend it.
.
Rating: 4🌟
October, 1916. Clara has been sent to stay with her aunt and uncle while England is at war. But when she reaches their cottage on an enormous country estate, Clara is plunged into a tangle of secrets… A dark, locked room, a scheming thief, and a mysterious boy who only appears at night.
.
📚My Take: We all know the story of the first world war but we don't know the numerous and millions of stories that were running simultaneously during the war. This is one of those stories which runs parallel to the war and it shows the life a girl who is facing this dangerous situation of being stuck in the war. So, this is the story of Clara, who is very much braver and stronger but not in the very beginning but then she actually goes through an amazing transformation to be whatever she is right now. So she is sent to her uncle and aunt place to live or survive during this war and even she has a brother who is secretly fighting in the war so, basically the book has a lot of hidden secrets in it. .
The place she has come to live is also very secretive, the garden of unknown secrets, her brother's secrets and the intensity of War going much deeper day by day, so everything is so amusing. The best part the book is definitely the narration because whenever we read historical fiction with mystery of twist, it shall have a certain kind of narration which will actually make you feel that you are present in that era and the same thing I about this one, also I felt a beautiful connection with the book. I am always fascinated to read about the lives of people who survived or died during the first and the Second World War, I think this was one of the most amazing tale that I have ever heard.
.
The cover is mind blowing, the title is apt, the book follows a beautiful narration. So, I am love with the entire book. I loved the parallel secrets which were running with the pasing time. I highly recommend it.
.
Rating: 4🌟
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