Review: The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Pages: 552
Source: Publisher
Category: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 5/5


Synopsis:

When Cassandra' grandmother dies, Cassandra inherits a mysterious cottage located in England. Cassandra is astounded, thinking her grandmother never visited England. How can she possible have purchased this cottage? While the cottage is mysterious, the mysteries have just begun. Cassandra' aunts mention a small, significant detail: Nell is not a biological sister. At the heart of the story is a little girl abandoned on a ship and sent to Australia in 1913. Her possessions include a small suitcase containing a few articles of clothes and a very rare book of fairytales. Nell went 21 years without knowing the truth, and on her 21st birthday her father reveals how he found her and brought her home to a his wife. She was distraught from failed pregnancies, and she cherished Nell. Nell is forever changed by these revelations, unsure of who she is or what her past contained. Nell eventually seeks to learn the truth and with vague memories from her past. Nell is sure that the author of the book of fairytales has a significant place in her history. Her journey leads her to an extravagant estate in England, her journey was chronicled in a diary that Cassandra would find especially useful. Cassandra sought to figure out the final details that Nell was unable to uncover about herself. Who were Nell's parents?





Overall Impression:

A profound, magical tale of complicated family history. 'The Forgotten Garden' is a tale that will remain with you long after you've closed the book. Readers will be completely invested in each and every character. Kate Morton writes each remarkable character in alternative perspectives spanning over 3 generations. I promise, you will not be lost, you will not be confused by the alternating timelines. Kate Morton's technique manages to keep readers on track every step of the way. Although the story interweaves between past and present the story pace is consistent. The story does not halt while switching perspectives, the story keep flowing. This book is mysterious, emotional, suspenseful, and delightful. I was kept in the dark the whole way, but I really wanted to figure out the mystery. A lengthly book, but an absolute masterpiece. This was my first Kate Morton book, and I had high expectations. Many times when you have high expectations, as a reader you feel let down. This book lived up to all the hype, and I honestly didn't want it to end. At the end of the book, I wasn't read to walk away. I felt sad to leave the characters behind. I will be reading and reviewing The Distant Hours soon. Kate Morton has one more fan! She is one SKILLED author!

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