Garden of Secrets by Suzanne Kelman - Book Review

Garden of Secrets by Suzanne Kelman

Publication Date: 13th April 2022

Genre: WWII, Historical Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery, Dual Timeline 

4.3 Stars 

One Liner: A few misses but a satisfying read. 

*****

1940, Russia: 

Anya is an English-speaking Russian sent to England as a spy. She has to work as a Land Girl in Norfolk and pass on information to the Russian authorities. Nikolai is her partner in crime (or spying). He is an intelligent young man with soulful eyes and secrets of his own. When the war gets complicated, Anya and Nikolai know they have to depend on each other to survive in the enemy country. They devise a plan to find each other if things go terribly wrong. But did they find each other or perish in the war? 

Present Day, Norfolk: 

Laura takes up the job of restoring the old garden in the Norfolk Manor. She is struggling with personal issues and trying to make the right decision. When she comes across a box buried under a willow tree in the secret garden, Laura is determined to get to the root of the mystery. Maybe unraveling the mystery will also help make sense of her life. 

What I Liked: 

• Both timelines get almost equal importance in the book. In many dual timelines, I find the contemporary track diluted or ineffective. Here, Laura’s track is well-sketched to create a likable heroine. 
  
  
• The elements of nature weave in and out of the story to create a mystical effect. The garden is also a character in the book. 
  
  
• The book deals with Russian spies in England during WW II. It felt refreshing to read another perspective. 
  
  
• Despite dedicating alternate chapters to the past and present, there are no bumps or jerks in the narration. It only adds intrigue to the story. 
  
  
• The emotions come out strong, especially towards the end of the book. Even though some of it seems a little too neatly tied up, it was satisfying to read the ending. 
  
  
• The second half gains pace (or maybe I just slow fast-read to finish the book). Though a lot happens, none of it is overwhelming or confusing. 
  
  
• I wondered why a particular secret was dragged through the first half. It made sense after reading it. The revelation happened just when it should. That’s a very good execution. 
  
  
• There’s something highly satisfying when reading about older couples finding their lost love.
   

What Didn’t Work for Me: 

• The story starts with long, winded sentences (probably to set the mood) that slowed my reading pace. It didn’t help that I tend to zone out when every alternate sentence is three to four lines long. 
  
  
• A little more about Jamie’s past/ life would have made things even better. There’s hardly anything we know about him compared to Laura. That dimmed the impact the relationship should have on the reader. 
  
  

To sum up, Garden of Secrets is a heartwarming and satisfying read, despite the slow start. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

#NetGalley #GardenofSecrets