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Most Helpful Favorable Review
61 out of 64 people found this review helpful.
Well-written, likeable characters and enjoyable read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is an easy read, and yet gave me room to pause as I stopped to think. I like books that let me do that without pounding me into a pulp on the way. I suspect the book might appeal more to women then men and it would be a good choice of...Read More
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is an easy read, and yet gave me room to pause as I stopped to think. I like books that let me do that without pounding me into a pulp on the way. I suspect the book might appeal more to women then men and it would be a good choice of several of the reading circles I know.
I appreciated the many issues raised in a gentle and non-judgemental fashion. Those with unresolved issues involving child abandonment, fostering, adoption, and similar issues might find the book uncomfortable but most likely not overwhelming. I would have read this book with my daughters, exploring the different facets of love of a child, some that hold tightly, some that let go.
I also appreciated that skillful weaving of the generations, a reminder that we impact each other with our choices.
My only regret: that Eliza's book of fairy tales isn't a real book.
Things I like knowing before I buy a book: No profanity that I noticed. Respectful story-specific reference to sex. Emotional issues dealt with tastefully and healthily.
I wil read more by this author.Show Less
I appreciated the many issues raised in a gentle and non-judgemental fashion. Those with unresolved issues involving child abandonment, fostering, adoption, and similar issues might find the book uncomfortable but most likely not overwhelming. I would have read this book with my daughters, exploring the different facets of love of a child, some that hold tightly, some that let go.
I also appreciated that skillful weaving of the generations, a reminder that we impact each other with our choices.
My only regret: that Eliza's book of fairy tales isn't a real book.
Things I like knowing before I buy a book: No profanity that I noticed. Respectful story-specific reference to sex. Emotional issues dealt with tastefully and healthily.
I wil read more by this author.Show Less
posted by Aradanryl on February 14, 2009
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Most Helpful Critical Review
18 out of 38 people found this review helpful.
I hope someday I can forget this book
That it took me a week to read this books is very telling. This was a hard book to read and I'll try to be very clear as to why.
First, the authoress ;) is very good in her craft in the sense that the writing itself is well done. And if that was all it took for me ...Read More
First, the authoress ;) is very good in her craft in the sense that the writing itself is well done. And if that was all it took for me ...Read More
That it took me a week to read this books is very telling. This was a hard book to read and I'll try to be very clear as to why.
First, the authoress ;) is very good in her craft in the sense that the writing itself is well done. And if that was all it took for me to enjoy a book she would have received five stars from me.
However, it takes more than a well written tale for me to fully enjoy the book. First I have to like the characters and let me say, most of the characters were not likeable. From Nell who squandered a gift, to her parents, and the cast of characters we found in England. They were all despicable people, with a very few exceptions, and more than that there was a level of stupidity beginning with Nell that was almost impossible to bear.
I also felt the story was purposely and needlessly drawn out. Several chapters before the end you have the whole "mystery" figured out so that its anti-climatic when it is finally revealed. I personally don't appreciate such manipulations. I would rather get through the book than draw it out an unnecessary 100 pages.
I could have done without the fairy tales, but if I'm honest I was so frustrated after the first 100 pages that there was little this book could have done to redeem itself. To me this was a tale about stupid people who made stupid and selfish choices and made everyone around them suffer for their stupidity and selfishness. If I want that kind of tale I'll go read the minutes from Congress.Show Less
First, the authoress ;) is very good in her craft in the sense that the writing itself is well done. And if that was all it took for me to enjoy a book she would have received five stars from me.
However, it takes more than a well written tale for me to fully enjoy the book. First I have to like the characters and let me say, most of the characters were not likeable. From Nell who squandered a gift, to her parents, and the cast of characters we found in England. They were all despicable people, with a very few exceptions, and more than that there was a level of stupidity beginning with Nell that was almost impossible to bear.
I also felt the story was purposely and needlessly drawn out. Several chapters before the end you have the whole "mystery" figured out so that its anti-climatic when it is finally revealed. I personally don't appreciate such manipulations. I would rather get through the book than draw it out an unnecessary 100 pages.
I could have done without the fairy tales, but if I'm honest I was so frustrated after the first 100 pages that there was little this book could have done to redeem itself. To me this was a tale about stupid people who made stupid and selfish choices and made everyone around them suffer for their stupidity and selfishness. If I want that kind of tale I'll go read the minutes from Congress.Show Less
posted by CeCeSG on October 8, 2010
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Well-written, likeable characters and enjoyable read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is an easy read, and yet gave me room to pause as I stopped to think. I like books that let me do that without pounding me into a pulp on the way. I suspect the book might appeal more to women then men and it would be a good choice of several of the reading circles I know.
I appreciated the many issues raised in a gentle and non-judgemental fashion. Those with unresolved issues involving child abandonment, fostering, adoption, and similar issues might find the book uncomfortable but most likely not overwhelming. I would have read this book with my daughters, exploring the different facets of love of a child, some that hold tightly, some that let go.
I also appreciated that skillful weaving of the generations, a reminder that we impact each other with our choices.
My only regret: that Eliza's book of fairy tales isn't a real book.
Things I like knowing before I buy a book: No profanity that I noticed. Respectful story-specific reference to sex. Emotional issues dealt with tastefully and healthily.
I wil read more by this author.61 out of 64 people found this review helpful.
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Lannie
Posted November 8, 2009
I Also Recommend:
Enchanting and Entertaining!
Hugh and Lil ended up raising 4 year old Nell when they couldn't find her family. Nell grows up and has a nice life but always searching for her original family...Nell dies in her 90's and her granddaughter continues the search for Nell's family....Exciting, mysterious read, in the Victorian era...Lots of drama!..Enthralling page-turner! A beautifully written tale!!!
Just finished reading THE HELP...WoW! Another must read I'm recommending is EXPLOSION IN PARIS, Beautifully done as well! Definite KEEPERS!39 out of 40 people found this review helpful.
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Mystery, Suspense, Romance, Fairy Tales -- Another Fantastic Read From Kate Morton
When I saw that Kate Morton released a second book, I couldn't wait to get my hands and eyes on it. House at Riverton had been a recommend from a fellow bookseller and, wary as I am of recommends, I read it. And I loved it. But The Forgotten Garden I loved even more.
Kate Morton has a knack for weaving the past and the present together, for spanning the continents, and for intricate character and plot details that have that "blink and you'll miss it" feel.
I devoured The Forgotten Garden. Cassandra in present-day Australia who, after her grandmother's death, is left a house in Cornwall, England. To Cassandra's grandmother, Nell, both as a child and as an adult, discovering her past. To the mysterious Mountrachet family and fairy tale Authoress Eliza Makepeace. Who is everyone? How are they connected? Who is Nell, really? And what will Cassandra learn about both her grandmother and herself along the way?
What I liked most about Morton's second novel is that it wasn't easy to figure out. The mystery shrouding the characters (each and every character, from a maid in the Mountrachet household, to Nell's parents in Australia, to a young gardener Cassandra meets) folds them all together and doesn't give anything away prematurely. I love figuring things out, but each time I thought I had something figured out, Morton added in another element. You would think with this many strings, the novel would be tangled and heavy, but that isn't the case at all. In fact, everything is necessary and everything comes to fruition.
I'd recommend this to anyone who likes to be surprised, who likes interweaving storylines, past and present, and -- well, really, anyone at all. It is phenomenal.19 out of 20 people found this review helpful.
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I hope someday I can forget this book
That it took me a week to read this books is very telling. This was a hard book to read and I'll try to be very clear as to why.
First, the authoress ;) is very good in her craft in the sense that the writing itself is well done. And if that was all it took for me to enjoy a book she would have received five stars from me.
However, it takes more than a well written tale for me to fully enjoy the book. First I have to like the characters and let me say, most of the characters were not likeable. From Nell who squandered a gift, to her parents, and the cast of characters we found in England. They were all despicable people, with a very few exceptions, and more than that there was a level of stupidity beginning with Nell that was almost impossible to bear.
I also felt the story was purposely and needlessly drawn out. Several chapters before the end you have the whole "mystery" figured out so that its anti-climatic when it is finally revealed. I personally don't appreciate such manipulations. I would rather get through the book than draw it out an unnecessary 100 pages.
I could have done without the fairy tales, but if I'm honest I was so frustrated after the first 100 pages that there was little this book could have done to redeem itself. To me this was a tale about stupid people who made stupid and selfish choices and made everyone around them suffer for their stupidity and selfishness. If I want that kind of tale I'll go read the minutes from Congress.18 out of 38 people found this review helpful.
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Lannie
Posted July 1, 2010
I Also Recommend:
Kept me completely immersed!
In 1913, an Australian dock master found a child alone on a ship. She couldn't tell him who she was, who she'd come with, or why.
The author does an amazing job of keeping the reader on track with such an expanse of time and three generations of women. It is like reading more than one story like a book of fairy tales. a gripping read.
Older Nell became obsessed and needed to find out where she had come from, who had abandoned her and WHY.
Despite her best efforts, Nell died before she was to find the answers then the obsession passed on to her granddaughter Cassandra.
There are many layers to this book that will keep you completely immersed throughout. I loved it!12 out of 13 people found this review helpful.
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OUTSTANDING NOVEL
As with everything this book is not for some people. I loved it. I couldn't put this book down. I was addicted. Trying to figure out the puzzle is part of the attraction. I love the way Kate Morton gives you just enough information to try to mislead you, while always making you question your own revelations as they happen. This is part of her greatness as a writer. I think she is amazing and I have greatly enjoyed both of her books.
10 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
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This book follows me around like a ghost
I loved this book. I had the privilage to receive a copy of The House At Riverton before it was available to purchase and reveiw it with Barnes & Noble. It was a mysterious read but not something that I would call great or even recommend; however, I think Kate really hit all the spots with this book. There was a mystery and characters a plenty to love and hate. I devoured this book and regret that I am now finished but it's one that you keep reading late into the night because you just have to know where the character's story began and how they have come to be. I will be recommending this one but suggest that they purchase their own copy because I will not be loaning mine. It's a keeper.
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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LCH47
Posted February 13, 2010
I Also Recommend:
GREAT MYSTERY!
I loved the suspense and anticipation of turning each page to find a new clue in solving the mystery of an abandoned four year old girl's history over the span of decades. Exciting!
Others I've enjoyed are The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, EXPLOSION IN PARIS, TRUE COLORS.7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted January 24, 2010
I Also Recommend:
Don't miss "The Forgotten Garden."
This book is SO GOOD. Kate Morton's "The Forgotten Garden" starts with a four-year-old girl arriving alone in Australia on a ship from England. When no one claims any knowledge of her, the dockmaster takes her home. Four generations & 500 pages later the mystery is finally unraveled. I could NOT put this one down.
7 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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CiscoVA
Posted January 27, 2009
I Also Recommend:
A Very Good Read!
I really enjoyed this book. The story is told thru the eyes of three different people in three different times from the early 1900's to the present. Each time you went to a different time/person, you would get a different perspective of the same story. Very well written. This book reminded me a bit of The Thirteenth Tale which I also highly recommend.
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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Don't judge a book by it's cover.....
I literally tossed this book aside and almost forgot I had it. One day, when I had nothing to read and didn't feel like shopping for another book, I looked through my books and found this and gave it a try. Great call! I was completely engrossed in this book and couldn't get enough. The plot is original, you don't expect to find that the author includes fairy tales and paints such a vivid picture in your mind of the garden and the hidden cottage. I highly recommend this book.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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readsalotPF
Posted January 30, 2010
jumps too many times
This is a good story, leaving the reader wanting to find out the real
truth for Nell. The writing style of jumping 3 different time periods
back and forth takes too much away from the novel.6 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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OBXreaderNC
Posted November 11, 2009
I Also Recommend:
I can't put it down!
I'm 3/4 of the way through with this book and I'm enjoying every page. It's a charming story and I love that it goes back and forth between three generations. Wonderful read!
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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A Positively Enchanting Read
The victorean ara is one of my all time favorite things to read about and this book does not dissappoint. Though to some going back and forth in time can be a bit confusing, the author does an outstanding job of keeping everything together and easy to follow. I was further over joyed that by the end of the book, no mysteries went unsolved and no questions went unanswered. Characters were rich and real, believable and loveable for their faults as well. I would highly recommend this book. I read it in four days because I enjoyed so much the world it created. Escapism is awesome and anything that makes you appreciate your own family a little more is worth the read. Wonderfully written, I thank the author for a spell binding read.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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just-a-thot
Posted April 30, 2010
Not a forgotten garden
This book was amazing, and I want to read more Kate Morton writings. It was one of those you can't put down, and don't want it to end. Highly recommend it to everyone, you won't be disappointed.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Wow!
When reading this book, it was like I was there; with the characters. I hated putting this book down and yet I didn't want to finish it too fast. Definitely a captivating story that keeps you wondering what is going to happen next, a book that I will surely read again in the near future!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted April 22, 2010
Wonderful read!
What a fabulous story! The more I read, the faster I had to read so that I could find out what happened next. This was one I could hardly put down, and will recommend to all my reader friends. This is part of my permanent, lending library!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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darthlaurie
Posted April 1, 2010
One of the most awesome books I've read!
If you love a book with romance, a good mystery, nature and literature, you'll adore The Forgotten Garden. This was an absolutely spectacular read. Extremely well written, compelling and original story...but reminiscent of the children's book The Secret Garden. The book has a fantastic plot and characterization. This book spans the entire twentieth century and then some of the new century. This is a brilliant book and the author was extremely ambitious to cover an entire century and two countries (okay New York is in there as well). This is what good writing should look like-- not like most of the drivel turned out today with zero craftsmanship.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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progermom
Posted March 2, 2010
Hard to Set Down
This book has full of surprises and hard to set aside. The threads of the family are so inter-twined and thru the generations but the women in this story are strong, independent and relentless in their search. A great read.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Somebody should make a movie out of this!
This is a definite keeper for my permanent library.
Don't want to spoil anything..just read it.
One minor note... I was a wee-bit confused in the beginning.It was my fault though, I wasn't focusing.5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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