Review of 'Garden of Secrets' by Suzanne Kelman
Introducing Suzanne Kelman’s
Garden of Secrets
Release date: April 13, 2022
❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
What a powerful, passionate and transformational story! Suzanne Kelman has delivered one of the most beautiful World War II romantic mysteries I have ever read. I connected deeply with its themes, characters and poetic vision. I was truly swept away by its flawless mesmerising execution. The eloquent descriptive writing style in Garden of Secrets suited me perfectly.
You know a story is going to be extra special when you discover that elements of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett are gently tucked inside its seed of inspiration. Gardens are magical places and ones that hold secrets are even better! Suzanne’s quote just before the Prologue ‘And the secret garden bloomed and bloomed and every morning revealed new miracles’ from the said classic, sharpens our interest and gets us off to a shining start for we know this story will bear tender fruit of extraordinary wonders and healings. And indeed, we are not disappointed. What it promises, it delivers: spellbinding fiction! We are immediately drawn in by the green leaves of truth that wind their way through this network of characters in this beautiful garden that eventually gives up the secrets it has harboured for many years.
Branching out from WWII to present day, we follow a trail of inviting bread crumbs dipped in mystery that lead us through some shadowy regions. Russian spy Anya and her work partner Nikolai are at the heart of the historical thread. They are on a mission in England for their country. Yet neither one wants to go down this path of deceit but they are both running away from issues in their past. In the chaos of war, though, something beautiful happens. Once forced together, they are drawn into each other’s circle of space. A reluctant romance begins and they eventually blend into one beating heart. Always in each other’s thoughts, their love carries them through some trying times. The garden is their safe place. But then something happens that tears them apart. And it is this garden that holds the message and clues of their direction.
Laura in the modern day thread is on an escape route from a betrayal to work in rural Norfolk to do what she does best: restore beautiful historic gardens of stately homes. This takes her to Hatworth Manor where the real drama begins, when she accidentally finds a small box under a weeping willow tree. She is instantly drawn to its contents and the mystery that it holds and becomes consumed by the need to solve it. Who does it belong to? Of course, this not only takes her on an amazing journey to uncover the story behind the hidden box but also opens her heart to a whole new world of possibilities – including a new relationship.
It is Laura’s mission (she does not realise this at first) to bring the past and present together – to bridge the gap so wounds can be healed. On the surface this restoration of the Hatworth garden is a normal part of her everyday work life but truly it is more than that. It becomes a symbol of something deeper— for the secret at the heart of the garden is its crowning glory. Laura is the one to help bring that about (with some assistance from artist Jamie). For the unexpected love of the WWII couple that started in a fragile state, has continued hardily through the seasons, darkness, loneliness and separation. Laura sees the many different ways of how loss can affect individuals. But she also realises that when the seeds of hope are cultivated— a wondrous beauty can spring forth! Yes, just like a well cared for garden. And even a revitalised one!
It must be stated that the garden at Hatworth Manor, in Norfolk, England where the plot begins is as much a character as the humans. It has an impressive history that started in the 1500s and the author states it has ‘barely changed for centuries.’ This is the sort of thing that inspires me for I love to stand in historical locations and imagine all the lives that have come and gone and wonder of their stories. Of course, impressive Manors always have fascinating gardens that are wonderful for meditation or for recapturing past roots. There is a sense of peace and connection standing in these spaces, even with the ghosts of memories surrounding you.
This novel has made me think of why we love gardens so much. Gardens often evoke our desire to return to innocence, to a natural state, when we were one with nature, before the fall to experience as poet William Blake would say. As artists, we hold on to that wonder and imagination so that we can still see the world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wildflower. The natural world helps with that and Romantic poets knew this: including John Keats who drew great inspiration from nature. For him, it was also a place of refuge from the stresses of life. This stands true for Anya and Nikolai. In fact, for many it is a chance to recapture a sense of beauty, wonder and hope. For Nature, in general, emits such positive effects on the human spirit. It calls to us and resonates deep in our being some amazing spiritual truths. To fall into its arms of beauty, and to commune with it, can not only heal us but provide revelation as Albert Einstein said, ‘Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better’. It takes us back to what is natural and wild, to our spiritual roots (think of the Garden of Eden) and has the power to heal and reset us when we become damaged by the traumas of life.
While on the topic of gardens and nature, I believe a certain tree holds significance in this story. It is doubtful Suzanne randomly chose a willow tree for the hiding place of the box because it suits the story perfectly. Willow trees represent resilience, adaptability, strength, safety, hope and healing. Everything our characters need. Plus, the limbs of willow trees have amazing flexibility. They can bend without breaking; therefore, can be a metaphor for those on a path to recovery (something the Garden of Secrets characters need). This quality remind us to keep moving forward with the changes—to not become brittle and inflexible. Also, another symbol of the ‘weeping’ willow comes to mind. Something hinted in its name: tears. These must surface during grief and loss. For there’s healing in such a release. Tears free our emotions and make way for opportunity to grow and find something new. We witness this in Laura.
In Suzanne Kelman’s novel, this enchanting garden as a character brings four very special people together spanning 75 plus years. This novel is powerful and captivating from the first page to the last, and it deserves more stars than can be rated. I could not put it down and missed a lot of sleep! But even after finishing the story, I have not stopped thinking about it. It is like a seed that has gotten inside my imagination, germinated and bloomed into a towering tree filled with fruits of knowledge and inspiration.
Yes, I truly got pulled into and lost in the fictional worlds of Anya and Nikolai and Laura and Jamie. It’s a totally awe-inspiring story that contained many heart-breaking moments but also offered a positive climax of restoration and healing. Laura is the nurturer and her diligence pays off for she not only brings to life and light a breathtaking garden but also a love that is both magical and moving. And Anya shows us a resilient love can survive the most harrowing circumstances.
I loved, loved, loved the Garden of Secrets. The plot, characters, scenes, dialogue – every aspect of this story flowed like a river of moonlight on a diamond sea: beautiful, haunting and mesmerising. I highly recommend this 5+ star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ masterpiece.
