Reviews

I was so excited to read this, the book explores the impact of the war on those who have returned but also those who were left behind. The characters were so well written and their relationships were what made the book for me.

The reason it isnt a full 5 stars is because I felt the pacing at the start was a little slow but once it picked up I couldn't put it down. The reveal made me cry which is huge because I do not cry at books, definitely recommend looking at the trigger warnings.

Great for fans of historical fiction who also love the countryside, the way that the land and nature is described made me feel like I was there in the house with the characters.

Loved it, thank you for Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an advanced reader copy!

kazza27's review against another edition

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Alice lives at Oakbourne Hall, once the happily married wife of Stephen, who sadly like many were damaged by the second world war. Once a poet Stephen is now withdrawn and hostile to Alice and everyone around him.

Life in the village of Oakbourne is much changed and scared by the war, and the new Reverend George Ivens is discovering this first hand. George is from the city and is not used to country life but still is able to see how the war has affected these people as it had in London.

This is a really beautifully written book about a really difficult time after war. Many men did not return from fighting and the ones that have are much changed. The women have also changed as they had to adapt in the absence of their husbands. Alice uses her garden as a solace and space to escape the stranger that she is now married to.

Dr Downes a surgeon is now the village doctor due to the war and his experiences and finds a companion in George. I enjoyed reading the different perspectives in the book as it was very enlightening to read both sides of the story. I also enjoyed the class aspects of the book within the village, which felt more prevalent amongst the men.

A emotional, thought provoking historical fiction novel in which I genuinely cared about the characters and their fate.

5 stars *****

bethreneereadsbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

The Walled Garden is a story about the lingering effects of war, for the men who fought in battle, and for those they came home to - if they came home at all. At the story’s center is the marriage of Stephen and Alice. Stephen, who before the war was a gentle poet, has returned an angry, bitter, closed-off shell of the man he once was. Frustrated at her many rebuffed and rejected attempts to help him, Alice retreats to the garden, among other escapes.

While I must admit I found it to lag at points, I still enjoyed the story and rooted for the characters to find ways to heal and move forward.

The narrator, Olivia Vinall, did a good job with the narration as well.

*This review is based on the audiobook provided by NetGalley and Bonnier UK Audio in exchange for an honest review.

bookietracey's review against another edition

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emotional slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

weefeereads's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

skyew_7's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this read! Picked this book up on a whim at WHSmiths in Gatwick just before getting on a plane to Portugal and I was not disappointed. One of the lengthier books I've read recently, I felt glues to it and wanted to read it everywhere! I felt so immersed in this story I could imagine it in my mind, which is exactly what I want from a good fiction read.

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