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The Apothecary's Garden
Hilary Kent, a Londoner all his working life, retires to Wiltshire after an estranged cousin unexpectedly leaves him an inhabitable tower surrounded by an overgrown physic garden – and that’s when graduate student Tom Laurence suddenly erupts into his life, convincing him that together they can restore the ancient garden to its former glory. Tom’s cheerful friendship is the best thing that’s ever happened to Hilary and he’s perfectly content with that until, to his astonishment and confusion, it seems that Tom’s affection for him is beginning to grow into something more … something he feels he probably shouldn’t allow.
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2013
14 people are currently reading
884 people want to read
About the author
Julie Bozza
33 books305 followersOrdinary people are extraordinary. We can all aspire to decency, generosity, respect, honesty – and the power of love (all kinds of love!) can help us grow into our best selves.
I write stories about ‘ordinary’ people finding their answers in themselves and each other. I write about friends and lovers, and the families we create for ourselves. I explore the depth and the meaning, the fun and the possibilities, in ‘everyday’ experiences and relationships. I believe that embodying these things is how we can live our lives more fully.
Creative works help us each find our own clarity and our own joy. Readers bring their hearts and souls to reading, just as authors bring their hearts and souls to writing – and together we make a whole.
Julie Bozza. Quirky. Queer. Sincere.
I write stories about ‘ordinary’ people finding their answers in themselves and each other. I write about friends and lovers, and the families we create for ourselves. I explore the depth and the meaning, the fun and the possibilities, in ‘everyday’ experiences and relationships. I believe that embodying these things is how we can live our lives more fully.
Creative works help us each find our own clarity and our own joy. Readers bring their hearts and souls to reading, just as authors bring their hearts and souls to writing – and together we make a whole.
Julie Bozza. Quirky. Queer. Sincere.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
September 28, 2015
upside/downside.
upside.
it's exactly as charmingly english and delightfully dry as you'd expect. loads of humor and tenderness in the details, in the space where big shouty bon mots would go, but are not.
also: tea.
lots and lots of tea.
downside.
the story goes like this:
i liked the writing. i love julie bozza. but i didn't like the alien-to-me impulse to not have sex with gorgeous, affectionate college students lolling about in the nude in front of you.
as if!
*finishes tea; notes the ice-cold stares from all his english friends*
...i'll get me coat.
upside.
it's exactly as charmingly english and delightfully dry as you'd expect. loads of humor and tenderness in the details, in the space where big shouty bon mots would go, but are not.
also: tea.
lots and lots of tea.
downside.
the story goes like this:
i liked the writing. i love julie bozza. but i didn't like the alien-to-me impulse to not have sex with gorgeous, affectionate college students lolling about in the nude in front of you.
as if!
*finishes tea; notes the ice-cold stares from all his english friends*
...i'll get me coat.
May 4, 2013
4.85 stars
I need to collect my thoughts for a bit. I will say it's a most wonderful and romantic story. A beautiful dream.
Ever since I read the gorgeous Butterfly Hunter, I was desperate for another story from Julie Bozza. The coming release of The Apothecary's Garden was exciting news, but I was slightly disappointed when I found out it would be a May/December romance. Yes I am one of those readers where this theme doesn't work, usually. In most situations I find it hard to believe, that the relationship can survive, I am always left thinking about the what ifs. How much time will the guys have together? I can't help being skeptical.
What convinced me to keep reading? The beautiful narrative, the fears about pursuing a *forbidden* relationship. The courage and will to change and finally Hilary's "hell with it attitude" I was overjoyed, so damn happy. I get why he was so wary and scared to believe that he was wanted and loved deeply. Hilary and Tom deserved to be happy, that's why I loved this unusual gem. You definitely can't pick and choose who you love. I adored Hilary, cautious and sweetly caring and Tom was a delight, enthusiastic and incorrigible, he never gave up. I also loved the weekly cuddle sessions while watching the fabulous Midsomer Murders.
It never once entered my mind that this was a substitute father relationship, its love, plain and simple. I will remember this story as a dreamy fairytale and the apothecary garden is the beauty that brings joy and life to Tom and Hilary, a cleverly interwoven romance. The author is a gifted writer and a wonderful storyteller, she is a whiz at weaving magical stories. I'm impressed, I fell for it, hook line and sinker. A deeply moving story, Highly recommended.
I need to collect my thoughts for a bit. I will say it's a most wonderful and romantic story. A beautiful dream.
Ever since I read the gorgeous Butterfly Hunter, I was desperate for another story from Julie Bozza. The coming release of The Apothecary's Garden was exciting news, but I was slightly disappointed when I found out it would be a May/December romance. Yes I am one of those readers where this theme doesn't work, usually. In most situations I find it hard to believe, that the relationship can survive, I am always left thinking about the what ifs. How much time will the guys have together? I can't help being skeptical.
What convinced me to keep reading? The beautiful narrative, the fears about pursuing a *forbidden* relationship. The courage and will to change and finally Hilary's "hell with it attitude" I was overjoyed, so damn happy. I get why he was so wary and scared to believe that he was wanted and loved deeply. Hilary and Tom deserved to be happy, that's why I loved this unusual gem. You definitely can't pick and choose who you love. I adored Hilary, cautious and sweetly caring and Tom was a delight, enthusiastic and incorrigible, he never gave up. I also loved the weekly cuddle sessions while watching the fabulous Midsomer Murders.
It never once entered my mind that this was a substitute father relationship, its love, plain and simple. I will remember this story as a dreamy fairytale and the apothecary garden is the beauty that brings joy and life to Tom and Hilary, a cleverly interwoven romance. The author is a gifted writer and a wonderful storyteller, she is a whiz at weaving magical stories. I'm impressed, I fell for it, hook line and sinker. A deeply moving story, Highly recommended.
May 5, 2013
6 stars
Spectacular. Marvellous. Wonderful. The most acutely romantic book I've read in years.
Cried happy tears all the way through, and bought a Bach album.
Best of 2013 for me so far by a mile. I wish I could read it again for the first time all over again.
When I can arrange my brain into coherency I will write something slightly more informative about the multitude of exquisite things in Bozza's work.
Warning: Do not read at work. Repeat: do not read at work or lunch breaks. I am so grateful I didn't start this at lunch on Friday. Honestly I've been sitting here sobbing tears of joy and wonderment, and working my way through a box of kleenex, because it's so damn LOVELY my heart can barely take it.
Also, it is slightly more difficult purchasing the book than usual, but it is utterly worth it.
You have to order it on the Manifold Press website, but it's not an auto-download; you have to wait till a human sees your order and emails you the file (this happened quite quickly, for me). Don't get the pdf, because the formatting (at least on my version) was screwy, but the mobi prc has been fine for everyone. The story is more than worth jumping through the hoops.
Spectacular. Marvellous. Wonderful. The most acutely romantic book I've read in years.
Cried happy tears all the way through, and bought a Bach album.
Best of 2013 for me so far by a mile. I wish I could read it again for the first time all over again.
When I can arrange my brain into coherency I will write something slightly more informative about the multitude of exquisite things in Bozza's work.
Warning: Do not read at work. Repeat: do not read at work or lunch breaks. I am so grateful I didn't start this at lunch on Friday. Honestly I've been sitting here sobbing tears of joy and wonderment, and working my way through a box of kleenex, because it's so damn LOVELY my heart can barely take it.
Also, it is slightly more difficult purchasing the book than usual, but it is utterly worth it.
You have to order it on the Manifold Press website, but it's not an auto-download; you have to wait till a human sees your order and emails you the file (this happened quite quickly, for me). Don't get the pdf, because the formatting (at least on my version) was screwy, but the mobi prc has been fine for everyone. The story is more than worth jumping through the hoops.
July 22, 2016
Wow! This is quite brilliant. The May/December pairing doesn't usually appeal to me and luckily I didn't realise that was the theme of this novel because I might have missed out on reading it.
Sixty-something Hilary Kent inherits a run-down tower and overgrown garden in the English countryside. Just as he is settling in his life is disrupted by an enthusiastic history student who wants to write his thesis about the historic 'apothecary's garden'.
I loved Hilary with his knitted tea cosies, his gentle courtesy and his repressed sexuality. And Tom with his youthful exuberance and idealism. The age difference was explored sweetly and thoughtfully. For the first part of the novel Hilary is strongly reluctant to even think about his attraction to Tom. He puts him off time and time again, trying to divert him to other more suitable candidates. Hilary's sense of longing and Tom's despair during this time is really poignant. But Tom is determined and steadfast and finally Hilary succumbs.
Hilary was born in an age when homosexuality was illegal and hidden. Suddenly now, in the winter of his life, he falls in love and is shocked and full of trepidation at the ways he can be open about this. His whole world and beliefs are turned upside down. The juxtaposition of his emotional rebirth against the rebirth of the apothecary's garden felt really meaningful to me.
Above all I loved the Englishness of the setting and the storyline. The wild old garden with its ancient origins, the search for clues through old attics and the Squire's Hall, the mystery of the garden's original owner. And of course all the characters who could have stepped out of the pages of a Midsomer Murders script.
But away from the book and its beautiful prose, do I believe that Tom would really have fallen for Hilary? I don't know. But as a romantic fantasy and a love story it was beyond beautiful.
Sixty-something Hilary Kent inherits a run-down tower and overgrown garden in the English countryside. Just as he is settling in his life is disrupted by an enthusiastic history student who wants to write his thesis about the historic 'apothecary's garden'.
I loved Hilary with his knitted tea cosies, his gentle courtesy and his repressed sexuality. And Tom with his youthful exuberance and idealism. The age difference was explored sweetly and thoughtfully. For the first part of the novel Hilary is strongly reluctant to even think about his attraction to Tom. He puts him off time and time again, trying to divert him to other more suitable candidates. Hilary's sense of longing and Tom's despair during this time is really poignant. But Tom is determined and steadfast and finally Hilary succumbs.
Hilary was born in an age when homosexuality was illegal and hidden. Suddenly now, in the winter of his life, he falls in love and is shocked and full of trepidation at the ways he can be open about this. His whole world and beliefs are turned upside down. The juxtaposition of his emotional rebirth against the rebirth of the apothecary's garden felt really meaningful to me.
Above all I loved the Englishness of the setting and the storyline. The wild old garden with its ancient origins, the search for clues through old attics and the Squire's Hall, the mystery of the garden's original owner. And of course all the characters who could have stepped out of the pages of a Midsomer Murders script.
But away from the book and its beautiful prose, do I believe that Tom would really have fallen for Hilary? I don't know. But as a romantic fantasy and a love story it was beyond beautiful.
May 8, 2013
Don’t overthink it.
Suspend some of what society tells you to believe and leave it at the door.
Let time and place fall by the wayside and read untethered.
…and be swept away by such pure and gentle and kind and enchanting love…just love…of 2…who cares their gender, their backgrounds, their age…
Oh this book.
It reads like a fairy tale…of a simpler time and a lovelier place. Of 2 men who could fall in love with each other despite a 40+ year age gap. Of a young man who sees the world through fascination and joy and an old man who wants nothing more but to give him everything. Of gardens and tea and towers.
But then Bozza drops pop-cultural references like Orlando Bloom and a Ford Focus in there and snaps you back to your present-day self, jaded, grouchy, hardened. A 22 year old and a 65 year old? Sex on page? Is this something I really want to be reading?
Don’t overthink it.
Suspend some of what society tells you to believe and leave it at the door.
Let time and place fall by the wayside and read untethered.
…and be swept away…
May 3, 2013
For this gem of a book I'll ignore my resolution not to post reviews here anymore because it deserves all the love it can get. Please bear with me for getting very personal in my review.
Some people might feel uncomfortable about the fact that one of the MCs is a 65-year old man and the age difference between the men and 42 years definitely IS a huge difference. They might wonder why such a wonderful young man would fall in love with a man who could easily be his grandfather and since the book is written from Hilary's POV, I initially had the same reservations. But I've been together with a man 15 years my senior ever since I was 23 and now he is one year younger than Hilary and I still find him very attractive. Older men have their own beauty. Plus the love of my life is the most caring, patient and the wisest man I've ever met and that is even more important than age. Things like date of birth becomes completely unimportant when you meet your soul mate.
And the author did a wonderful job of showing how they both liked the same things, had the same values and how well they fit together. At first I though it would've been better to also learn about Tom's feelings but after a while I came to appreciate what Ms. Bozza did. Seeing their love story solely from Harold's view, his instant attraction to Tom, his contentment at finally having someone to share his life with, his wonder at having someone who might actually be attracted to him, his doubts, fears and scruples, his despair when he thinks he might have lost Tom and his joy about being loved back touched me deeply.
Hilary is 65 years old and when he was young, being with another man was a criminal offense so he became very guarded of his feelings and desires, settling for a life of solitude and becoming rather set in his ways. Tom is a 23 year old grad student with an unquenchable enthusiasm for life and a very sunny disposition. But both men have a deeply caring nature, putting the other's need before their own and this is what ultimately convinced me that their relationship might actually work.
Another thing that I loved about the book was the neglected garden and its restoration. Two years ago I became sick with a pretty bad case of arthritis and while I waited for it to get better, my garden became a wilderness with 6 foot high weeds. When I finally realized that things were never going to be the way they were, I was lucky to find a very energetic young man on the internet who successfully tackled the weeds and now my garden is very beautiful again and a source of great joy to me.
Plus the prose in the book is absolutely beautiful. Some sentences absolutely took my breath away which is another reason why this is a 5 star read for me.
Hilary took a moment to rest careful fingertips against his cheek, reliving the sense–memory of Tom's lips against his skin. He thought that, if he were especially careful with it, if he nurtured it and didn't wear it out, that moment might see him through decades of loneliness.
Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy who fell in love when Christopher was 48 and Don 18 and who stayed together till the day Christopher died.
Some people might feel uncomfortable about the fact that one of the MCs is a 65-year old man and the age difference between the men and 42 years definitely IS a huge difference. They might wonder why such a wonderful young man would fall in love with a man who could easily be his grandfather and since the book is written from Hilary's POV, I initially had the same reservations. But I've been together with a man 15 years my senior ever since I was 23 and now he is one year younger than Hilary and I still find him very attractive. Older men have their own beauty. Plus the love of my life is the most caring, patient and the wisest man I've ever met and that is even more important than age. Things like date of birth becomes completely unimportant when you meet your soul mate.
And the author did a wonderful job of showing how they both liked the same things, had the same values and how well they fit together. At first I though it would've been better to also learn about Tom's feelings but after a while I came to appreciate what Ms. Bozza did. Seeing their love story solely from Harold's view, his instant attraction to Tom, his contentment at finally having someone to share his life with, his wonder at having someone who might actually be attracted to him, his doubts, fears and scruples, his despair when he thinks he might have lost Tom and his joy about being loved back touched me deeply.
Hilary is 65 years old and when he was young, being with another man was a criminal offense so he became very guarded of his feelings and desires, settling for a life of solitude and becoming rather set in his ways. Tom is a 23 year old grad student with an unquenchable enthusiasm for life and a very sunny disposition. But both men have a deeply caring nature, putting the other's need before their own and this is what ultimately convinced me that their relationship might actually work.
Another thing that I loved about the book was the neglected garden and its restoration. Two years ago I became sick with a pretty bad case of arthritis and while I waited for it to get better, my garden became a wilderness with 6 foot high weeds. When I finally realized that things were never going to be the way they were, I was lucky to find a very energetic young man on the internet who successfully tackled the weeds and now my garden is very beautiful again and a source of great joy to me.
Plus the prose in the book is absolutely beautiful. Some sentences absolutely took my breath away which is another reason why this is a 5 star read for me.
Hilary took a moment to rest careful fingertips against his cheek, reliving the sense–memory of Tom's lips against his skin. He thought that, if he were especially careful with it, if he nurtured it and didn't wear it out, that moment might see him through decades of loneliness.
Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy who fell in love when Christopher was 48 and Don 18 and who stayed together till the day Christopher died.
May 6, 2013
First of all I must tell you I was sat in bed at 3.30 am in the morning. In the dark, the only light the light of my kindle and I had tears rolling down my cheeks! Had something awful happened , was one of the characters dying of in incurable disease, had one of the MC's just cheated on his lover? No... I was crying at their first love scene because the love between these two men is so pure and so true that it made me want to weep. I said this about Butterfly Hunter, the first book that I read by Julie Bozza, another book that touched me to the core! Reading this story was like looking at something so beautiful that it takes your breath away, causing that pure joyful emotion to bubble up until you either have to laugh or cry to let it out. That was how I felt most of the time I was reading this book.
This is a May to December romance that in any other circumstances would not be my first choice of subject but in Julie's hands that age difference, even though its a big part of the story, sort of fades into the background. You know its there but somehow it doesn't matter. How do you make a love story with an age difference of 42 years work? Well all I can say is read this gorgeous love story and you'll see how. Watching 23 year old Tom woo Hilary with weekly sessions in front of the TV watching Midsomer Murders, fish and chip suppers and the sort of cuddles that would melt just about anyone's heart is just lovely, with sweet Hilary trying as hard as he can to put off Toms advances but unable to resist his bright light, that breezes into his lonely existence like a breath of fresh air, causing him to fall head over heels for the first time in his life. A little historical background mystery and an overgrown garden add to the charm of it all and help make this one of the most endearing love stories Ive ever read and has just made me love Ms Bozzas writing even more. Age difference.... who cares! Sublime!
This is a May to December romance that in any other circumstances would not be my first choice of subject but in Julie's hands that age difference, even though its a big part of the story, sort of fades into the background. You know its there but somehow it doesn't matter. How do you make a love story with an age difference of 42 years work? Well all I can say is read this gorgeous love story and you'll see how. Watching 23 year old Tom woo Hilary with weekly sessions in front of the TV watching Midsomer Murders, fish and chip suppers and the sort of cuddles that would melt just about anyone's heart is just lovely, with sweet Hilary trying as hard as he can to put off Toms advances but unable to resist his bright light, that breezes into his lonely existence like a breath of fresh air, causing him to fall head over heels for the first time in his life. A little historical background mystery and an overgrown garden add to the charm of it all and help make this one of the most endearing love stories Ive ever read and has just made me love Ms Bozzas writing even more. Age difference.... who cares! Sublime!
August 30, 2014
Written August 29, 2014
4.2 Stars - Pleasurable in the gentle and compassionate
First of all, a heartfelt Thank You! to my (British) reading buddy Bev for the recommendation of this wonderful story (her 4.5 review). I enjoyed and had some pleasant hours with this garden and these two men. ~ You made it possible, Bev!
The Apothecary's Garden is a recommended read for those who want something a bit different than yet another up-to-date steamy M/M, in this tender contemporary genre.
Yes, I admit, sometimes was maybe the pace is hera too low, and all the everyday details were too many, but the feelings were always there. And I want to have big feelings and lot of emotions; strong, tough, uncertain, wistful, tender, hot, eternal, etc, etc. ~ This novel gave me exactly that.
************************************************************
The Apothecary's Garden is a the story about
# Hilary Kent an older Londoner who retires to Wiltshire after an estranged cousin unexpectedly leaves him an inhabitable tower surrounded by an overgrown physic garden.
# The graduate History student Tom Laurence, a 24 years old man who convincing Hilary that together they can restore the ancient garden to its former glory.
# An overgrown old garden (in my standards, a park) and a missing vicar.
# Friendship between to men which are from quite different generations (...42 years difference).
...A friendship that slowly grows into something more. Much, much more. Something one of them feels he probably shouldn’t want or do all.
We got: - tenderness, friendship, ordinary weekdays, Christmas holidays, heart and pain, new experiences, community, an old unexplored house (tower), neighbors, a landlord, a lot of tea, a garden to dig and cut in, and also an old love's mystery to solve - all in one year, and I liked it all.
************************************************************
What is being said and finally becomes a truth in everyday TV?
Here in my country, it is almost a tradition to sit in a summer-cottages some late hot summer nights and watch reruns of Midsomer Murders with dear old DCI Tom Barnaby on TV. We love that show over here. ~ I giggled at all of those references to the series. Their last Thursday watching was so homely cute. That cozy pressing and pushing on the sofa. Awww-so-sweet... just leaning against a dear warm shoulder.
It sad to say but Tom was so very right as well, there is often a certain homophobia in TV shows.
Yeah ugh! It's no wonder that some dreary stereotypes continue to thrive for generations. Sigh!!
************************************************************
And there was a lot of tea, some hundred cups...
I must say that all this tea drinking made me a bit speechless. Is the author kidding with us? Or is this the way it is there in the old houses in southern England? Even nowadays... ~ I know now that I probably need to replace some coffee cups to tea in the future. This drink is the solution to all problems, to add to fun adventurous events (in a thermos) and even before and after hot yummy love meetings.
************************************************************
For me is The Apothecary's Garden a good example of a delicate novel in a restful, sedate, older traditional romantic style. A beautifully written novel with a romantic topic (plot), more than a steamy sexy contemporary romance. I felt at home among these characters and enjoyed being able to follow them, their garden work, the old mysteri and their everyday lives (..tea drinking). This stunningly beautiful love story also made it extra enjoyable.
I think this quote sums up this story in a quite fair manner:
Happy and contented, satisfied and hopeful, for a second time with one of Ms Bozza's stories. (I read and loved Butterfly Hunter (my review - 4.5 stars) a year ago)
Maybe not for everyone - but for me. Simply oldish delightful!
I LIKE - want to sit there in the garden and enjoy a great cup of tea
**********
A Monday (..the Portuguese style) buddyread with our nice hosts, Barbara and Isabel. Together with Eva, Sofia, Irina and me. ~ Thank you Ladies!!
4.2 Stars - Pleasurable in the gentle and compassionate
First of all, a heartfelt Thank You! to my (British) reading buddy Bev for the recommendation of this wonderful story (her 4.5 review). I enjoyed and had some pleasant hours with this garden and these two men. ~ You made it possible, Bev!
The Apothecary's Garden is a recommended read for those who want something a bit different than yet another up-to-date steamy M/M, in this tender contemporary genre.
Yes, I admit, sometimes was maybe the pace is hera too low, and all the everyday details were too many, but the feelings were always there. And I want to have big feelings and lot of emotions; strong, tough, uncertain, wistful, tender, hot, eternal, etc, etc. ~ This novel gave me exactly that.
************************************************************
The Apothecary's Garden is a the story about
# Hilary Kent an older Londoner who retires to Wiltshire after an estranged cousin unexpectedly leaves him an inhabitable tower surrounded by an overgrown physic garden.
# The graduate History student Tom Laurence, a 24 years old man who convincing Hilary that together they can restore the ancient garden to its former glory.
# An overgrown old garden (in my standards, a park) and a missing vicar.
# Friendship between to men which are from quite different generations (...42 years difference).
...A friendship that slowly grows into something more. Much, much more. Something one of them feels he probably shouldn’t want or do all.
We got: - tenderness, friendship, ordinary weekdays, Christmas holidays, heart and pain, new experiences, community, an old unexplored house (tower), neighbors, a landlord, a lot of tea, a garden to dig and cut in, and also an old love's mystery to solve - all in one year, and I liked it all.
‘Hilary lay awake that night, unable to sleep. Not bacause he felt insecure or anxious — suprisingly enough, he didn't — but because he was happy. He was happy. It struck him as a rather maervellous thing that he had a home. And this home should shelter his friend.’
************************************************************
What is being said and finally becomes a truth in everyday TV?
Here in my country, it is almost a tradition to sit in a summer-cottages some late hot summer nights and watch reruns of Midsomer Murders with dear old DCI Tom Barnaby on TV. We love that show over here. ~ I giggled at all of those references to the series. Their last Thursday watching was so homely cute. That cozy pressing and pushing on the sofa. Awww-so-sweet... just leaning against a dear warm shoulder.
It sad to say but Tom was so very right as well, there is often a certain homophobia in TV shows.
Yeah ugh! It's no wonder that some dreary stereotypes continue to thrive for generations. Sigh!!
************************************************************
And there was a lot of tea, some hundred cups...
‘Indeed, he should break out the special black tea with ginseng and vanilla that he saved for the odd occasion when he felt adventurous. What odder or more wonderful occasion could there be than this...?’
“D'you want t make some tea?” he suggested. “Have some biscuits, if you want. You need to keep your energy levels up,” Tom went on to advise, “because once I'm done here, Hilary, I'm taking you back to bed.”
“Oh,” said Hilary lightly, while his heart tripped. “If you must.”
I must say that all this tea drinking made me a bit speechless. Is the author kidding with us? Or is this the way it is there in the old houses in southern England? Even nowadays... ~ I know now that I probably need to replace some coffee cups to tea in the future. This drink is the solution to all problems, to add to fun adventurous events (in a thermos) and even before and after hot yummy love meetings.
************************************************************
For me is The Apothecary's Garden a good example of a delicate novel in a restful, sedate, older traditional romantic style. A beautifully written novel with a romantic topic (plot), more than a steamy sexy contemporary romance. I felt at home among these characters and enjoyed being able to follow them, their garden work, the old mysteri and their everyday lives (..tea drinking). This stunningly beautiful love story also made it extra enjoyable.
I think this quote sums up this story in a quite fair manner:
“Oh Tom, I've never asked for anything more from life than contentment, and for most of my years I've had exactly that. I suppose it seemed too much and to late to start asking for happiness.”
“But that's what you have, isn't it?”
“Yes, my dear. That's what I have.”
Happy and contented, satisfied and hopeful, for a second time with one of Ms Bozza's stories. (I read and loved Butterfly Hunter (my review - 4.5 stars) a year ago)
Maybe not for everyone - but for me. Simply oldish delightful!
I LIKE - want to sit there in the garden and enjoy a great cup of tea
**********
A Monday (..the Portuguese style) buddyread with our nice hosts, Barbara and Isabel. Together with Eva, Sofia, Irina and me. ~ Thank you Ladies!!
May 12, 2013
This book is just so beautiful *dreamy sigh* ... Julie Bozza's prose flows easily, smoothly, dreamy, and oh, so romantic.
I think other reviews have presented more complete and thorough opinions about this. So I'm just trying to keep it short and focuses on my feeling.
At first, I think I am lucky that I have read my friends' rave reviews because I have prepared myself for the huge age-gap (42 years) that otherwise will not be my cup of tea. However, while I am reading this, the age gap seems to disappear. It's just the beautiful way of Ms. Bozza tells the story, that I don't really care about it.
Since the story is written from Hilary's perspective, it is easy to see how Hilary sweetly falling for enthusiastic young Tom. Having said that, unlike a couple of reviewers, I can easily see how Tom falls for Hilary as well. Hilary might seem content and less exuberant -- but the way I see it, that is what make him attractive for Tom. It is said that Tom has an old soul. That he doesn't really care for the night out or partying with his friends. Sometimes we are attracted to somebody who is opposite of us, aren't we?
I also love the idyllic feel of Hilary and Tom living together, watching episodes of Midsomer Murders, drinking tea, restoring garden ... there are no car-chasings, gun-shootings, excessive drama and misunderstanding episodes. It's just daily activities but can be a huge source of happiness and contentment in life.
If I have complain (and why this story gets lower rating than how I rate Butterfly Hunter), it will be the resolution about the mystery surrounding Thaddeus's disappearance years ago. I'm a mystery lover -- I grew up reading Agatha Christie, with Ms. Marple and Poirot solving cold case murders. So when there's no actual answer, I get disappointed. I know this is not meant as a mystery book, but the little-mystery-monster who craves for it after being give the 'hints' (especially since this story also mentions Midsommer Murders) doesn't care.
PS: Before finishing this book, I Google-d couples with huge age gap and come across this article about real-life couple with 40 year-age difference who have been married for 12 years. Oh, and also Robert Duvall and his fourth wife Luciana Pedraza, who have been together 16 years, has 41-year-age difference.
I think other reviews have presented more complete and thorough opinions about this. So I'm just trying to keep it short and focuses on my feeling.
At first, I think I am lucky that I have read my friends' rave reviews because I have prepared myself for the huge age-gap (42 years) that otherwise will not be my cup of tea. However, while I am reading this, the age gap seems to disappear. It's just the beautiful way of Ms. Bozza tells the story, that I don't really care about it.
Since the story is written from Hilary's perspective, it is easy to see how Hilary sweetly falling for enthusiastic young Tom. Having said that, unlike a couple of reviewers, I can easily see how Tom falls for Hilary as well. Hilary might seem content and less exuberant -- but the way I see it, that is what make him attractive for Tom. It is said that Tom has an old soul. That he doesn't really care for the night out or partying with his friends. Sometimes we are attracted to somebody who is opposite of us, aren't we?
I also love the idyllic feel of Hilary and Tom living together, watching episodes of Midsomer Murders, drinking tea, restoring garden ... there are no car-chasings, gun-shootings, excessive drama and misunderstanding episodes. It's just daily activities but can be a huge source of happiness and contentment in life.
If I have complain (and why this story gets lower rating than how I rate Butterfly Hunter), it will be the resolution about the mystery surrounding Thaddeus's disappearance years ago. I'm a mystery lover -- I grew up reading Agatha Christie, with Ms. Marple and Poirot solving cold case murders. So when there's no actual answer, I get disappointed. I know this is not meant as a mystery book, but the little-mystery-monster who craves for it after being give the 'hints' (especially since this story also mentions Midsommer Murders) doesn't care.
PS: Before finishing this book, I Google-d couples with huge age gap and come across this article about real-life couple with 40 year-age difference who have been married for 12 years. Oh, and also Robert Duvall and his fourth wife Luciana Pedraza, who have been together 16 years, has 41-year-age difference.
June 4, 2013
Thanks to all my lovely friends who wrote all these lovely reviews and said what there is to say about The Apothecary`s Garden.
I agree with all of them - even with their small niggles - but I`m waving the white flag. It gets worse with every new book from Julie - reviewer`s-block! I want to happily float on readers`s cloud nine (just finished round three), without trying to bring my thoughts into coherency. This is my own private solitary cloud - just me, the book, and my thoughts and dreams.
Julie Bozza`s prose does that to me - sorry.
So here`s just a little picture for those who loved the book. I think this little still life captures the gentle, timeless and dreamy peacefulness of the story well...
I agree with all of them - even with their small niggles - but I`m waving the white flag. It gets worse with every new book from Julie - reviewer`s-block! I want to happily float on readers`s cloud nine (just finished round three), without trying to bring my thoughts into coherency. This is my own private solitary cloud - just me, the book, and my thoughts and dreams.
Julie Bozza`s prose does that to me - sorry.
So here`s just a little picture for those who loved the book. I think this little still life captures the gentle, timeless and dreamy peacefulness of the story well...
December 26, 2019
Between 3 and 3,5 stars.
This book is full of contradictions for me:
I liked it and ...at the same time I ...don't know what to think about it.
The writing was beautiful. It was my first Julie Bozza and now I know what everyone means talking about her AMAZING writing style. The woman can write, no doubts.
I enjoyed her writing. On one hand.
On the other hand...It was static. Can I use this word talking about someone's writing?! Never mind, I did it already. I don't know if it was the matter of a difficult and sensitive topic, or better to say, NOT a TYPICAL romance - we're talking about an age gap of over 40 years! - but it was mostly like watching the fabulous paintings in art museum. Breathtakingly beautiful but not alive. I was lost between the beautiful lines like Tom between the wild plants in the untamed garden...
..Somewhere under...among...behind was a sense of the story...
The romance between Hilary Kent and and Tom Laurence
was sweet, romantic, thoughtful, unusual, warm-hearted and...unreal.
Not that I don't believe that two people with such a big age difference couldn't fall in love with each other, but HERE I did hard to believe it.
The plot: They've met, talked, hold hands, watched TV, drunk tea, a lot of tea, they fallen in love, they had sex. Oh, forgot, they have a bit of historical research in regard to the garden. Very interesting, but not very important. NO DRAMA.
Though that thing with SEX...I don't want to play it in my head again and again, okay?
Anyway, it's worth to read it.
Because it was good written and it was different.
And I swear by God - it's just a saying, I'm an atheist, okay? - I like DIFFERENT.
The ending was sweet and nice and lovely. Like a sweet Assam with a barely perceptible bitterness.
Happyteatime reading!
This book is full of contradictions for me:
I liked it and ...at the same time I ...don't know what to think about it.
The writing was beautiful. It was my first Julie Bozza and now I know what everyone means talking about her AMAZING writing style. The woman can write, no doubts.
I enjoyed her writing. On one hand.
On the other hand...It was static. Can I use this word talking about someone's writing?! Never mind, I did it already. I don't know if it was the matter of a difficult and sensitive topic, or better to say, NOT a TYPICAL romance - we're talking about an age gap of over 40 years! - but it was mostly like watching the fabulous paintings in art museum. Breathtakingly beautiful but not alive. I was lost between the beautiful lines like Tom between the wild plants in the untamed garden...
..Somewhere under...among...behind was a sense of the story...
The romance between Hilary Kent and and Tom Laurence
was sweet, romantic, thoughtful, unusual, warm-hearted and...unreal.
Not that I don't believe that two people with such a big age difference couldn't fall in love with each other, but HERE I did hard to believe it.
The plot: They've met, talked, hold hands, watched TV, drunk tea, a lot of tea, they fallen in love, they had sex. Oh, forgot, they have a bit of historical research in regard to the garden. Very interesting, but not very important. NO DRAMA.
Though that thing with SEX...I don't want to play it in my head again and again, okay?
Anyway, it's worth to read it.
Because it was good written and it was different.
And I swear by God - it's just a saying, I'm an atheist, okay? - I like DIFFERENT.
The ending was sweet and nice and lovely. Like a sweet Assam with a barely perceptible bitterness.
Happy
August 27, 2014
3.5 stars
Once again Bozza does not shy away from a difficult topic. This time it is love across a big generational gap. So big a gap that I immediately said, nah this will not work. But Ms Bozza loves to prove me wrong.
Her exploration of the relationship between Tom and Hilary became my exploration. And like any explorer I discovered lots of no go areas in me. Areas, which needed an airing and are much fresher now, all because of her. For at the end of the day why should love be limited by whatever, be it, age, beauty, health, intelligence, wealth. Why the limits. In itself love is limitless, it is we who fence it in, make it less. Julie Bozza just frees it right back and in some ways frees me as well , as she encourages me to look at things in different ways and I find that it’s good.
BR with Barbara, Isabel, Ingela, Eva, Irina, Lena and Tara
Once again Bozza does not shy away from a difficult topic. This time it is love across a big generational gap. So big a gap that I immediately said, nah this will not work. But Ms Bozza loves to prove me wrong.
Her exploration of the relationship between Tom and Hilary became my exploration. And like any explorer I discovered lots of no go areas in me. Areas, which needed an airing and are much fresher now, all because of her. For at the end of the day why should love be limited by whatever, be it, age, beauty, health, intelligence, wealth. Why the limits. In itself love is limitless, it is we who fence it in, make it less. Julie Bozza just frees it right back and in some ways frees me as well , as she encourages me to look at things in different ways and I find that it’s good.
BR with Barbara, Isabel, Ingela, Eva, Irina, Lena and Tara
March 29, 2014
I bought the paperback of this book and took it with me to all my appointments and read it while I was waiting, which took a bit, but honestly, this book deserves the slow approach. It deserves to be savored and enjoyed, like a good cup of tea. Not rushed through.
Like Butterfly Hunter this is a slow meandering, flowing like a small stream, no big action or wild emotions. Friendship and then love develops between two men who at least at first glance are very different.
Hilary is a very quiet and settled man. He's retired and lives alone and always has, no close friends or any family, and he's fine with that.
Tom is working on his thesis and with his excitement and dedication to Hilary's garden and the story of Thaddeus he easily wins Hilary over.
I believe Tom enriched and beautified Hilary's life as much as Hilary enriched and helped Tom find something he was looking for.
“But that was all right, for he knew that this precious gift of love was such a fragile thing. He must keep it safe for its own sake to allow it to thrive, like an exotic plant in its own little glasshouse – and more importantly than that he must protect Tom. Nothing ignoble must attach itself to this wonderful young man. Nothing must harm him in any way.”
There is over a 40 year age difference, which is a lot, not just in years, but in experience. Tom grew up in a much more accepting and open world than Hilary. And of course our life experiences make us who we are.
I really did love seeing them find something together. Having their own rituals and traditions. Their Thursday night date, their tea time. That's what makes it real.
“Oh Tom, I’ve never asked for anything more from life than contentment, and for most of my years I’ve had exactly that. I suppose it seemed too much and too late to start asking for happiness.”
This is a story for people who enjoy quiet and understated stories, strong emotions but not yelled out, they are all the more powerful for being whispered.
I had one or two things I was a little uncertain of, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment.
Like Butterfly Hunter this is a slow meandering, flowing like a small stream, no big action or wild emotions. Friendship and then love develops between two men who at least at first glance are very different.
Hilary is a very quiet and settled man. He's retired and lives alone and always has, no close friends or any family, and he's fine with that.
Tom is working on his thesis and with his excitement and dedication to Hilary's garden and the story of Thaddeus he easily wins Hilary over.
I believe Tom enriched and beautified Hilary's life as much as Hilary enriched and helped Tom find something he was looking for.
“But that was all right, for he knew that this precious gift of love was such a fragile thing. He must keep it safe for its own sake to allow it to thrive, like an exotic plant in its own little glasshouse – and more importantly than that he must protect Tom. Nothing ignoble must attach itself to this wonderful young man. Nothing must harm him in any way.”
There is over a 40 year age difference, which is a lot, not just in years, but in experience. Tom grew up in a much more accepting and open world than Hilary. And of course our life experiences make us who we are.
I really did love seeing them find something together. Having their own rituals and traditions. Their Thursday night date, their tea time. That's what makes it real.
“Oh Tom, I’ve never asked for anything more from life than contentment, and for most of my years I’ve had exactly that. I suppose it seemed too much and too late to start asking for happiness.”
This is a story for people who enjoy quiet and understated stories, strong emotions but not yelled out, they are all the more powerful for being whispered.
I had one or two things I was a little uncertain of, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment.
October 21, 2013
This was a slow, lovely and magical story of two seemingly-incompatible men falling in love. The age gap is huge - Tom is a graduate student in his twenties while Hilary is retired and in his sixties. But the author was able to portray this as a meeting of minds, and then of bodies, with real desire alongside the love. Part of what makes it work is the character of Tom, a young man of stubborn determination, great vision, and enthusiastic passion for every good thing in his life. Where Hilary is acutely aware of the distance between them created by their ages, Tom is only aware of the closeness created by matching interests, viewpoints, and tastes.
It is Tom who drives the relationship forward, who makes Hilary unwillingly believe that he has a right to grasp for something that, by the common mores of society, should be beyond his reach. And it is the sweetness of Hilary's character, the simple honesty of his POV, that makes a young man's love for him believable. His lack of experience makes him feel young in matters of the heart, and despite later misgivings in the cold light of day, I believed, throughout this book, in these two men. The author paints vivid pictures in gorgeous language, and the tone was perfect for the story. A definite reread.
It is Tom who drives the relationship forward, who makes Hilary unwillingly believe that he has a right to grasp for something that, by the common mores of society, should be beyond his reach. And it is the sweetness of Hilary's character, the simple honesty of his POV, that makes a young man's love for him believable. His lack of experience makes him feel young in matters of the heart, and despite later misgivings in the cold light of day, I believed, throughout this book, in these two men. The author paints vivid pictures in gorgeous language, and the tone was perfect for the story. A definite reread.
August 27, 2015
Buddy Read with my lovely Tina...thank you sweetie. This one gets 4.5 stars from me and 
OK, another difficult review to write. First of all, let me say that I did enjoy this book....just not as much as Butterfly Hunter. The narrative once again was superb...the author certainly has a knack for language and settings (Wiltshire is a lovely county, full of history), and you seem to almost go into a trance-like state, being drawn into the setting of the book, and into the lives of it's characters.
This book was like unwrapping a much wanted present, my expectations were high (probably a little too high actually after Butterfly Hunter), and for the most part they were met very well by Julie but, and it's a HUGE but...I have to say straight away that I knew before I read the book that my main problem would be accepting the huge age difference...this May to December romance, and I know that if my 21 year old son ever brought an old man to the door and said 'Mum, this is so-and-so, my lover...or words to that effect'...I'd be absolutely horrified, not at the fact that he'd brought a man home, but at the man's age!! My son has just said that the 23 year old must have been an old soul, as Julie mentions in the book, but I personally have never met a 23 year old like that....I accept that they may exist, I just don't think it very likely in view of all the cultural differences spanning the 40 year age gap.
Having said that, the book's main characters Hilary and Tom were delightful, the descriptions of the garden and the plants, with the history of the house and it's occupiers interwoven in the background...everything was wonderful...it was just the age gap I wasn't happy with.
OK, another difficult review to write. First of all, let me say that I did enjoy this book....just not as much as Butterfly Hunter. The narrative once again was superb...the author certainly has a knack for language and settings (Wiltshire is a lovely county, full of history), and you seem to almost go into a trance-like state, being drawn into the setting of the book, and into the lives of it's characters.
This book was like unwrapping a much wanted present, my expectations were high (probably a little too high actually after Butterfly Hunter), and for the most part they were met very well by Julie but, and it's a HUGE but...I have to say straight away that I knew before I read the book that my main problem would be accepting the huge age difference...this May to December romance, and I know that if my 21 year old son ever brought an old man to the door and said 'Mum, this is so-and-so, my lover...or words to that effect'...I'd be absolutely horrified, not at the fact that he'd brought a man home, but at the man's age!! My son has just said that the 23 year old must have been an old soul, as Julie mentions in the book, but I personally have never met a 23 year old like that....I accept that they may exist, I just don't think it very likely in view of all the cultural differences spanning the 40 year age gap.
Having said that, the book's main characters Hilary and Tom were delightful, the descriptions of the garden and the plants, with the history of the house and it's occupiers interwoven in the background...everything was wonderful...it was just the age gap I wasn't happy with.
January 4, 2015
The Apothecary's Garden belongs to those stories you won't forget.
It's about 65 years old Hilary, who retires from London to Wiltshire after a cousin leaves him a tower and an overgrown physic garden. 23 years old Tom convinces him to restore the ancient garden to its former glory. Tom's friendship is the best thing that has ever happened to Hilary but then Tom's affection for him is beginning to grow into something more…
"You've got great hands, you know... I love watching them make tea, and handle fine china. Carry a tray so perfectly steady. Or tug a weed out of the ground, and then grasp the wheelbarrow's handgrips. They're competent, and they're strong… and they've seen life."
The blossoming love that you witness while reading the book is a love that doesn't involve sweaty sex and bulging muscles, drama, angst or big mysteries. It's the quiet kind of love, a love that grows out of companionship and the love to an old english country garden full of ancient herbs and long forgotten plants.
It's lovely to witness Tom and Hilary watching Midsomer Murders, eating cods and chips (and pineapple fritters:) and sharing heart melting cuddles. I suffered vicariously with Hilary when he tries as hard as he can to put off Toms advances but how can he resist Tom who is lighting up his lonely existence?
Hilary took a moment to rest careful fingertips against his cheek, reliving the sense–memory of Tom's lips against his skin. He thought that, if he were especially careful with it, if he nurtured it and didn't wear it out, that moment might see him through decades of loneliness.
Surely Hilary is no father figure for Tom. The love both men share is a different kind of love. But the book reminds us that the time we have with our beloved will end eventually. And we, who are younger, shouldn't forget to cherish every minute we have with them.
I really love my own garden with plants, herbs, sunshine and country quiet. This morning I planted flowers with my father, who is nearly 80, enjoyed the sun, the soil, the flower fragrance and was grateful to have him still with me. Maybe it was the last time we did this together. Who knows?
I loved this beautiful, romantic and quiet tale. Julie Bozza is a gifted writer and a wonderful storyteller. Her poetry sinks deep into your heart, if you let it happen.
I had some niggles with the May to December romance, though. Can a 23 years old guy really be such an 'old soul' without having fun with same-aged friends? I think the term 'old soul' is a little worn thin sometimes. Does a love with such an age-difference have a chance in real life? Don't get me wrong, I like the thought...
4,5 stars and highly recommended to those who don't fear to read about a different kind of love, a love against all odds.
Thank you, Macky my dear friend, for being so persistent to recommend this wonderful gem to me over and over again.
And thank you, lovely Bev, for reading it with me. As always you cracked me up with your comments. I remember one special comment that made me laugh out loud. You know which one I mean, girl. :)
October 30, 2014
“A loving relationship doesn't have to last forever to be perfect.”
This is my third book by Julie Bozza and I haven't expected it to be so very different from the other two.
I loved the idea of such a great age difference between two men, and I could feel every Hilary's emotion and sympathise with him easily. But I couldn't quite understand when and how has Tom fallen for him. In fact, being as suspicious as I am, I kept expecting the other shoe to drop, such as Tom having an ulterior motive with the Garden or having some major faults that will cause some trouble somewhere along the way.
But I shouldn't have worried. There's no angst or drama here. In fact, it was a quiet book, mainly exploring the possibility of such an unlikely match.
“The whole thing had been so very beautiful, and so very fragile, and so utterly impossible a dream.”
Hilary is an incredible character. His lonely and uneventful life had lowered his expectations down and tamed his desires. He took his pleasures from small things and spent his days in a quiet and monotonous routine. But even after decades of solitude and placid existence, he couldn't help but being awaken and stirred to life after meeting young Tom.
And here is the dilemma. Does Hilary stay true to himself and unselfishly turn the temptation down, and with that the only opportunity at real happiness? Or does he let go of so many years of doubts, shame and concerns for society's opinions to allow himself be free to do as he wants and be loved in return? Old habits are hard to break.
“If I felt a shallow, selfish kind of love then, no, I would take any opportunity I could to keep you for myself. But I love you more deeply than that, Tom, and so my interests are nothing compared to yours. I am thinking only of you.”
I'm glad Tom and Hilary have found each other. It would have been nice to get a little more character building for Tom as well, but I suppose it was not an easy task with just Hilary's POV.
I also couldn't help but feel sorry for Justin. He seemed like a nice guy who drew a short stick in this book. I hope he gets his HEA too. It's not a secret that I have a soft spot for an unrequited love.
The Apothecary Garden theme was very appropriate and symbolic, I thought. Just like Hilary, it was overgrown and left unattended for years, but when shown some affection and devoted time and attention, it became rather beautiful. It became tranquil.
Because it's never late to love and be happy. And it's never late to bring the walls down, clear the debris out and touch the heart underneath.
~ Silverseal - signifies purity and courage.
***3.5 stars***
BR with Sofia, Ingela, Eva, Barbara, Isabel, Tara and LENA! ~ Thank you, ladies!
September 17, 2014
25th August
Buddy read with Isabel, Ingela, Eva,Sofia, Irina and Lena!
Ms Bozza writes characters that are so human that you know them and fell in love with them! The book is really beautifully written. The prose is exquisite, it´s like a fairy tale story !! I'm basically just a hopeless romantic with a dirty mind... but there´s NO dirty here only romance...
About large age differences between partners, my opinion is: you simply fall in love!! And if love knocks on you door, you better be ready to grab it with both hands, is never late to love!
So… yes, there's a 42 year old age gap but I didn't really feel that in the story. I loved the role that Tom plays between the rediscovery going on in the garden and in Hilary's life. It was a pleasure to read.
Yes, they talked about how forbidden their love is, but Tom didn't act like his age, He may be young in years, but he is very wise. Hilary's delight at finding love late in life was heart-warming and the whole book left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
If you are looking for something slow paced and romantic then this is the book for you.
Buddy read with Isabel, Ingela, Eva,Sofia, Irina and Lena!
Ms Bozza writes characters that are so human that you know them and fell in love with them! The book is really beautifully written. The prose is exquisite, it´s like a fairy tale story !! I'm basically just a hopeless romantic with a dirty mind... but there´s NO dirty here only romance...
About large age differences between partners, my opinion is: you simply fall in love!! And if love knocks on you door, you better be ready to grab it with both hands, is never late to love!
So… yes, there's a 42 year old age gap but I didn't really feel that in the story. I loved the role that Tom plays between the rediscovery going on in the garden and in Hilary's life. It was a pleasure to read.
Yes, they talked about how forbidden their love is, but Tom didn't act like his age, He may be young in years, but he is very wise. Hilary's delight at finding love late in life was heart-warming and the whole book left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
If you are looking for something slow paced and romantic then this is the book for you.
May 30, 2013
I had no issues at all with the age gap between Tom and Hilary and found their devotion and love for one another simply endearing. I haven't read any May-December romances before and if anyone has any recommendations, please pass them my way!
He thought that, if he were especially careful with it, if he nurtured it and didn't wear it out, that moment might see him through decades of loneliness.
He thought that, if he were especially careful with it, if he nurtured it and didn't wear it out, that moment might see him through decades of loneliness.
May 12, 2013
This was another Julie Bozza book I gradually, slowly, but inescapably fell in love with while reading. The beginning was a bit bumpy with its fairy-taleish "once upon a time, there was a man..." convoluted wordiness, but I got quickly drawn into the story AND into the beautiful, at times slightly old-fashioned-sounding and yet so very fitting prose. This author has a way to paint pictures with words, I couldn't help being awed.
In a word, I loved this book. It can’t hold a candle to my all-time favourite Julie Bozza book, Butterfly Hunter, but it comes close. Everything about it was just so up my alley– the garden, the slow pace, the sheer British-ness of both Hilary and Tom. And yes, even the much-belabored age difference...ok, 40+ years is huge, but considering who these two are, it became almost negligible.
Hilary is a man from a different generation; used to never being able to be open about his sexuality, he got accustomed to the thought of living and dying a loner. Being with someone at all was so novel to him he went about it with almost child-like joy, while at the same time, his maturity kept him from seizing the opportunity –read: Tom, and sex with Tom– by the collar first chance he got. Sweet, selfless, mature, thoughtful, that is Hilary, made shy and wary by life experience, but no coward. I don't think he would've reacted all that different if Tom had been closer to his age, though his age-gap induced self-doubts and misgivings–and how he deals with them– added greatly to this book’s charm for me.
Now Tom? A breath of fresh air, youth, beauty and strength and a supplement of muscle to Hilary’s comparable frailty; you’d think it’s Hilary who gets the most out of them being together. But for one, Tom is a nurturer at heart, he loves to care for things and people, he’s just as selfless and sweet as Hilary but of a youthful exuberance that he loves to channel into doing something useful, not waste in mindless pastimes. I don’t think he feels shut away with Hilary, especially given his ability to live in the now and seize the moment, however long it may last. For another, in his own way Tom is as much a man of Hilary’s generation as Hilary is himself. Tom is honorable, scholarly, a somewhat old-style gentleman, and in many ways, a shy person too, despite his laptop and ipad and his much more unrestricted approach at his own sexuality.
They just fit, their personalities match, why should the age difference be an insurmontable obstacle between them?
The writing, the way the story was told convinced me it wasn’t.
I had only two small niggles whith the book; one was a "huh?" moment within the story when Tom reacted totally without rhyme and reason, and completely out of the blue, with no viable explanation, and the other was Hilary’s relative sexual prowess. (but then again, people are different and Charlie Chaplin fathered a child at over eighty, so why shouldn’t Hilary be more steadfast in bed than other sexagenarians?)
What it comes down to it is, it’s a lovely, beautiful love story; I enjoyed it, and I hope many others will too, whether they can get over the age difference or not.
Oh, and I learned a new phrase: "toothsome pippins"-- it means delicious apples, doesn't it? ;-)
In a word, I loved this book. It can’t hold a candle to my all-time favourite Julie Bozza book, Butterfly Hunter, but it comes close. Everything about it was just so up my alley– the garden, the slow pace, the sheer British-ness of both Hilary and Tom. And yes, even the much-belabored age difference...ok, 40+ years is huge, but considering who these two are, it became almost negligible.
Hilary is a man from a different generation; used to never being able to be open about his sexuality, he got accustomed to the thought of living and dying a loner. Being with someone at all was so novel to him he went about it with almost child-like joy, while at the same time, his maturity kept him from seizing the opportunity –read: Tom, and sex with Tom– by the collar first chance he got. Sweet, selfless, mature, thoughtful, that is Hilary, made shy and wary by life experience, but no coward. I don't think he would've reacted all that different if Tom had been closer to his age, though his age-gap induced self-doubts and misgivings–and how he deals with them– added greatly to this book’s charm for me.
Now Tom? A breath of fresh air, youth, beauty and strength and a supplement of muscle to Hilary’s comparable frailty; you’d think it’s Hilary who gets the most out of them being together. But for one, Tom is a nurturer at heart, he loves to care for things and people, he’s just as selfless and sweet as Hilary but of a youthful exuberance that he loves to channel into doing something useful, not waste in mindless pastimes. I don’t think he feels shut away with Hilary, especially given his ability to live in the now and seize the moment, however long it may last. For another, in his own way Tom is as much a man of Hilary’s generation as Hilary is himself. Tom is honorable, scholarly, a somewhat old-style gentleman, and in many ways, a shy person too, despite his laptop and ipad and his much more unrestricted approach at his own sexuality.
They just fit, their personalities match, why should the age difference be an insurmontable obstacle between them?
The writing, the way the story was told convinced me it wasn’t.
I had only two small niggles whith the book; one was a "huh?" moment within the story when Tom reacted totally without rhyme and reason, and completely out of the blue, with no viable explanation, and the other was Hilary’s relative sexual prowess. (but then again, people are different and Charlie Chaplin fathered a child at over eighty, so why shouldn’t Hilary be more steadfast in bed than other sexagenarians?)
What it comes down to it is, it’s a lovely, beautiful love story; I enjoyed it, and I hope many others will too, whether they can get over the age difference or not.
Oh, and I learned a new phrase: "toothsome pippins"-- it means delicious apples, doesn't it? ;-)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2014
It started off promising but somewhere along the line it just bored me to tears. DNF.
September 30, 2013
Apothecary’s Garden is a story about nature, but it is the nature of love.It is also very much the story about the relevance of age.As befitting something told from the viewpoint of a sixty-five year old Englishman, the pace at the start is slow, the writing almost tangled, like the old overgrown garden which had been choked by ivy with the narrative winding around seemingly endless consumption of cups of tea and digestive biscuits.Unlike Butterfly Hunter where the Australian references had hooked me from the very first page, I found this book harder to “get into.” The “Britishness” comes through loud and clear, and the attention to what I saw as foreign and mundane matters totally bemused me, making the story harder to relate to. However, I persevered and am so glad I did.Perhaps this slow start was needed to impress on me, as a reader, the true nature of the man and the fact that this slowness was seen as admirable by the much younger Tom. The word “contentment” was seen as a virtue on a par with, if not higher than, sexual satisfaction.Despite their age difference, there was no clash of cultures here. No violent disparity in music tastes or even ideology, and they had a shared appreciation in watching a popular TV show, Midsomer Murders.The conflict revolved solely around the age difference.While having more avenues for difference might have heightened the conflict, by keeping the conflict solely related to age, the spotlight was shone firmly and squarely on that issue. And it is a biggie.I’ve seen readers aghast at stories with men in their early twenties hooking up with another guy who is only five or six years their senior, feeling that the difference in levels of sexual experience made it almost predatory. However, the big twist here is that the younger man has possibly had more hookups than the older man who is very much a product of the times, having come out in an era where homosexuality was against the law.Here, I have to admit that the story became personal for me, as a much loved gay friend had an even greater age difference with someone he termed the “love of his life” so I was keen to see how that aspect would play out. Indeed, some of the phrases in the book eerily echoed ones I’d heard him express about his younger lover who.
“should be out there having fun, and getting up to mischief with other young people.”
But what is age? I’ve known people in real life who adopt all the trappings of each decade as they pass through the milestones. I’m forty, so now it’s time to put away the rock music and buy a twinset and pearls or, now I’m sixty, it’s time to sit in the corner with a book and make sure I conserve all my energy And now I’m seventy, I’ll see the Doctor every month for a check-up as I wait to die, spending all my time making the effort to stay alive even though I’m not doing anything with my life. Other people see their age only defined by what it stops them from doing and they try to find workarounds to achieve the same result. Which is as it should be.This is also a story about the value of age with a beautifully impassioned passage saying:
You’ve lived an examined life….You’ve read - and you’re always reading - and you’ve made a home for yourself. You have a sense of priorities. You know what’s important, and what isn’t….etc
Of course the physical relationship of their two bodies has to be taken into account and is done so very realistically.I’ve seen men ten years older than Hilary who would still look good naked. They might not be so keen to flaunt it, but I would have fallen for someone who said:
You’re a handsome man, Hilary, and you look how you should look after six-and-a-half well-loved decades. There’s no shame in any of that.”
The book delves also into the opposite side of the coin, the younger man taking advantage of the older man for monetary gain. Again by bringing in the issue, dealing with it, taking it out of the equation, the book concentrates on the essence of the aspect, dealing with the age difference alone.The book is full of lovely snippets about the nature of love
a loving relationship doesn’t have to last forever to be perfect.
In the end what matters is that they shared a
mutual sense of trust and comfort….An instinctive sense of relaxation in the company of each other.
They didn’t even have the luxury of bigoted, negative characters pushing this aspect home, forcing them to gang up together to withstand external pressure. It was totally up to the protagonists to work this out for themselves. Ultimately, it’s facing the fears within that matters more than reacting against external ones.As a writer, now when I read other stories in the genre, I’m sometimes too analytical or even critical. After coping with critical reviews of my own work, it’s almost like these same people are reading over my shoulder, pointing out aspects they don’t like, plot elements they wouldn’t have included or thought the author shouldn’t have included. To a certain extent, I am the same. However, as a writer, I also thoroughly appreciated the quality of the writing and the way the author has dealt with a very real issue. I’m sometimes appalled at the way May/December relationships are seen by outsiders. Hilary was very right to be cautious about giving into his desires. He certainly fought them every step of the way until he was satisfied that the younger man totally appreciated the enormity of what he was getting in to and felt assured that the benefits would be mutual, even though they might be different.Who are we to judge?Who are we to deny others happiness just because their relationship fits outside the norm.Over time, there have been many public figures who have married and had children with this sort of age difference. Yes, there are problems, but if it suits both parties and neither is exploiting the other, then I don’t have a problem with it.In the end, that long build up showing the naturalness of their shared relationship was what really mattered. The garden served its purpose of bringing them together, but wasn’t the crux of the story, the murder mysteries that they watch on TV and the mystery surrounding the creator of the garden also served their purpose, but they were a red herring (or a blue herring maybe!)The story is simply about the nature of love and the relevance of age.At one stage, the younger protagonist proclaims:
”Sometimes people have said that I have an old soul.”
Perhaps Tom is right. It’s the age of the soul inside that matters most. And that can't and shouldn’t be measured by calendar years.
“should be out there having fun, and getting up to mischief with other young people.”
But what is age? I’ve known people in real life who adopt all the trappings of each decade as they pass through the milestones. I’m forty, so now it’s time to put away the rock music and buy a twinset and pearls or, now I’m sixty, it’s time to sit in the corner with a book and make sure I conserve all my energy And now I’m seventy, I’ll see the Doctor every month for a check-up as I wait to die, spending all my time making the effort to stay alive even though I’m not doing anything with my life. Other people see their age only defined by what it stops them from doing and they try to find workarounds to achieve the same result. Which is as it should be.This is also a story about the value of age with a beautifully impassioned passage saying:
You’ve lived an examined life….You’ve read - and you’re always reading - and you’ve made a home for yourself. You have a sense of priorities. You know what’s important, and what isn’t….etc
Of course the physical relationship of their two bodies has to be taken into account and is done so very realistically.I’ve seen men ten years older than Hilary who would still look good naked. They might not be so keen to flaunt it, but I would have fallen for someone who said:
You’re a handsome man, Hilary, and you look how you should look after six-and-a-half well-loved decades. There’s no shame in any of that.”
The book delves also into the opposite side of the coin, the younger man taking advantage of the older man for monetary gain. Again by bringing in the issue, dealing with it, taking it out of the equation, the book concentrates on the essence of the aspect, dealing with the age difference alone.The book is full of lovely snippets about the nature of love
a loving relationship doesn’t have to last forever to be perfect.
In the end what matters is that they shared a
mutual sense of trust and comfort….An instinctive sense of relaxation in the company of each other.
They didn’t even have the luxury of bigoted, negative characters pushing this aspect home, forcing them to gang up together to withstand external pressure. It was totally up to the protagonists to work this out for themselves. Ultimately, it’s facing the fears within that matters more than reacting against external ones.As a writer, now when I read other stories in the genre, I’m sometimes too analytical or even critical. After coping with critical reviews of my own work, it’s almost like these same people are reading over my shoulder, pointing out aspects they don’t like, plot elements they wouldn’t have included or thought the author shouldn’t have included. To a certain extent, I am the same. However, as a writer, I also thoroughly appreciated the quality of the writing and the way the author has dealt with a very real issue. I’m sometimes appalled at the way May/December relationships are seen by outsiders. Hilary was very right to be cautious about giving into his desires. He certainly fought them every step of the way until he was satisfied that the younger man totally appreciated the enormity of what he was getting in to and felt assured that the benefits would be mutual, even though they might be different.Who are we to judge?Who are we to deny others happiness just because their relationship fits outside the norm.Over time, there have been many public figures who have married and had children with this sort of age difference. Yes, there are problems, but if it suits both parties and neither is exploiting the other, then I don’t have a problem with it.In the end, that long build up showing the naturalness of their shared relationship was what really mattered. The garden served its purpose of bringing them together, but wasn’t the crux of the story, the murder mysteries that they watch on TV and the mystery surrounding the creator of the garden also served their purpose, but they were a red herring (or a blue herring maybe!)The story is simply about the nature of love and the relevance of age.At one stage, the younger protagonist proclaims:
”Sometimes people have said that I have an old soul.”
Perhaps Tom is right. It’s the age of the soul inside that matters most. And that can't and shouldn’t be measured by calendar years.
September 11, 2013
What can I say? This book is still with me, the writing just went right into my soul, slow and steady, just burrowed in to stay.
I can perhaps say as Hilary himself was thinking:
"He was breaking the habits of a lifetime. It was enough to make a man giddy with delight."
Yes, giddy with delight. How very appropriate. Absolutely. Exactly. Me, too, Hilary! Me, too!
This book is made of soft-spoken awesome. Yes, it is a relationship that you do not encounter everyday. And No, it didn't turn me off. And Yes, I adored it, and No it wasn't disgusting, as some reviews have made it look.
It was simply a story of love. And love is love. That is all.
Tom says it best:
"You've got a heart that loves ... and bits that give you pleasure ... and dignity to be respected."
Oh, Tom, you rascal, you made me cry and snotsob, and then you made it all better, and then I was afraid again.
And Hilary was just the same, making me cry like a baby and smile like a loon.
For once, here is a man who turns down a handjob. And. It. Makes. Sense. Here. First time ever.
See, this is where following your character takes you—when you're truly following the personality of a specific character, it takes you to certain places. And things happen in specific ways, BECAUSE of that character.
I love an author who knows to follow that voice, the one that tells you who this character is, on a fundamental level.
Beautiful.
And Hilary, this sweet, but slightly cautious man, has truly entered my heart. He is here to stay. As is his garden, a garden that I can see in front of me as I write these words now. I can both see it as it must have appeared the first time he set eyes on it, all jungle-like and impenetrable. But I can also see it with my mind's eyes now, after Tom has lived, and moved things around, and taken care of it for years.
Oh, but it is truly beautiful.
Love, dear people, is love. And when it comes your way, you better be ready to grab it with both hands.
And once you have grabbed it, hold on to it, because you never know for how long you will have it.
And read this book. Do away with your feelings of "Eew, he's older!"
Just think about the love that one can find. And embrace it. Run with it.
Hilary. This lovely man of very few, soft-spoken words and endless pots of tea and encouragement.
What a man. What a beautiful man!
Thank you, Ms Bozza, for writing this story. You made it shine.
So, so beautiful.
***
This review can also be found at My Fiction Nook
I can perhaps say as Hilary himself was thinking:
"He was breaking the habits of a lifetime. It was enough to make a man giddy with delight."
Yes, giddy with delight. How very appropriate. Absolutely. Exactly. Me, too, Hilary! Me, too!
This book is made of soft-spoken awesome. Yes, it is a relationship that you do not encounter everyday. And No, it didn't turn me off. And Yes, I adored it, and No it wasn't disgusting, as some reviews have made it look.
It was simply a story of love. And love is love. That is all.
Tom says it best:
"You've got a heart that loves ... and bits that give you pleasure ... and dignity to be respected."
Oh, Tom, you rascal, you made me cry and snotsob, and then you made it all better, and then I was afraid again.
And Hilary was just the same, making me cry like a baby and smile like a loon.
For once, here is a man who turns down a handjob. And. It. Makes. Sense. Here. First time ever.
See, this is where following your character takes you—when you're truly following the personality of a specific character, it takes you to certain places. And things happen in specific ways, BECAUSE of that character.
I love an author who knows to follow that voice, the one that tells you who this character is, on a fundamental level.
Beautiful.
And Hilary, this sweet, but slightly cautious man, has truly entered my heart. He is here to stay. As is his garden, a garden that I can see in front of me as I write these words now. I can both see it as it must have appeared the first time he set eyes on it, all jungle-like and impenetrable. But I can also see it with my mind's eyes now, after Tom has lived, and moved things around, and taken care of it for years.
Oh, but it is truly beautiful.
Love, dear people, is love. And when it comes your way, you better be ready to grab it with both hands.
And once you have grabbed it, hold on to it, because you never know for how long you will have it.
And read this book. Do away with your feelings of "Eew, he's older!"
Just think about the love that one can find. And embrace it. Run with it.
Hilary. This lovely man of very few, soft-spoken words and endless pots of tea and encouragement.
What a man. What a beautiful man!
Thank you, Ms Bozza, for writing this story. You made it shine.
So, so beautiful.
***
This review can also be found at My Fiction Nook
September 16, 2021
This story has a very different feel when compared to other m/m romance stories. It is genteel and warm and very pleasant. It evokes in me the kinds of feelings I had when enjoying summer time as a child. Don't get me wrong, there is emotion and anxiety in this book but it is just presented differently and this is what makes this book so beautiful.
Normally the books I read in the m/m genre are full of action: police, army, cowboys, detectives, soldiers, marines, globe trotting business men, firemen, medics, drama, drama, drama along with angst, mystery and a good dose of rumpy pumpy (sex) !! Often the energy of these books is ramped up by vampires, werewolves, shape shifters and all manner of paranormal beings. There is always boundless energy and no boundaries. This is what makes the m/m romance genre such a fantastic genre to get stuck into.
Not so this book. Here the main character is retired and living a quiet life in a country village and love comes to him not with action and high octane activity, but with the quiet of shared interests, academic studies, and a love that grows out of quiet companionship.
Their's is a love that emerges from a foundation of solid friendship, one that is based on tea, sandwiches, Midsomer Murders, Bach, fish and chips, and the British countryside. The story has a slow and beautiful pace.
I enjoyed this. It is nice to have a story about two people who quietly overcome their challenges (age) to form a deep relationship and strong love. It is a story with language that paints pictures. It has left me feeling saddened that my local traditional fish and chip shops have changed into 21st century fries & chicken grab - and - go places. I now feel the need to organise my daily tea drinking and to leave London and go roaming about the British country side in search of gardens and flowers. Above all I really desire my own garden with plants, herbs and a patio, and sunshine and country quiet and love.
This is a soft and beautiful love story and a pleasure to read.
Normally the books I read in the m/m genre are full of action: police, army, cowboys, detectives, soldiers, marines, globe trotting business men, firemen, medics, drama, drama, drama along with angst, mystery and a good dose of rumpy pumpy (sex) !! Often the energy of these books is ramped up by vampires, werewolves, shape shifters and all manner of paranormal beings. There is always boundless energy and no boundaries. This is what makes the m/m romance genre such a fantastic genre to get stuck into.
Not so this book. Here the main character is retired and living a quiet life in a country village and love comes to him not with action and high octane activity, but with the quiet of shared interests, academic studies, and a love that grows out of quiet companionship.
Their's is a love that emerges from a foundation of solid friendship, one that is based on tea, sandwiches, Midsomer Murders, Bach, fish and chips, and the British countryside. The story has a slow and beautiful pace.
I enjoyed this. It is nice to have a story about two people who quietly overcome their challenges (age) to form a deep relationship and strong love. It is a story with language that paints pictures. It has left me feeling saddened that my local traditional fish and chip shops have changed into 21st century fries & chicken grab - and - go places. I now feel the need to organise my daily tea drinking and to leave London and go roaming about the British country side in search of gardens and flowers. Above all I really desire my own garden with plants, herbs and a patio, and sunshine and country quiet and love.
This is a soft and beautiful love story and a pleasure to read.
January 14, 2020
I was hesitant to read this book as I wasn't sure that the huge age-gap would be something I want to read about. But somehow this book called to me, so with the outlook of meeting the author next week in Manchester I gave it a try and I'm so glad I did it! It's a wonderful book with two wonderful MCs and it's a joy to read about their developing relationship. Even for me, although I have no real interest in plants and gardens besides 'yes, looks nice', this was entertaining, never boring despite the slow pace of the story. Yes, this is another addition to my comfort-read-shelf.
September 22, 2013
One of the best things ever! I'm gutted that it had to come to an end.
May 4, 2013
This was my first Julie Bozza’s book.
Some time ago I avoided reading her book about two men searching for an unknown species of butterfly (probably thinking that it would be boring... silly me) and what happened? Few days ago I started reading her book about two men restoring old medicinal garden *lol* Thanks Vio for pointing out that I SHOULD read it.
I loved this book though I am not very fond of May-December romances. It was beautiful, romantic and quiet tale.
Some time ago I avoided reading her book about two men searching for an unknown species of butterfly (probably thinking that it would be boring... silly me) and what happened? Few days ago I started reading her book about two men restoring old medicinal garden *lol* Thanks Vio for pointing out that I SHOULD read it.
I loved this book though I am not very fond of May-December romances. It was beautiful, romantic and quiet tale.
March 15, 2016
You know when you are having a crap week, work is horrible, people are just melting your head and you feel as if you are so stretched to capacity that a meltdown is imminent? Everything is going wrong and you feel a bit helpless? You know those kinds of weeks?
We all have them and this week I had one, things just don’t seem to be going right for me and by the end of the day every day this week I've been feeling a bit battered but every evening I went home, did what needed to be done, lit my candles and curled up in a ball with a book that soothed. I felt like everything started to slow down around me and my mind stopped whirling for a little while.
The Apothecary’s Garden is not a fast paced book, it isn’t even a slow paced book, it’s more of a crawl but it is a beautifully written crawl. It’s a story about a love that people outside looking in might not understand but from the inside is sweet and poignant and a joy to witness. When I started reading this I will admit that I found it a little difficult to wrap my head around but about half way through I found myself getting all self-righteous and mumbling to myself about how it’s unfair that society accepts an older man and younger women more easily than an older man and younger man or an older women and younger man. Love is love right? Why can’t we just accept that and move on. (I may not have been all Zen at these times.)
”The way I see it is: you’ve got a heart that loves… and bits that give you pleasure… and dignity to be respected. And so do I. We all do.”
“Oh, Tom!”
“What else does any of us need? And what do white hair and wrinkles matter, compared to that?”
The physic garden almost felt like another character for me, it was the catalyst that brought Hilary and Tom together and as the garden was cleared and began to become what it once was Hilary and Tom’s relationship began to change from one of friendship to one of love. It seemed integral to their relationship and a physical manifestation of their love. It was ever present and almost comforting.
”He had more richness in his life, after all, than he had ever looked for.”
”And you? Are you mine as well?”
“Yes,” said Hilary, suddenly breathless.
“Because that’s really all I care about,” Tom grumbled. “Can I kiss you now?”
What really struck a chord with me while reading this book however was not only the love story but Hilary’s loneliness in the beginning. He was living half a life and he was living that way because he was born into a generation that did not allow him to be who he was, that did not allow him to love and that seemed the most tragic thing of all because his love was a really beautiful bright thing and he lived most of his life hiding that light. I was so happy he got to show that love to someone, especially someone like Tom who loved fiercely but it makes me sad to think about all the Hilary’s that have not found their Tom because of antiquated laws and bigotry.
I remember as a kid going to visit my grandmother and her dragging me along to visit all her neighbors, one of her neighbors was a confirmed bachelor who lived in what was once his parents’ house. He was a kind, funny and generous man, he was old (although he was probably only in his 60’s but that at the time seemed ancient to me) but looking back I think he was quite a handsome man and he gave me loads of fizzy orange and crisps when we visited, so I thought he was all kinds off cool. So cool I remember asking my grandmother why he wasn’t married, in my child's mind I thought he should have someone and she just said he never found the right person. Maybe I’m jumping to conclusions but now I wonder if perhaps he never found the right person because he was a farmer who lived in a rural part of Ireland and was born to a generation that thought that the person he might have found would have been the wrong one. Homosexuality was not decriminalised in Ireland until 1993. There always was a large amount of bachelors in Ireland prior to that (there still are) and I know that a lot is circumstance and living rurally is not conducive to meeting anyone gay or straight but I wonder how many people from that generation lived a life without finding love, feeling they were not able to find love or not being able to be with the one they loved? I wonder how many died without ever experiencing what Hilary finally did. I think the tears that this book caused were for those people and maybe a sweet lovely man who gave me lots of fizzy orange and crisps.
”I suppose I envy you for being of a generation that need know nothing of the … the secrets… and the shame.”
”When it’s over, any sadness I feel will be nothing compared to my gratitude for the great happiness you’ve brought me.”
The references to ‘Midsomer Murders’ were lovely and I think I need to watch some of the show again, especially because I never realised when I first watched it just how off the wall and judgmental the writing was. I’m a little disappointed about it actually but the show gave Hilary and Tom their Thursday nights so I’ll keep an open mind until I see it again. I also found myself giving a big WOOP to the ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” reference. For that alone Julie Bozza is awesome and the tea, let’s not forget the tea. I did drink copious amounts while reading this, it seemed wrong not to. I’m also planning on calling into a tea shop near my house and buying myself some Assam.
This book is really a 3.5 stars kind of book, it's very slow and while some might think a little boring I enjoyed the easy flow, lack of massive drama and the beautiful writing. Thanks to Irina for suggesting this and inviting me to join her BR, I know I fell behind but I really enjoyed it and probably would of put it off if not for the little push!!
We all have them and this week I had one, things just don’t seem to be going right for me and by the end of the day every day this week I've been feeling a bit battered but every evening I went home, did what needed to be done, lit my candles and curled up in a ball with a book that soothed. I felt like everything started to slow down around me and my mind stopped whirling for a little while.
The Apothecary’s Garden is not a fast paced book, it isn’t even a slow paced book, it’s more of a crawl but it is a beautifully written crawl. It’s a story about a love that people outside looking in might not understand but from the inside is sweet and poignant and a joy to witness. When I started reading this I will admit that I found it a little difficult to wrap my head around but about half way through I found myself getting all self-righteous and mumbling to myself about how it’s unfair that society accepts an older man and younger women more easily than an older man and younger man or an older women and younger man. Love is love right? Why can’t we just accept that and move on. (I may not have been all Zen at these times.)
”The way I see it is: you’ve got a heart that loves… and bits that give you pleasure… and dignity to be respected. And so do I. We all do.”
“Oh, Tom!”
“What else does any of us need? And what do white hair and wrinkles matter, compared to that?”
The physic garden almost felt like another character for me, it was the catalyst that brought Hilary and Tom together and as the garden was cleared and began to become what it once was Hilary and Tom’s relationship began to change from one of friendship to one of love. It seemed integral to their relationship and a physical manifestation of their love. It was ever present and almost comforting.
”He had more richness in his life, after all, than he had ever looked for.”
”And you? Are you mine as well?”
“Yes,” said Hilary, suddenly breathless.
“Because that’s really all I care about,” Tom grumbled. “Can I kiss you now?”
What really struck a chord with me while reading this book however was not only the love story but Hilary’s loneliness in the beginning. He was living half a life and he was living that way because he was born into a generation that did not allow him to be who he was, that did not allow him to love and that seemed the most tragic thing of all because his love was a really beautiful bright thing and he lived most of his life hiding that light. I was so happy he got to show that love to someone, especially someone like Tom who loved fiercely but it makes me sad to think about all the Hilary’s that have not found their Tom because of antiquated laws and bigotry.
I remember as a kid going to visit my grandmother and her dragging me along to visit all her neighbors, one of her neighbors was a confirmed bachelor who lived in what was once his parents’ house. He was a kind, funny and generous man, he was old (although he was probably only in his 60’s but that at the time seemed ancient to me) but looking back I think he was quite a handsome man and he gave me loads of fizzy orange and crisps when we visited, so I thought he was all kinds off cool. So cool I remember asking my grandmother why he wasn’t married, in my child's mind I thought he should have someone and she just said he never found the right person. Maybe I’m jumping to conclusions but now I wonder if perhaps he never found the right person because he was a farmer who lived in a rural part of Ireland and was born to a generation that thought that the person he might have found would have been the wrong one. Homosexuality was not decriminalised in Ireland until 1993. There always was a large amount of bachelors in Ireland prior to that (there still are) and I know that a lot is circumstance and living rurally is not conducive to meeting anyone gay or straight but I wonder how many people from that generation lived a life without finding love, feeling they were not able to find love or not being able to be with the one they loved? I wonder how many died without ever experiencing what Hilary finally did. I think the tears that this book caused were for those people and maybe a sweet lovely man who gave me lots of fizzy orange and crisps.
”I suppose I envy you for being of a generation that need know nothing of the … the secrets… and the shame.”
”When it’s over, any sadness I feel will be nothing compared to my gratitude for the great happiness you’ve brought me.”
The references to ‘Midsomer Murders’ were lovely and I think I need to watch some of the show again, especially because I never realised when I first watched it just how off the wall and judgmental the writing was. I’m a little disappointed about it actually but the show gave Hilary and Tom their Thursday nights so I’ll keep an open mind until I see it again. I also found myself giving a big WOOP to the ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” reference. For that alone Julie Bozza is awesome and the tea, let’s not forget the tea. I did drink copious amounts while reading this, it seemed wrong not to. I’m also planning on calling into a tea shop near my house and buying myself some Assam.
This book is really a 3.5 stars kind of book, it's very slow and while some might think a little boring I enjoyed the easy flow, lack of massive drama and the beautiful writing. Thanks to Irina for suggesting this and inviting me to join her BR, I know I fell behind but I really enjoyed it and probably would of put it off if not for the little push!!
August 29, 2014
Julie Bozza has one of the most beautiful writing styles that I ever read! Everything is described with care, the characters built with love, and the story always so captivating and lovely! Not that I've read all her books, but all that I've read left me smiling and happy!
The Apothecary Garden is also a beautiful and lovely story! Hilary and Tom have a very unusual but sweet relationship!
This is not he kind of book that keeps me "high", I like hotness, I like dirty talk and bold characters! Those things don't exist in this book... I also don't feel that this kind of relationship could be real, the age difference is really huge...
Nevertheless, this is a very sweet story, ideal to read while having a tea!
"A loving relationship doesn’t have to last forever to be perfect."
This was a beautiful BR with friends!
The Apothecary Garden is also a beautiful and lovely story! Hilary and Tom have a very unusual but sweet relationship!
This is not he kind of book that keeps me "high", I like hotness, I like dirty talk and bold characters! Those things don't exist in this book... I also don't feel that this kind of relationship could be real, the age difference is really huge...
Nevertheless, this is a very sweet story, ideal to read while having a tea!
"A loving relationship doesn’t have to last forever to be perfect."
This was a beautiful BR with friends!
May 5, 2013
4.5 stars, rounded up for sheer romantic loveliness. This is another quiet-yet-riveting story from Julie Bozza. I adore May-December romances, and I probably won't find another age difference quite as dramatic as this one. The relationship strained the bounds of credibility (Tom is all earnestness and exclamation points, and Hilary is restrained and formal), but it's beautiful nonetheless.
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