BY LISA JEWELL
I just finished reading “The Girls in the Garden”, by Lisa Jewell. Here are my thoughts.
This story takes place in a communal living are which has a communal garden where children and neighbours hang out. Years previously, there had been the death of a young girl which has caused suspision among neighbours as to who was responsible. With this in mind, a new family moves in which includes two young girls Pip and Grace, who have secrets of their own (revolving around their Dad, and his misdeeds). The two girls befriend the other children in the Garden Square and there is drama which of course, revolves around a boy. The parents seem nice enough and one of the mom’s, Clare, seems to lead the charge to find the honesty and truth into what it happening. The other women are a mystery and there is not alot of dimension to them.
At the beginning of the story we learn that Pip finds her sister unconcscious and in a state of undress one night after a big yearly garden party. What follows is a search for what happened to young Grace and who was responsible for her hospitalization.
There are alot of red herrings in this book, mostly fishy characters with a history which may involve hurting women. There is also alot of intrigue surrounding all the extra characters, what they saw, what they know etc…
I liked the story of the girls, especially young Pip. I especially liked the relationship she had to her Dad. I also liked the character of Clare. She seemed to be the only one who was asking the tough questions. But my feelings towards the characters or Leo and his Dad, and also towards the other moms was and remain unresolved.
In the end we find out (I think) who hurt Grace. The reason I say I think, is because, I don’t really think it was. But the author leaves it (in my opinion) a mystery. I suppose that its her way of saying that secrets are secrets and meant to stay that way.
I have liked all of Lisa Jewell’s books. This one is not my favourite, but worth the read, as she is an excellent writer who has the ability to create strong, complicated female characters and well thought out suspense and mystery.
book lovers unite 