Was browsing through the new books in the library, looking for something fictional with a generous amount of realism, asking for too much!!. found just the one.
Have always been intimidated about writing a book rev but, this book was so touching had to write one.
AUTHOR : Leslie Gould Her first novel, lives in Portland, Oregon with her family. Has written like a seasoned writer , intertwining life’s mundane routines with the beauty of friendship.
THEME: Friendship which withstood the travails of uncertainty in the face of secrets, yet with a firm belief in faith. The following quote from the book reflects the whole story
Each friend represents a world in us,
a world possibly not born until they arrive,
and it is only by this meeting
that a new world is born.
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Central Characters:
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Jill with refreshing ideas, carefree attitude planned every move of life to be perfect just as it would in a painting.. Married to Rob an IT savvy professional, whom she had glimpsed at, in church and decided he was the one to be her husband . With three boys, she had her hands full and wanted to pursue her art... Her relationship with her mother, Marion was distant and cold and, as she later finds out laden with secrets. All, Jill wanted was a life’s garden planted with her dreams .
Caye a down-to-earth mother of two, a total opposite of Jill, struggling to keep their home running with the income her husband, Nathan, brought home as a teacher. Caye yearned for more kids, which she could not have because of a medical complication.
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The roller-coaster ride of what seems like an endless sojourn starts the pace of the story.
The book talks in such great detail about the day to day activities that one can visualize the setting. Humane emotions of guilt, faith, strength are captured beautifully, by the author. For me to compare this work to another author is
difficult coz , it would be comparing apples to oranges.
Yet, there were times in the book that I felt overwhelmed with the descriptive happenings, sometimes nauseating. And, suddenly realised that maybe thats how the characters felt, the author had scored a point.
Though there is much emphasis on the cover about the dark secrets, when they are revealed, it doesn't really bother you and takes a back-seat.
By reading the book, you would find answers to the following questions:
What are the secrets??
How does the secret impact the marriage of Jill and Rob??
Though Jill still hopes for her garden full of dreams despite the terrible secret , does she get to be a part of it ??
Are the character's faith strong enough to endure??
Does Caye get her simple dream??
Analysis
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A very touching story about friendship written realistically and so close to life. I would have believed this was a non-fiction novel. The thoughts that went through my mind as I read through this book were:
* Friendship grows stronger when tested under trying circumstances, it never falters.
* Two people become friends not because they are alike but, because both of them relate to each other and respect each other’s opinions and dreams.
* Sympathy and Pity do not form the foundation of any friendship, it is always selfless love and thoughts , when one, is willing to share in the grief and turbulent times in the same way that one shares happiness and joyous times.
* Being from different strata may evoke a kind of envy amongst friends , mental comparisons and thoughts of how one is luckier than the other, but these are always relegated to the background in face of the bonding which exists.
Almost every day , we take things for granted and ignore those little things in life. After reading this book, one would cherish those tiny moments and absorb its beauty, coz we never know what life has in store. When you live by the moment , letting go and accepting would be easier .
When one has FAITH, whatever be the belief, life always comes a full circle. When something is taken away or ends , there is always a tiny little ray of hope to hang on to and move on ahead.
You can read this book for the beauty of friendship essayed and the fact that the story stays with you long after. For those of you who do not like stark realism which can be depressing, it's better to stay away from this one.
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THANKS
Thanks to Aarti and the mouthshut team for adding this book title.
And, a special thanks to all the MS’ians who have written such beautiful, well-worded book revs , making a great read in my favorite MS category.
Please do comment and let me know your suggestions, since this is my first book review.
:-))Riya
