A review by bobachel
The Forgotten Garden, by Kate Morton

emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I really liked this book but couldn’t rate it as a 5 because it’s too damn long. That being said, I just bought all of the author’s other books. 😃

At first, I thought all of the different time period jumps were a little annoying, but in the end I think they moved the story along well. The characters were well-developed for the most part, but I had some issues with the way Uncle Linus was written.
Spoiler He didn’t have to be written as a sadistic creep for us to believe he would have searched so link for the daughter of his beloved sister.


I also think Nell was written somewhat unbelievably. The author hints in her author’s note that Nell’s reaction to finding out she was essentially adopted was a bit extreme. I agree.
Spoiler Nell basically pushed out her entire family - including her daughter! - because of this news. She isolated herself. I don’t find it believable that she would have lived the rest of her life that way. Perhaps there would have been some initial shock and isolation, but it seems implausible that not even become a mother would have warmed her heart.


Anyway, I enjoyed the book. I’ll read more Kate Morton. If you enjoy historical fiction with a dash of mystery, this book is not likely to disappoint. 
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